Module 1: Introduction to Postpartum Doula Work
IN THIS LESSON
Topics Covered:
1 Emotional Support
Understanding the emotional needs of postpartum mothers.
Techniques for active listening and validating feelings.
Strategies for reducing anxiety and fostering confidence in new parents.
2 Practical Support
Assisting with newborn care: diapering, bathing, and soothing techniques.
Helping with household tasks to ease the family’s transition.
Educating families about sleep patterns, feeding options, and self-care.
3 Resource and Referral Provider
Providing evidence-based information on postpartum recovery, lactation, and infant care.
Recognizing when professional intervention is needed (e.g., lactation consultants, mental health professionals).
Building a network of local resources for families.
Introduction
Bringing a baby home is one of life’s most joyful and challenging moments, and new families often need support that goes beyond medical care. This lesson explores three important ways postpartum doulas make a difference: emotional support, practical support, and connecting families with resources. Emotional support means truly listening, understanding feelings, and easing worries so parents feel confident and less alone. Practical support involves the hands-on help that makes daily life smoother—everything from showing parents how to bathe a newborn to lending a hand with household tasks. Finally, being a resource and referral provider gives families access to trustworthy information and a network of professionals who can step in when extra guidance is needed. Together, these areas highlight the heart of doula care—helping families feel prepared, cared for, and empowered during the tender postpartum period.
1. Emotional Support
Why Emotional Support Matters
Imagine a new mother, Sarah, who had an unplanned C-section. She’s overwhelmed by the physical recovery and feels inadequate because breastfeeding is harder than she expected. Postpartum doulas like you can be the compassionate presence she needs. Research consistently shows that emotional and social support play a major role in protecting mothers’ mental health after childbirth. Women who feel supported—whether by family, peers, or trained professionals—are less likely to develop postpartum depression and often report fewer depressive symptoms overall.
For example, a large study in South Korea found that mothers with low levels of social support were nearly three times more likely to experience postpartum depression compared to mothers with high levels of support (Cho et al., 2022). Reviews of global studies further confirm that interventions providing emotional or psychosocial support, such as counseling or peer-based programs, are linked to significant reductions in depressive symptoms among new mothers (Norazman et al., 2024).
Together, this evidence makes it clear that emotional support is not just comforting—it is a protective factor against postpartum depression, helping mothers feel less isolated, more resilient, and better equipped for the challenges of early parenthood.
Stories in Action
Sarah’s postpartum doula, Megan, visited her three times a week. Instead of saying, “It’ll get easier,” Megan listened deeply to Sarah’s frustrations and reassured her that her feelings were normal. By helping Sarah see her progress—like noticing her baby gained weight that week—Megan boosted her confidence. Sarah later described Megan as her “lifeline.”
Techniques You’ll Learn
Active Listening: Nod, maintain eye contact, and summarize what the mother is saying to make her feel heard.
Validation Statements: Use phrases like, “It’s completely normal to feel this way.”
Encouragement Through Facts: “Breastfeeding can be challenging at first, but studies show that consistent attempts over a week significantly improve outcomes.”
Hands-On Consultation
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Context: Many new mothers expect instant attachment but may feel overwhelmed, leading to guilt or sadness.
Suggestions:Tip: Normalize the experience by explaining that bonding takes time.
Script: “It’s completely normal to need time to bond with your baby. Many parents feel this way, and it doesn’t mean you’re not a good mother. Let’s focus on small moments—like skin-to-skin or gentle eye contact—that can help nurture connection.”
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Context: New parents often second-guess themselves, worrying about feeding, sleep, or soothing techniques.
Suggestions:Tip: Validate the parent’s concerns and provide reassurance through active listening.
Script: “It sounds like you’ve been carrying a lot of worry. What you’re feeling is valid—many new parents share these same concerns. You’re learning step by step, and it’s okay not to have everything figured out immediately.”
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Context: Baby blues are common in the first weeks after birth; doulas can help by providing emotional support and monitoring for warning signs.
