The Postpartum Doula…

Physical comfort and nurturing to the new mother

• Helps mother with physical postpartum adjustment.
• Supports with breastfeeding and/or bottle-feeding.
• Allows mother to rest, shower and nurture herself.
• Helps mother to eat properly and drink plenty of fluids.

Emotional support for the new family

• Listens and helps process the birth story.
• Validates the normal adjustment process.
• Supports mother through emotional vulnerability.
• Supports father through his transition to his new role.
• Helps older siblings adjust to the newborn.
• Provides community resources as needed.

Infant care

• Demonstrates infant care techniques such as diapering, bathing, and swaddling.
• Educates in infant soothing and coping techniques for parents.
• Helps parents to develop their own styles of nurturing and bonding with baby.
• Provides infant care so parents can get some rest.

Household Assistance

• Prepares light meals and snacks for the new mother and family.
• Organizes nursery, changing and feeding stations.
• Does the baby’s laundry.
• Runs errands and does food shopping.
• Does light household duties.

The Post Partum Doula Does Not...

• Evaluate mother's or baby's medical condition.
• Take over the care of baby.
• Insist new parents care for their baby in a particular style.
• Do heavy housekeeping.