Doula is a word from the ancient Greek, loosely translated as a “woman’s servant". Today, the term is used to describe a woman who provides non-medical assistance & support during childbirth (a birth or labor doula), or one who attends to the family when baby goes home (a postpartum doula).
Having a baby is a wonderful, life-changing event. It's a joyful time, but one that can be a bit overwhelming. The job of a postpartum doula is to smooth the transition when new baby (or babies) arrives.
The doula's primary focus is on the new mom. She is trained to "mother the mother" by attending to her physical, practical, and emotional needs.
Doulas make sure mom has eaten and is hydrated, offers breastfeeding guidance, newborn care education, and looks after baby while mom showers, naps, or attends to her other children.
Postpartum doulas also assist with household tasks, like baby’s laundry, light meal preparation, preparing bottles, help with siblings, and general organization.
The doula is neither a housekeeper, nor nanny, but rather a supportive professional, assisting where needed, while the family adjusts to life with a new little addition.
