Postpartum doulas are specially trained to support new parents in the postpartum period. They are available to work from birth all the way to 18 months postpartum. Doulas may help with assisting with breastfeeding and other types of feeding baby, light cleaning and meal preparation, emotional and informational support, help with recovery (information on perineal comfort measures, abdominal binding, massage, nutritional support, etc), and assistance with older children.

Postpartum doulas do not care for babies or children when parents are out of the home, but are happy to provide referrals for nannies or babysitters.

To get the most out of hiring a postpartum doula, hire for regular intervals (two shifts a week for four weeks, etc) and save cumbersome tasks such as laundry for when she makes her visit.

It may be helpful to you to hire for an overnight shift during which your doula can care for your baby while you sleep.