Suggestions:Tip: Encourage self-compassion and rest, while gently observing if symptoms persist (possible referral if needed).
Script: “Crying more often in these early weeks is something many mothers go through—it doesn’t mean you’re weak. Let’s talk about ways to make sure you’re supported, like setting aside breaks for yourself and leaning on your partner or family.”
> Listening, Validating, and Building Confidence
Postpartum mothers often experience a rollercoaster of emotions, from joy to exhaustion to self-doubt. Understanding their emotional needs and providing effective support can help them navigate this challenging yet rewarding phase.
Understanding Emotional Needs:
The postpartum period is marked by significant hormonal, physical, and life changes. Mothers may feel overwhelmed, isolated, or uncertain about their abilities. For example, a new mother might worry she’s not producing enough milk or feel anxious about her baby’s sleep patterns.
Techniques for Active Listening:
Active listening involves being fully present and acknowledging the mother’s feelings without judgment. For instance:
Instead of saying, “You shouldn’t feel that way,” respond with, “It sounds like you’re feeling unsure about feeding right now. Do you want to talk about it?”
Make eye contact, nod, and use gentle verbal cues like “I understand” or “Tell me more.”
Validating Feelings:
Reassure mothers that their emotions are normal and valid. For example, if a mother expresses frustration about being tired, you might say, “It’s completely understandable to feel exhausted right now—you’re doing so much.”
Reducing Anxiety and Fostering Confidence:
Break tasks into manageable steps. For example, teach a mother how to swaddle her baby, then watch as she practices to build confidence.
Celebrate small wins, like a successful feeding or a quiet moment, to reinforce her capability.
Latest Research:
Recent research shows that when new mothers feel emotionally supported—whether through being listened to, validated, or having strong social support—their mental health and confidence in parenting improve.
For example, one study found that mothers who had someone simply listen and understand them described feeling less anxious, less alone, and more capable in their new role as parents (McLeish & Redshaw, 2017). Other research demonstrates that when mothers report higher levels of social support, they also report greater confidence in their parenting skills and lower levels of stress or anxiety (Huang et al., 2022).
Long-term studies confirm that support received early on predicts how confident mothers feel later, while higher anxiety tends to reduce that confidence (Fierloos et al., 2023). Even structured programs that combine mindfulness with peer support have been shown to reduce depressive symptoms and boost mothers’ belief in their ability to care for their baby (Liu et al., 2022).
Together, these findings suggest a clear pattern: emotional validation and social support matter deeply. When mothers feel heard, valued, and supported, their anxiety decreases, and they step into parenthood with more confidence.
2. Practical Support
The Power of Practical Help
New parents often feel overwhelmed with tasks piling up. Think of Emily and Jake, new parents with twins. Emily hadn’t slept more than two hours at a stretch for days. Jake was back to work, and their kitchen looked like a war zone.
When their postpartum doula arrived, she didn’t just ask how she could help—she rolled up her sleeves. While the twins napped, she prepared a quick casserole and folded laundry. Emily said, “For the first time in weeks, I felt like I could breathe.”
The Research
Research shows that doulas play a powerful role in lowering stress and strengthening the parent–infant relationship. When doulas provide hands-on help—such as assisting with daily tasks, offering reassurance, or just being present—mothers report lower levels of anxiety, unhappiness, and stress, and greater confidence in caring for their babies (McLeish et al., 2019).
Reviews of doula programs also highlight that women who receive doula care during pregnancy and after birth experience better overall outcomes, including improved breastfeeding rates, fewer medical interventions, and stronger emotional well-being compared to women without doula support (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2022).
Other studies emphasize that doulas can act as a protective buffer against perinatal stress and mental health challenges. By validating mothers’ feelings and assisting with both emotional and practical needs, doulas may reduce risks of anxiety, depression, or trauma symptoms (Gruber et al., 2023; Rayment-Jones et al., 2023).
