Should You Hire a Postpartum Doula?

Postpartum doulas are trained to assist people during the postpartum period, which is the first few months after delivery. They support birthing people and other caregivers, educate them on infant care, and help them face any unexpected challenges.

I decided to become a postpartum doula myself in 2019. Over the years, I had found myself helping new parents make the transition to parenthood—both as a nanny and a loving aunt—so the decision seemed natural. I pursued graduate school in mental health counseling and worked to get my license.

I've become very passionate about postpartum doula work, and I'm excited to share what I've learned in the hopes that it can help new parents or parents-to-be. Keep reading to learn more about postpartum doula services, costs, qualifications, and more.

What Is a Postpartum Doula?

Postpartum doulas are generally trained to assist families during the three months after birth (known as the fourth trimester). Our job is to integrate this new little person into the family and help them balance life with an additional member.

We provide support—not only to the person who gave birth, but to partners, siblings, and other family members. This time period can come with many unexpected challenges, and having someone around to provide guidance can be especially useful.

Postpartum Doula Services

Postpartum doula support can be broken down into three categories: practical, informational, and emotional.

• Practical Services: The practical work includes things like meal prep, light house cleaning, and spending time with the baby so parents can nap.
• Informational Services: Postpartum doulas are very knowledgeable about newborn and infant care. We provide information on diaper changes, feeding (including light breastfeeding support), bathing, parent-child bonding, postpartum recovery, and newborn care needs. We also give additional resources if necessary; for instance, if the new parent is experiencing mental health concerns, a postpartum doula can provide them with a list of local referrals who offer counseling for mood and anxiety disorders.
• Emotional Support: Doulas also offer emotional support to the person who gave birth, allowing them time to tell their birth story, or sitting with them when they feel overwhelmed and need to talk to someone.

Another important piece of this transition period is discussion about what things will look like once the postpartum doula is no longer there (who will cook, grocery shop, etc). The idea is for the family to feel empowered once the postpartum doula leaves.

Postpartum Doula Schedule

Usually, postpartum doulas work daytime or evening shifts of about four to five hours. The doula's shifts depend on the needs of the family and the schedule of the doula. Some families like to have support five days a week in the beginning and then decrease it as they get into a rhythm. Other families may find it helpful to have the postpartum doula come two or three days per week as an additional support.

A doula typically works with a family within the three months following birth. However, this timeframe is very individual to the family and their needs. Some new parents may want a postpartum doula during that whole three-month period, while others may find it helpful to have them for just a week or two.

Benefits of a Postpartum Doula

Postpartum doulas are specifically trained for the postpartum period and can provide support in a number of ways. In fact, research shows that people who get support from a doula have a 57.5% lower risk of postpartum depression or postpartum anxiety. Doulas also can significantly improve the outcomes for underserved and marginalized groups.

What's nore, research shows that postpartum doulas play just as important of a role after delivery as birth doulas do during it. In fact, many parents report that doulas had a positive impact on their well-being. They had someone to listen to their concerns and increase their confidence.

How Much Does a Postpartum Doula Cost?

The cost of a postpartum doula can vary state by state. This rate also is influenced by their certification and experience level.

A certified postpartum doula typically charges between $30 to $45 per hour. You can find doulas who charge lower fees (such as someone who is newly certified) as well as those who offer sliding scale fees based on your income, too.

Postpartum Doula Training

Though there are several certifying organizations, I trained through DONA International. This training is a three-day intensive program where participants learn about everything related to newborn and infant care, breastfeeding, bottle feeding, family dynamics, and physical and mental health warning signs. Once the training is over, doulas can start working with families. They need experience with three families, as well as recommendation letters, before they're certified.

For the certification process, doulas are provided with a list of books covering many important topics, such as family bonding and attachment, as well as newborn and infant care and development.

A breastfeeding course is required to work toward certification. Postpartum doulas must also create an extensive local resource list so they are ready to inform their clients of different resources when needs come up. Another mandatory requirement is education in birthwork equity.

Who Should Hire a Postpartum Doula?

Anyone who has recently welcomed a new baby can benefit from a postpartum doula. The addition of a new person to your life and your home can be a major transition. It's a period of the old routine being broken down and a new routine starting to emerge. Even if you've prepared for your baby's arrival, the changes can feel much more powerful than could be imagined, so you may appreciate the extra support.

I often hear people say they don't need a doula because their partner will be home for a period of time or another family member may be coming to stay. While this can be an amazing part of the transition, a doula can be especially helpful during these situations.

Family members often mean well, but they can sometimes add stress to what can already be a high stakes period. Having someone there to provide support and evidence-based intervention, rather than opinion, allows parents to make their own decisions regarding their children. A postpartum doula also can be helpful in mediating some of the family dynamics that can come up.

Finding a Postpartum Doula Near You

If you're interested in finding a postpartum doula, some great resource are DOLA International, Doula Match, and Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA). You also can search for doulas or doula services in your area. Keep in mind, though, that postpartum doulas have different certifications than other doulas, so ask about their training and credentials.

You also should find out what they will and won't do, how long they spend with you, and whether they spend the night. This information will help you make an informed decision and find the right person to support you and your little one in those first few months.