7 Things You Didn't Know About Postpartum Doulas

Sure you've heard about birth doulas, someone who supports you physically, emotionally and educationally during the birth of your baby but what about Postpartum Doulas? What do they really do and can they actually make you and your newborn's life easier and happier?

​1.  Lower Rates of Postpartum Depression
Research has shown that women who had the support of a postpartum doula experienced a lower rate of postpartum depression that women who did not have the support of a postpartum doula. Doulas are also trained to see the signs of PPD which effect 1 in 5 women and offer resources and support to help you receive the care you need. 

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2. Postpartum Doulas are Mary Poppins in Disguise

​While we can't promise your Doula will be blown in by the East wind with her black umbrella to your home, your Doula has received specialized training in newborn care and offers tips, tricks and soothing suggestions to help settle a fussy newborn as well as swaddling advice, sleeping suggestions, infant care and what to expect, breastfeeding and bottle feeding support and preparing for growth spurts.

3. Your Own Private Chef

Between a brand new baby, older siblings adjusting to sharing Mom and Dad, your recovery from giving birth and your spouse returning to work, eating wholesome and delicious meals often gets placed on the back burner. Using foods and flavors your family loves, your Doula creates healthy meals and snacks for you and your family to enjoy! Eating well after birth speeds recovery, increases your energy, supports a healthy milk supply (if breastfeeding) and improves your immune system.

4. Baby Feeding Expert

Whether you decide to formula feed, pump exclusively or nurse on demand, your Doula is an expert in newborn eating.  She can offer suggestions on formula choices and different bottle options, help troubleshoot pumping concerns, work to solve latching issues and low milk supply and provide community referrals and resources as needed.

5. She'll clean your toilet

No one likes to clean the bathroom, after having a baby we're pretty sure that desire goes from Zero to Negative 100 after your baby's birth. There is something about having a clean house that brightens our spirits and promotes a feeling of calm in the house.  Laundry, dishes, vacuuming, dusting, organizing, she'll take care of it all so you and baby can rest in a clean, clutter-free home. 

6. Call the Supernanny

Older siblings adjusting to the baby or a bored toddler? Your Doula gives advice on sibling bonding, entertains and tends your children while you take a nap , walks your dog and leads older children and toddlers in fun educational activities.

7. She'll Hold Space for You

Sometimes the greatest support is a kind and non-judgmental listening ear. Someone to help process the emotions of an eventful birth, hold space for you or help write down your baby's birth story.  However you decide on how your Doula will support you, one thing for certain she is there for you!