Finally, classic research shows that continuous, supportive care during labor and postpartum not only improves maternal mood but also helps mothers feel more connected to their infants, laying a stronger foundation for parent–infant bonding (Klaus & Kennell, 1992).
Together, the overall evidence strongly supports the idea that doulas reduce maternal stress and foster stronger parent–infant bonds.
Examples of Practical Support
Newborn Care: Teach parents swaddling techniques or how to handle diaper rash.
Feeding Help: Show proper latching for breastfeeding or mix formula correctly.
Household Assistance: Organize baby clothes or prep meals to give parents more time to rest.
Hands-On Consultation
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Context: Handling a slippery newborn can be intimidating.
Suggestions:Tip: Demonstrate step by step, then guide parents through doing it themselves with reassurance.
Script: “I’ll show you how to keep one hand supporting your baby’s head while gently washing their body. You’re doing great—notice how calm your baby is with your touch.”
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Context: Household tasks pile up, increasing stress during recovery.
Suggestions:Tip: Offer light help (folding laundry, setting up simple meals) and recommend realistic task-sharing strategies.
Script: “I folded a load of baby clothes for you, and maybe we can set up a simple meal prep routine together—like preparing snacks you can grab quickly when feeding the baby.”
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Context: Families may not know what’s normal for infant sleep and often feel exhausted.
Suggestions:Tip: Provide education about normal newborn sleep cycles and gentle strategies.
Script: “Newborns usually sleep in short stretches, which can feel tough. Let’s talk about ways to maximize your rest—like taking shifts with your partner or creating a calming bedtime routine.”
> Easing the Family’s Transition
Practical assistance is invaluable during the postpartum period, helping families focus on bonding with their baby while managing daily responsibilities with ease.
Assisting with Newborn Care:
Parents often need guidance on caring for their newborn. For example:
Teach diapering by demonstrating how to clean the baby safely and apply rash cream.
Show soothing techniques like swaddling, gentle rocking, or using white noise.
Guide them through sponge baths for a newborn with an unhealed umbilical stump, ensuring safety and comfort.
Helping with Household Tasks:
Simple tasks like meal preparation, light cleaning, or laundry can significantly reduce stress. For instance, you might prepare a healthy snack for the mother while she feeds the baby or fold laundry during a conversation.
Educating Families on Key Topics:
Sleep Patterns: Explain that newborns typically sleep in short bursts and offer tips on creating a calming bedtime routine.
Feeding Options: Provide nonjudgmental support for breastfeeding, formula feeding, or combination feeding.
Self-Care: Encourage parents to prioritize rest and hydration. For example, remind them to drink a glass of water during feedings or take short naps when the baby sleeps.
Latest Research:
Research shows that consistent, hands-on support during the early postpartum period helps families adjust more smoothly to life with a newborn.
For example, one study in Japan found that mothers who received continuity of childrearing support—meaning the same provider supported them during pregnancy and after birth—felt more confident, more ready for parenting, and described an overall easier transition into motherhood (Itai et al., 2022). Similarly, a study of first-time parents in Europe reported that those with strong social support in the first few months felt less overwhelmed and more capable of handling challenges, such as sleep deprivation and new responsibilities (Schobinger et al., 2022).
Together, these findings highlight that practical and emotional support during the first three months can reduce stress and boost parental confidence, making the transition into family life smoother and more sustainable.
Itai, M., Harada, S., Nakazato, R., & Sakurai, S. (2022). Transition to motherhood of mothers receiving continuity of child-rearing support. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(14), 8440. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19148440
Schobinger, E., Pohl, S., Scholz, U., & Hämmerli, K. (2022). Social support needs of first-time parents in the early postpartum period. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 22(1), 958. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9794858/
Day in the Life of a Postpartum Doula
3. Resource and Referral Provider
When Knowledge is Power
Claire, a new mom, struggled with breastfeeding. Her baby was losing weight, and Claire felt like a failure. Her doula connected her to an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) who helped her resolve the issue.
