I provide support for the emotional adjustment to parenthood including…

• I screen for Perinatal Mental Health Disorders.

• I assist with infant feeding, including information about pumping.

• Offer support for physical recovery after childbirth.

• I demonstrate on newborn care, such as diapering, bathing, swaddling, baby carriers, etc.

• I help with gassy and colicky baby and offer coping techniques.

• I field medical and non-medical questions pertaining to newborn care.

• I assist with the care of older siblings and helping them adjust to the new family member.

• I help integrate the baby with other family members such as grandparents. 

• I prepare small meals for parents and family members.

• I help with organization of the nursery, changing and

  feeding stations.

• I do the baby’s laundry.

• I run errands and grocery shopping.

• I do light housekeeping such as dishes.

As a Postpartum Doula I…

• Allow parents to rest, shower and nurture themselves.

• Help parents to eat properly and drink plenty of fluids.

• Listen and help process the birth story.

• Validate the normal adjustment process.

• Support partners through their transition into the new

  role.

• Provide community resources as needed.

• Educate in infant soothing and coping techniques for parents.

• Help parents to develop their own styles of nurturing and bonding with baby.

As a Postpartum Doula I Do Not…

• Evaluate parents’ or baby’s medical condition.

• Take over the care of the baby.

• Insist new parents care for their baby in a particular style.

• Do heavy housekeeping.