What is a Postpartum Doula?

Introduction

I remembering very clearly where I was when I first heard the term ‘Postpartum Doula’. I was at home, still struggling with my transition into motherhood, feeling isolated, alone and angry. I remember very clearly thinking; “There must be a job where you can support mothers, there must be”. Then I looked down at my book and saw it “Postpartum Doula” - That’s it!

I wanted to find out more about what a postpartum doula did, initially to validate my own experience. I was desperate to know I wasn't going crazy, that my ache for something other than what I was experiencing was not crazy, and that surely there was another way to be supported after having a baby. I ached to be held, nurtured, shown compassion for ALL the things I was feeling (some of which were anger and rage!) I needed to find people to help me, because nobody around me seemed to struggle the way I was - I thought I was a monster. I needed to be reassured that what I was experiencing was monumental and sacred, not just 'something women did' and so you just get on with it.

The original intention of my searches where I found the term postpartum doula, were all made out of some form revenge. I wanted to show people around me that they had let me down (I do want to make a note that I am not talking about my husband, my mother or my sister when I make this statement - they did support me) My intention to retrain as a Postpartum Doula, at that point in my life (2020) was not coming from a healthy of place. I was in too much pain. I had to process my experience, seek proper therapy and medical guidance, heal, and when I was finally out of the wind tunnel, reassess if I still felt called to become a postpartum doula.

I did!

Postpartum doulas are trained, non-medical professionals who provide practical, emotional, and informational support to new mothers and their families during the postpartum period. Sometimes they go by different names like postpartum carers or postpartum support workers. As we all know, the first forty days are a crucial time, often referred to as the “fourth trimester‘, and can be overwhelming for many new parents, as they adjust to the challenges of caring for a newborn while recovering from childbirth. In this journal post, I will expand on the role and importance of postpartum doulas.

Birthful Podcast

The DO’s and DON’TS

There are things that doulas don’t cover, and I think it is important to highlight these to further understand the role. Doulas don’t provide medical care; they don’t give medical advice. Actually, doulas avoid giving any advice at all, because they are trained to guide their clients into making their own decisions. However, this doesn't mean that they won't share their own experience, because it's through sharing where we find reassurance and validation - some may frown upon this, which I'm okay with - you do you!

Doulas find evidence based information through research, and then sit with clients and give them non judgemental attention in order to work things through. Doulas also don’t diagnose any medical conditions, neither do they interpret test results. If at any point a mother or family member had a medical concern about their baby, the doula would suggest they speak to their midwife, GP or go to A&E.

Postpartum doulas do however, offer a wide range of services to new parents, tailored to their individual needs and circumstances. These can include assisting with newborn care, providing breastfeeding and feeding support, helping with household tasks and errands, offering emotional support (emotional support is massively undervalued in my opinion), providing evidence-based information on postpartum recovery and newborn care, nervous system regulation, hands on body work, companionship, nourishment and so much more!

Postpartum doulas are there to help families navigate the physical, emotional, and logistical challenges that often come with the postpartum period. They can help you make a plan for your postpartum in regards to physical recovery, meal planning, food shopping, housework, sibling support, and creating your newborn bubble Sanctuary for after the little one is here. And before you jump to an eye roll, or say to yourself "why would anyone need that", let me say this...we spend months planning for Christmas, Birthdays, Anniversaries, and of course Weddings along with spending thousands of pounds, reaching out to experts in their field to help us plan and yet planning for bringing a baby home is STILL seen as unnecessary - it blows my mind!!! We create a schedule for our Wedding Day, so we know what will happen hour by hour for 1 day - and yet, planning for what will happen in 3 days, 1 week, 1 month or more with a new little human (that you birthed from your body) is still unknown in most circles that I know - It's crazy!

