What is a Postpartum Doula
& How Can They Help My Family?

A Postpartum Doula is a knowledgeable professional who assists families during the period immediately after the birth or adoption of their baby.
A Postpartum Doula will offer physical, emotional and evidence-based informational support to the family as well as practical help.
A Postpartum Doula can help ease the transition into life with your new baby and support your family’s unique needs.
Postpartum Doula support can also reach into the perinatal loss space, helping guide families by offering connections to community resources and support groups as they process their grief.

The Doula’s expertise in a birthing or adoptive parent and their new baby’s care, enables her to assist with Postpartum comfort measures, breast/chest feeding support, non-judgmental guidance in infant care techniques and information on normal postpartum progress.

Postpartum Doula Support Can Look Like:

Infant Care/Basic Feeding Support

Guidance with baby care like swaddling, bathing and diapering.
Support however you choose to feed baby.
Parent education and community resources/referrals if needed.

Emotional/Physical Support

Reassurance, encouragement, and emotional support.
Help finding your new rhythm (routines and schedules).
Support with birth recovery and comfort measures
Bridging the Household Care gap.

Nourishing Snacks/Meals

Nourishment to sustain energy and promote healing during Postpartum recovery.
Meal Prep and Planning

Benefits of Having Postpartum Support:

Lower Rates of Postpartum Mood Disorders (PMADs), including Depression
Higher breastfeeding success rates
Deeper bonds between parents and babies
More confidence in parenting skills
Offers local community resources/referrals for parents

Support Tips for Parents

Parents often have a wide range of emotions as they adapt to their new role.
Check out these helpful tips on how to best support each other.

Have Grace with One Another

Transitioning to new roles can be hard and takes time. Try to remember that everyone is doing their best to adapt to all of the new changes.

Communicate Your Needs Clearly

This can be a tricky one, especially if you are tired out from being up with baby! Try your best to use clear language when discussing needs, concerns or issues. Use "I" statements when communicating with your partner.

Check in with Your Partner

Partners are just as susceptible to Postnatal Depression and Mood Disorders. Listen without judgement. Hugging can boost oxytocin and promote connection, so don't forget plenty of these!

Support Tips for Parents

Allow for "Me" Time

Each partner needs recharge time to engage in activities or hobbies that bring joy. A little time away can help you feel refreshed .

Enjoy some Fresh Air

Going outside for just a few minutes can be just the thing to reset your mood and boost your energy. Extra points if you walk outside barefoot-weather permitting!

Seek out Peer Support

Encourage your partner to find local support groups or a peer mentorship program. Engaging with like-minded friends in a guilt-free environment can be extremely helpful, and offers a healthy outlet outside of the home.

Support Tips for Parents

Talk about Work

Allow a safe space for your partner to discuss work stressors and things that may be weighing on their mind after returning to work. A kind, listening ear can make all the difference!

Practice Mindfulness

Be aware of each other's mindset and how you both are feeling. Try placing yourself in the other's shoes to gain an understanding of their perspective. Don't forget to check in with yourself, too!

Say Thank You

Probably, one of the most helpful tips on the list! Finding a way to say thank you to one another each day can help to create unity and gratefulness. When you genuinely thank your partner, it not only makes them feel amazing, but you, too!