A postpartum doula supports whole families through the fourth trimester, and beyond, by providing evidenced based information on a wide variety of perinatal topics. These can include: infant feeding, infant sleep, emotional and physical recovery from birth, bonding between baby and each member of the family, infant soothing, basic newborn care, household organization and light cleaning, as well as preparing meals. Part of the postpartum doula role is to "mother the mother", making sure she is well fed, hydrated, and comfortable, and to teach partners and siblings to do the same, to create an integrated network of support that can sustain the family as the newborn grows.
For a more in-depth description, I recommend this article, by Emily Flynn, from Natural Child Magazine: Why Hire a Postpartum Doula?
As Americans, we are under the impression that new moms are “Superwomen” and can return to life as it was before baby. We must remember to celebrate this new mother and emulate the other cultures
that honor new mothers by caring for them, supporting them, and placing value on the magnificent transformation she is going through. This is the greatest gift we can give to new mothers and
newborns. A postpartum doula can help bridge the gap of support for new mothers and babies by providing the support and education they need to become confident new mothers.
—Darla Burns, CAPPA Executive Director of Postpartum Doula Programs
Postpartum doulas can provide a general uplift in your postpartum experience; included below are some specific benefits of doula support:
Breastfeeding Support
The Lytle Center at Swedish, First Hill staffs expert lactation consultants, as well as therapists specially trained in supporting new mothers, and their services are covered by insurance. Regular breastfeeding support groups are scheduled and facilitated by lactation consultants who will give you hands on help and weigh your baby before and after feeding.
Nurturing Expressions, in West Seattle, offers personal fittings for nursing bras and breast pumps, classes, support groups, and consultation.
Kellymom.org is a trusted, evidence based information source on the web, with an archive of scientifically current articles that address breastfeeding and early parenting questions.
Postpartum Recovery
Bodies for Birth provides a safe, knowledgeable environment for pre and post-natal fitness. They offer classes to build strength for labor and to recover and rebuild strength post-delivery.
Postpartum Mental Health Support
Perinatal Support Washington is a local non-profit dedicated to supporting both mothers and partners as they navigate parenthood with babies and young children. They offer a wealth of resources on their website, including therapists, facilitated support groups and a warm line staffed by therapists and parents who have had their own experiences with perinatal mood or anxiety disorders, and will call you back and gather resources tailored to your area and situation with compassion and understanding. Every provider on their website has had specialized training in supporting postpartum families, including recognizing, preventing, and treating, or referring to a provider who can treat, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
The Lytle Center at Swedish, First Hill, offers insurance covered therapy and a day program for mothers who need extra postpartum support. All of their therapists are specially trained to work with new parents.
Parent Education
Parent Trust for Washington Children offers effective free, and low cost classes, workshops, and coaching in pregnancy, birth, and parenting preparation, as well as additional resources for new and newly expanded families.