Resource | I have linked below to one of the most badass Postpartum Doula Goddesses I know. Lauren has taught me so much about being a Doula. She helped me become my most authentic self which lead me into hands on body work, and whilst I'm not offering 1:1 Postpartum Doula work at this moment, once a Postpartum Doula, always a Postpartum Doula.

Lauren Molyneux

Governing Body of sorts

To become a Doula, offering non-medical support, training is not a legal requirement. However most people feel more confident with a qualification. In addition the extra support system of like minded people around them as they start a new career, can be invaluable. I definetly wanted to feel 'part of' so I joined Doula UK.

Doula UK is the non profit association of doulas in this country, providing accreditation to its members, and guidance on best practice. It was founded back in 2001. Their goal was to “promote life-changing support from skilled doulas for families in the childbearing year regardless of circumstance”. Doula UK also advocates for better support for UK families in general. There are approximately 700 doulas working across the UK. To become a Doula UK member, you must compete an approved training course, and then undertake a rigorous mentoring and recognition process. Doula UK offers solid support and guidance to its members, whilst providing the client with a guaranteed level of expertise.

Please note - You don't HAVE to be a member of Doula UK, and as I write this I'm not one any longer. I chose to step away from Doula UK because they hold some values and beliefs that aren't in alignment with mine.

Resource | I have linked below to Doula UK website for anyone who might want to know more.

Doula UK

Further Education

After gaining a comprehensive qualification, many doulas will continue their education because they are usually the type of people who value life long learning. This can range from learning about oils, to herbs, or yoga and mediation, to massage, or specific fields like Ayurveda or Breastfeeding – the list is endless! For me, it was Ayurveda and Massage, and specifially Indian Head Massage. I am a seeker at heart, so Self Development in regard to myself and my role as a mother, will always be something I continue to learn about as I grow as a practioner, a mother and a women of the world!

Importance of Postpartum Support

The postpartum period is a sensitive and vulnerable time for mothers, as they experience a range of emotions and adjustments while caring for their newborn. I would like to acknoledge that it can also be a sensitive and vulnerable time for the fathers, however, as most people with common sense appreciate, not in the same way. However, having the support of a postpartum doula can make a significant difference in the overall well-being of the family as a whole - where both the mother and father can lean on their doula!

Studies have shown that families who receive postpartum doula support have reduced stress, improved bonding with their newborn, and have increased confidence in their parenting abilities.

Postpartum doulas also play a critical role in promoting maternal mental health and well-being. Depression and anxiety are common concerns for new mothers, and having a nonjudgmental, compassionate person can help mothers feel validated and seen during this challenging time. By encouraging self-care practices, a doula can help reduce the risk of mood disorders and promote overall mental stability.

The benefits extend to the entire family. Supporting the family with newborn care and household tasks, allows the parents to focus on bonding with the baby and most importantly, supporting the new mother. We have to remember that some men and women decide to have a one and only child, so they deserve the best experience possible - a Postpartum Doula can make that magic happen!

In Conclusion

Doulas can play a vital role in supporting families during the postpartum period. Their nurturing presence, practical assistance, and evidence-based guidance can make a significant difference in the overall well-being of new parents, helping them navigate the challenges of early parenthood with confidence and support.

At the time of writing this, I’m no longer offering 1:1 postpartum doula support in the traditional sense. I will always be grateful for the beautiful clients who welcomed me into their homes and their hearts during my time as a paractising Postpartum Doula. I also am grateful for the wonderfully kind and compassionate Doula mentor I had, Erin. Erin gave me so much of her time and wisdom, plus she held my hand through moments of self doubt, fear and imposter syndrome. Those days and months spent as a practicing Postpartum Doula and all I learned are never waster, they are part of my story.

However, my path has now naturally shifted toward hands-on bodywork (Indian Head Massage); the place where I feel I can support women most deeply right now. But the heart of my work hasn’t changed. Everything I do is still rooted in postpartum care, in holding mothers through their transitions, and in creating a space where they can rest, soften, and feel truly supported.