What does a postpartum doula do? In short, a postpartum doula supports your family at home in the weeks after birth. The focus is on rest, recovery and confidence, so that you can care for your baby and yourself. Like a birth doula, a postpartum doula gives non-medical support.
Everyday help in the fourth trimester
The first weeks with a newborn are often called the fourth trimester. During this time, a postpartum doula might:
- Watch the baby so that you can sleep, shower or eat
- Offer feeding support and refer you to a lactation consultant when needed
- Show newborn care basics, such as bathing, soothing and swaddling
- Prepare simple meals and help with light household tasks
- Help older siblings adjust to the new baby
- Listen, and share information about recovery and local resources
Some postpartum doulas also offer traditional care, such as belly binding or Closing of the Bones. Ask about these when you interview.
Daytime and overnight support
Many postpartum doulas offer daytime shifts, often a few hours at a time. Others offer overnight care, where the doula looks after the baby between feeds so that parents can sleep. Families often book a mix, for example a few overnights in the first weeks and daytime visits later.
Postpartum doulas usually charge by the hour, by the shift or by a package of hours. On BirthCareMatch, each profile shows the pricing unit the doula uses, so you can compare rates fairly.
What a postpartum doula does not do
A postpartum doula does not give medical care. For example, they do not diagnose problems or give medication. Instead, they watch for signs that you or your baby need a clinician and help you reach the right person. Always contact your doctor, midwife or pediatrician about health concerns, and call 911 in an emergency.
Is a postpartum doula worth it?
So, what does a postpartum doula do for your family? It depends on your needs, because every family is different. A postpartum doula can be especially helpful if you have limited family nearby, are recovering from a cesarean birth, have twins, or simply want more rest. It can also help to have a calm, experienced person to answer everyday questions. The ACOG overview of postpartum care is a good companion read on recovery.
How to find a postpartum doula near you
Once you know what you want a postpartum doula to do, start looking early, ideally in the second or third trimester, because popular doulas book ahead. Search postpartum doulas by city and the month you want support to start. Then compare rates, services and reviews, and use our questions to ask a doula in your interviews.
If you are still deciding on birth support, read midwife vs. doula to understand the roles.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your midwife, doctor or another qualified clinician about your own care.
