52 Ways a Postpartum Doula Brings Sanity and Support

Having a baby is the most life altering experience! Families find themselves having so many emotions and needs and the support of this transition is so poorly recognized. Enter the Postpartum Doula!  So what exactly is it then that we do? A postpartum doula is a trained professional who specializes in caring for the family unit as a whole after they have a baby. That means we are there on the front lines of sleepless nights, diaper blowouts, endless newborn questions, breastfeeding tears and everything in between. Some would liken Postpartum Doulas to being a magical fairy grandmother! All joking aside, there is nothing easy about bringing home a new baby, but if mothers and fathers are tenderly supported in those first days to months, we believe that they can thrive. 

Check out this list of 52 ways that a postpartum doula helps after birth and brings more sanity to life with a newborn!

A postpartum doula…

1. Mothers the mother. The doula understands that when a mama is nurtured the better she can care for and bond with her newborn. The birthing parent is who we are pouring into, so she can pour into her baby the best.
2. Supports the partner. The better the partner is cared for, the better he can support the mother and baby. So many people forget about the partner, we see them.
3. Reduces anxiety and fear. There are so many feelings when bringing a new baby home. Postpartum doulas lighten the stress and allow parents to feel not alone.
4. Offers evidence-based information on basic newborn care, mama care, infant soothing, feeding, and co-sleeping. 
5. Cleans. Yup! Don’t you feel that weightlifting already? With a doula in the house, you can expect the dishes and the laundry to be done.
6. Picks up diapers and cat food on the way to your house.
7. Cooks your favorite foods. Plus, a doula will hold the baby so you can eat WARM meals. 
8. Comes in handy with tips, tricks, and more helping hands to work with twins or triplets. 
9. Works in the home even if grandma and auntie are there to help. We fill the gaps and work as a team.
10. Assists with baby-wearing education. Learn more on how to find the right baby carrier. 
11. Is a shoulder to cry on. She will offer her listening ears and safe space for you to release the tears and emotions – cause trust us, each mother has them come up, and we are there to listen and understand ALL the feelings.
12. Brings essential oils to give mom a foot massage. Yes, we really truly want to rub your feet and paint your toenails. You deserve it!
13. Holds the baby(ies) while mom and partner get a much needed nap, shower or bath. 
14. Changes the diapers, makes the bottles, or whatever you need while you clean. Some parents like to take a baby break and connect with themselves through house, yard work, or maybe a yoga youtube session. 
15. SLEEP!!!! We are there so you can get a nap during the day, sleep in or even get a full night sleep that is so desperately needed for mental and physical health!
16. Normalizes what you are going through. Yes, this is hard! Yes, it is normal to be super sweaty, crying, and crampy. No, you are not crazy! Yes, you can do it, you already are!
17. Helps you establish a flexible rhythm as baby is growing and changing. Anticipating growth spurts and endless breastfeeding days so you don’t feel crazy.
18. Stays unbiased and non-judgmental. Everyone seems to have an idea of how you should be doing something. We don’t! While friends and family mean well, doulas believe in your innate ability to know what works for you and your baby.  We support your decisions and trust your instincts. 
19. Offers pumping and bottle feeding guidance. Can make a plan for going back to work if needed. 
20. Gives you referrals if you need help outside of our expertise (pelvic floor health, chiropractic, lactation, counselors etc)
21. Screens for postpartum depression and mood disorders. Postpartum mood disorder happens to 80% of women, and it has been shown that having a Postpartum Doula reduces these risks and lessens the severity of turning into postpartum depression. Learn what are some predispositions are that increase your risk of postpartum depression. 
22. Has ideas for sleeping solutions for babies that never sleep or are all mixed up with their days and nights. 
23. Can help you process the birth experience. This one is huge! Birthing is a big deal. It is so healthy and healing to talk about it! We are here for you to listen. 
24. Brings you water, tea or a smoothie while you are stuck on the couch breastfeeding.
25. Makes sure you are getting nourishment during the day. Moms need energy stores and we are there to bring them healthy snacks, otherwise they forget.Takes care of baby while mom and dad take some time for themselves.
26. Will bring baby education to all the firsts – baths, finger nail clipping, cloth diapering, swaddling..you name it!
27. Is a professional toolbox.  If we do not have the answer right away, we will figure it out!
28. Helps you with to-do lists and delegating family or friend support. 
29. Can ride with you to a doctor appointment or even Fred Meyer if you need some extra hands. 
30. Will do your grocery shopping or pick up your Click List so you can stay in your yoga pants.
31. Has great organizational skills. Whether it is helping you organize the nursery or clearing corner clutter, your postpartum doula is eager to help. 
32. Makes sure your basic needs are met – because mothers don’t do great at this on their own. She will refill your water and have food making before you have even asked. She will be pushy about naps (or at least resting). Self-care is our priority for each mother.
33. Takes the time to connect with you personally to understand your needs and what specifically will support you best. 
34. Helps you with the basics of breastfeeding such as latches and positioning. Referring out when we see the need to get you supported by a Lactation Specialist so you can have breastfeeding success.
35. Will sit with you during late night nursing/bottle feeding sessions. Some mommas love to chat/vent at this time.
36. Will take overnight care for the baby so you can have a full night of rest. Uh yah! That’s right. Trust us – one night of full sleep is like a reset button miracle!
37. Brings ideas for natural healing products to recover and heal the lady parts after birth.
38. Will take older siblings to the park, or read books while you nap with baby or check your emails.
39. Can take the baby on a walk outside while you make some much-needed phone calls or check emails.
40. Brings a calm presence to help lessen anxiety. She also knows how to bring humor when appropriate. Quiet when needed. 
41. Respects your cultural and family values.
42. Clean your breast pump supplies. <SCHEDULE A FREE POSTPARTUM DOULA CONSULT HERE>
43. Understands and educates you on the proper ways to store breastmilk and formula. 
44. Wants you to understand that you are not a host, but a mother who is in need of attentive care during this rite of passage.
45. Will help tend to your fur babies so they get some love too.
46. Normalizes newborn behaviors. Nothing easy about a baby that cries or has an gassy tummy. Your postpartum doula will give you tips to prevent or care for these normal situations. 
47. Help you to create charts for feeds, poops, pees, and sleep. This is helpful to make sure baby is eating well, and getting enough rest in the first weeks to thrive.
48. When partner needs to go back to work, it’s common to feel anxious and alone, postpartum doulas are there to help bridge that gap and build confidence for mom to do the job on her own.
49. Helps you find your village with resources for local mom meet-up groups. We all need a village. 
50. Will take the garbage out, wipe the counters, and make you coffee all while making sure you and baby are bonding and thriving.
51. We are there to give you the nod of confidence, the “YES! You just rocked that. Your baby is so lucky to have you! You are doing a great job. You can do this on your own now!” moments.

There you have it! A partial list of what we postpartum doulas do. In a culture that is incredibly fast-paced, we encourage you to reach out to a postpartum doula who can help you slow it down. You deserve care. Postpartum is not a time to feel alone or overwhelmed, support exists to serve you. Your motherhood journey matters, get the care you deserve and need. 

Ready for the best support after having a baby? Schedule a FREE Postpartum Doula Consult here! We bring postpartum support to families in the Portland and Vancouver Washington metro areas.