Postpartum Doula Expectations

Feb 21

Bringing a new baby into the world is an exciting, yet challenging experience. After childbirth, many new parents find themselves needing extra support during the recovery process. This is where a postpartum doula comes in. From offering emotional support to helping with household tasks, a postpartum doula is there to ensure you feel supported during this special and often overwhelming time.

In this post, we'll explore the range of postpartum doula help you can expect and how they can ease the transition after bringing a newborn home.

What Is a Postpartum Doula?

A postpartum doula is a trained professional who provides physical, emotional, and informational support to new parents during the postpartum period, typically in the weeks after childbirth, sometimes through much of the first year after delivery. Unlike a midwife or a nurse, a postpartum doula focuses on non-medical aspects of your recovery and baby care, offering guidance and comfort as you adjust to your new role, and offering support in your home versus in a hospital or clinic..

Emotional and Mental Health Support After Birth

The postpartum period is an emotional rollercoaster, and many new mothers experience feelings of anxiety, sadness, or even depression. A postpartum doula can provide critical postpartum emotional support by offering a safe space to talk about your feelings and concerns. They are there to listen, validate your emotions, and help reduce feelings of isolation.

They can also assist in recognizing signs of postpartum depression or anxiety and guide you toward resources or professional help when needed. Having someone to confide in can make a world of difference as you navigate your new life as a parent.

Physical Recovery Support for New Moms

After childbirth, your body needs time to heal. A postpartum doula provides postpartum recovery help by offering emotional and practical support as you recover physically. While they don't provide medical advice, they can assist with comfort measures for common issues such as pelvic discomfort, perineal healing, and cesarean recovery, ensuring you have the space and resources to rest and heal.

Postpartum doulas also help with exercises and body care recommendations that encourage recovery, ensuring you feel supported and confident during this important time. They are there to ensure that you take care of yourself, which can often be overlooked in the midst of caring for your newborn.

Newborn Care Support from a Postpartum Doula

One of the main roles of a postpartum doula is to offer newborn care support. They assist you with tasks like diaper changes, baby bathing, and helping to establish healthy sleep routines. They can also guide you through understanding your baby’s cues and needs, offering advice on how to soothe and comfort your little one.

Whether you're a first-time parent or adding another child to your family, a postpartum doula can help you feel confident and prepared when it comes to newborn care.

Feeding Support – Breastfeeding and Bottle-Feeding Help

Feeding your newborn can be one of the most challenging aspects of the postpartum period. A postpartum doula provides postpartum feeding support, whether you are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. They can offer guidance on latch techniques, positioning, and breastfeeding troubleshooting, as well as help you establish a feeding routine that works for both you and your baby.

If you're bottle-feeding, a doula can support you in preparing bottles, ensuring safe feeding practices, and maintaining a healthy feeding schedule. They are also skilled in knowing when feeding support needs warrant the expertise of an IBCLC or lactation consultant, and making that referral as seamless as possible.

Light Household Help and Family Support

A postpartum doula doesn’t just help with baby care; they can also assist with postpartum household help. They can perform light household tasks such as preparing meals, doing laundry, and tidying up, so you can focus on bonding with your baby and taking care of yourself.

Additionally, a postpartum doula can offer guidance on family dynamics, especially when there are older siblings or extended family members involved. They can help ensure that everyone’s needs are met during this transition period.

When to Hire a Postpartum Doula

There’s no wrong time to start thinking about hiring a postpartum doula. Some families choose to bring a doula on board well in advance of the birth, giving them the opportunity to plan for postpartum care and tap into helpful resources before their baby arrives. Others wait until after the baby has arrived, taking time to assess their needs and the level of support required.

While it’s never too late to hire a doula, many families tell us they wish they had added a postpartum doula to their support circle much sooner. Whether you plan ahead or decide to reach out later, a postpartum doula can provide valuable assistance during this important time.

When hiring a postpartum doula, take time to discuss your unique needs and preferences to ensure the postpartum doula you work with is the right fit for you and your family. If you’re unsure where to start, trusting a team like Sanctuary Doulas + Family Care can help you explore the right questions and match you with a doula who aligns perfectly with your needs and preferences.

How Long Does a Postpartum Doula Stay?

A postpartum doula day visit is typically 4+ hours long and is different every visit depending on your family’s needs and desires in the moment, while overnight visits are usually 8+ hours, helping maximize sleep for the whole family. The duration of your family’s postpartum doula care can vary from a few visits to several months of care, depending on your specific needs. They are there to provide as much or as little support as you require during the critical postpartum period.

How Much Does a Postpartum Doula Cost?

The postpartum doula cost varies depending on the location, the doula's experience, Our postpartum doulas’ hourly rates range from $50–$65 per hour based on their experience and advanced training (some of our doulas are also nurses, for example). Rates for multiples tend to be slightly higher.

FAQ:

1. Can a postpartum doula assist with multiple children, not just the newborn?
Yes! A postpartum doula can help with older siblings as well. They can offer support in adjusting to life with a new baby, assist with sibling care, and provide guidance on how to manage the needs of the whole family during the transition.

2. Are postpartum doulas covered by insurance?
In most cases, postpartum doula services are not covered by traditional health insurance, although this is starting to change! Check with your family’s employers about any employee benefit programs like Carrot, Maven, or Progyny that cover this care, or explore using your health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) to pay for a doula. It's always a good idea to check with your insurance provider to see if there are any specific benefits that apply.

3. Is a postpartum doula the same as a nanny?
No, while both offer support, a postpartum doula focuses on maternal recovery, emotional well-being, and newborn care, while a nanny typically provides ongoing childcare.

Why a Postpartum Doula is a Game-Changer for New Parents

A postpartum doula can be an invaluable asset as you navigate the challenges of early parenthood. From offering emotional support and physical recovery assistance to providing newborn care and light household help, their support can make a world of difference. With a postpartum doula by your side, you can experience a smoother transition into your new life with your baby.