What’s a postpartum doula?
A postpartum doula is usually a professionally trained and knowledgable person who helps you with your new baby at home during the postpartum period (usually 6-8 weeks). Some postpartum doulas do not tae professional training, but have experience and training in related areas - many postpartum doulas are also childbirth educators, lactation professionals, and/or labor doulas and their professional training and continued education has prepared them to work with postpartum families. The postpartum doula will help the mother if she needs physical support - walking, showering - she will offer breastfeeding suggestions and advice, help with newborn care, help with other siblings, take care of light household chores, take care of pets, and essentially her job is to make the transition and adjustment easier for the parents, so they can bond with their new baby and not worry about anything else. The postpartum doula does not usually have medical training, and should refer to medical professionals when a medically-related problem arrises. The postpartum doula also does not perform any medical tasks at home.