How Long Do You Need a Postpartum Doula?

A postpartum doula can be an amazing resource and support after having a baby, not just for you, but for your entire family. While the postpartum season can be a challenge, a postpartum doula can help you love this new stage of life while still caring for yourself, connecting with your partner, getting restful sleep, and bonding with your sweet, new bundle. 

What Does a Postpartum Doula Do?

Just about anything! A postpartum doula’s support is tailored to your family’s unique needs. While they are trained and experienced in working with newborns during that 4th trimester, they are also are equipped to prep meals, wash bottles, do light laundry, care for siblings, instruct on newborn care, and more.

How Long Do You Need a Postpartum Doula?

The timeframe for having a postpartum doula varies for each parent, but on average in our practice, doulas are involved for a two to four-month period. But it depends on your unique needs and postpartum recovery.

How is a Doula Helping During Your First 3-7 Days Postpartum?

During this first week as a new parent, though your main concern is doting on your sweet new baby, you are also recovering from a major physiological event. In addition, it’s important to get the quality sleep your body needs in order to adjust and heal. The role a postpartum doula plays at the beginning of your recovery process can revolve around providing comfort and a listening ear as you heal, as well as helping to take care of your baby. A doula will be the most hands-on during this first week of recovery.

What Do the Next Few Weeks Look Like With Your Postpartum Doula?

Though your body is still undergoing lots of hormonal and physiological changes, you are probably moving around a bit more during this period of postpartum. Because you are able to move around a lot easier, now your focus can shift a bit. Your postpartum doula will likely adapt their duties as well to caring for your household while you focus on healing and bonding with your newborn. It’s important during this period to begin taking note of your mental and emotional state. Your doula isn’t there simply to care for your external needs, but also your mental/emotional/psychological needs as well. Delivering a baby doesn’t just take a physical toll on you; it’s a change in priorities, personal identity, lifestyle, and so much more.

How Does a Doula Help You Accomplish the Final Months Postpartum?

During this time, you may be feeling more energetic, confident, and ready to ease back into some aspects of life before baby. You are likely moving about freely and comfortably. The role a postpartum doula would play during this final stage of recovery is to check in, as well as step in during moments of discomfort or when you feel overwhelmed. Further, if you’re transitioning back to work, a doula can provide tips and tricks for making it as smoothe as possible.

As a New Parent, It’s Important to Keep This in Mind.

The process of postpartum recovery is different for every person. There is no perfect formula to the healing process, so it’s important to communicate with your doula about what your needs are when they arise. A doula’s job is to remove the stress and pressure from you during one of the most strenuous recovery processes of your life. Your postpartum doula is not only there to relieve the physical pressures you may experience, but also to support you through the mental and emotional pressures. You will have a lot of ups and downs, so having a postpartum doula present to help you navigate the process will not only provide you with comfort but may very likely help the recovery process move a lot faster! You should not have to undergo this journey on your own.

Allow CLEbaby to Help Guide You Through Your Postpartum Journey

At CLEbaby, we specialize in providing you with the best care you could need, through every step of your postpartum journey. We mentioned that every person’s experience postpartum is unique, and our team at CLEbaby is here to come alongside you to make it a smooth transition. You can find out more about our services here.