When new mothers are referred early to trained breastfeeding specialists, their chances of breastfeeding successfully rise in a meaningful way. In one hospital study, mothers who saw an expert before introducing formula had much higher rates of exclusive breastfeeding during their hospital stay (Gray et al., 2021). Reviews of many studies also show that using lactation consultants or counselors after birth helps more women start breastfeeding and keep it going longer (Patel & Patel, 2015).
Gray, K. D., et al. (2021). Influence of early lactation assistance on inpatient human milk feeding success. Journal of Human Lactation. https://doi.org/10.1177/0890334420957967
Patel, S., & Patel, S. (2015). The effectiveness of lactation consultants and lactation counselors on breastfeeding outcomes: A systematic review. Journal of Human Lactation, 31(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1177/0890334415618668
What You’ll Provide
As a postpartum doula, your role is to provide families with reliable information, emotional support, and practical guidance during the early weeks and months after birth. This includes sharing evidence-based advice on topics such as safe sleep, infant soothing techniques, and recognizing feeding cues. For example, you may teach new parents about the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations for creating a safe sleep environment, such as always placing the baby on their back and keeping the crib free of pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals.
In addition to education, postpartum doulas connect families to professional resources when appropriate. This might involve referring a parent experiencing postpartum depression to a qualified mental health professional, or guiding families toward lactation consultants and pediatricians when challenges arise. Doulas also help families identify local support networks, such as parent groups or breastfeeding circles, that foster a sense of community and reduce isolation. By offering both information and connection, you build trust and help families feel confident in their parenting journey.
Providing Evidence-Based Information
Families often have many questions about their recovery and infant care. Doulas can provide information that is grounded in research and tailored to the family’s needs. For example, parents may worry about postpartum bleeding, known as lochia. A doula can explain that bleeding is normal, usually lasts several weeks, and should gradually lighten in both flow and color. At the same time, doulas should also explain when bleeding might signal a concern—such as a sudden increase in flow or passage of large clots—and encourage the parent to call their healthcare provider if that occurs.
Feeding is another area where families frequently seek guidance. A doula might demonstrate proper latch techniques for breastfeeding, observing the infant and gently correcting positioning if needed. For families who choose formula, a doula can walk them step-by-step through safe formula preparation, emphasizing proper mixing ratios, clean bottles, and safe storage practices.
Practical education also extends to understanding infant behavior. Doulas can help parents recognize early hunger cues, such as rooting or sucking on hands, rather than waiting until the baby is crying. This reduces stress during feedings and fosters a calmer household environment.
Recognizing When Professional Intervention is Needed
An important part of the doula’s role is knowing when to refer families to medical or specialized professionals. For example, if a baby is not gaining weight despite frequent feedings, the doula should recommend seeing a certified lactation consultant for a more in-depth evaluation. Similarly, if a parent expresses feelings of hopelessness, persistent sadness, or reports intrusive thoughts, the doula should gently encourage seeking help from a licensed mental health professional.
Physical recovery also requires vigilance. If a parent develops a fever, experiences worsening pain, or notices foul-smelling discharge, these may be signs of infection that require immediate medical attention. Likewise, infant health concerns such as difficulty breathing, yellowing of the skin (jaundice), or refusal to feed should be flagged as urgent reasons to contact a pediatrician.
A doula’s strength lies not in replacing medical care, but in supporting families to recognize what is normal and when professional care is needed. This reassurance helps parents feel safe while also preventing dangerous delays in treatment.
Building a Network of Local Resources
To serve families effectively, postpartum doulas should maintain a network of trusted professionals. This might include lactation consultants who specialize in complex feeding challenges, pediatricians who are approachable and family-centered, and pelvic floor physical therapists who can support maternal recovery. Having reliable referrals ready allows a doula to seamlessly connect families with the right support at the right time.
For example, a doula might notice a parent describing ongoing pain when sitting or urinating weeks after birth. Instead of dismissing these symptoms, the doula can normalize the parent’s experience while also suggesting an appointment with a pelvic floor physical therapist. Similarly, if a parent is overwhelmed by persistent anxiety, the doula can provide the contact of a local perinatal mental health specialist or peer support group.
