5 Benefits of Hiring a Postpartum Doula

By Darcy Sauers of https://www.thedouladarcy.com/

Having a baby is one of life’s biggest transitions and greatest joys. However, many mothers find themselves feeling extremely isolated and overwhelmed during the postpartum period after the initial excitement, adrenaline and stream of visitors has subsided.

Hiring a postpartum doula can help reverse those feelings and provide the support that new mothers need to instead have a maternity leave that is filled with feelings of contentment and empowerment.

Postpartum doulas are non-medical professionals who provide new families with hands-on support as well as evidence-based information on newborn care, feeding and mom’s physical recovery.

Here are the top 5 benefits of hiring a postpartum doula:

1. More enjoyable maternity leave – Postpartum doulas help ease the transition for new parents. Having a baby is a major life change.  Postpartum doulas are there to calmly support you through the shift and help you focus on enjoying it, rather than muddling through it alone.
2. Non-judgmental support - a postpartum doula does not come in with specific parenting style or push a specific ways of doing things. A postpartum doula is there to help you come up with your own parenting style. She’ll help you figure out what feels right for your family. Postpartum doulas are also expert listeners who have no baggage of a family history with you.
3. Expert advice –That being said, your postpartum doula can share what works for other families, and other ideas and tips based on her training and experience, IF YOU ASK. It’s so wonderful to have all your questions answered as you go through your day in your own home instead of relying on Google.
4. An extra set of hands – Your postpartum doula will take care of baby so you can nap or shower. Postpartum doulas will also tackle the dishes, laundry and light meal preparation so that you can focus on resting, healing and snuggling your new baby.
5. Decreased risk of postpartum depression & anxiety – research has shown that new mothers who feel supported tend to report less problems with postpartum mental health. 

Postpartum doulas are the “women of the village helping the women of the village”. This is not a new idea. Throughout history, women have supported new mothers. In today’s society of scattered friends and families, postpartum doulas fill this vital role of support for the people birthing the next generation.

The Doula Darcy has served hundreds of families as a postpartum doula since 2010. She also offers virtual On Demand Postpartum Doula Support for new mothers everywhere.  Download her free Postpartum Plan template here.