Doulas also encourage families to join community-based programs. Parenting groups, breastfeeding circles, or peer support gatherings can help families feel less isolated. Attending these groups gives new parents a chance to share their struggles and successes, which reduces stress and promotes resilience.
Practical Examples of Doula Support
Textbook knowledge comes alive when applied to real-world scenarios. Below are examples of how a postpartum doula might respond:
Sleep struggles: A family reports that their newborn wakes every hour during the night, leaving them exhausted. The doula validates the parents’ feelings, explains that frequent waking is biologically normal in the early months, and demonstrates safe soothing techniques such as swaddling or using white noise. If sleep remains a major concern, the doula might suggest a pediatric sleep consultant.
Feeding support: During a home visit, the doula observes a mother wincing in pain during breastfeeding. The doula gently suggests adjustments to positioning, demonstrates with a pillow and doll, and reassures the parent that many mothers face similar challenges. If pain continues, the doula refers the parent to a lactation consultant for further evaluation.
Household help: A parent expresses guilt that the house is messy and meals are disorganized. The doula reminds the family that healing and bonding are the priorities, then helps fold laundry, prepares a snack, and encourages the parent to rest.
Emotional reassurance: A father confides that he feels useless because the baby only wants the mother. The doula acknowledges his feelings and suggests meaningful ways he can bond, such as burping the baby, changing diapers, or offering skin-to-skin contact.
By responding to situations with compassion, knowledge, and practical strategies, doulas make a profound difference in the lives of new families.
Hands-On Consultation
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Context: Breastfeeding challenges are common, and doulas may notice latch issues.
Suggestions:Tip: Offer immediate comfort measures, but suggest a lactation consultant if pain persists.
Script: “It looks like the latch might be causing some discomfort. I can share a couple of positioning tips, but since the pain hasn’t improved, I recommend we connect you with a lactation consultant for more specialized guidance.”
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Context: She reports persistent sadness, lack of interest in daily activities, and trouble bonding with the baby.
Suggestions:Tip: Show empathy while encouraging professional mental health support.
Script: “Thank you for trusting me with how you’re feeling. These emotions can be really heavy, and you don’t need to carry them alone. I can connect you with a mental health professional who specializes in postpartum care.”
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Context: Families often benefit from peer support and local resources.
Suggestions:Tip: Provide information about nearby new-parent groups, community centers, or online supports.
Script: “Many families find it helpful to meet others who are going through the same stage. There’s a weekly parent-baby group at the community center, and I can send you the details so you can join if it feels right for you.”
👉 Knowledge Check
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Postpartum doulas provide emotional, practical, and informational support to new families, easing their transition into parenthood.
Emotional support involves active listening, validation, and creating a nurturing environment for postpartum recovery.
Practical support includes newborn care, assistance with feeding and sleep routines, and helping with household tasks to reduce stress.
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Fierloos, I. N., Verhoeff, A. P., Doekhie, K. D., & Stronks, K. (2023). Social support and parenting self-efficacy: A longitudinal population-based cohort study. BMC Public Health, 23(1), 1267. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-16710-8
Huang, H. H., Lee, T. S., Huang, H. H., Lin, S. H., & Chang, M. Y. (2022). The relationship between maternal confidence, parenting stress, and social support among first-time mothers. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(9), 5492. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19095492
Liu, Y., Liu, D., Zhang, J., Wang, H., & Wu, H. (2022). Effects of a mindfulness-based mobile health intervention on postpartum depression and parental self-efficacy: A randomized controlled trial. BMC Women’s Health, 22(1), 294. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-022-01996-4
McLeish, J., & Redshaw, M. (2017). Peer support during pregnancy and early parenthood: A qualitative study of models and perceptions. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 17(1), 28. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-017-1220-0
Gruber, K. J., Cupito, S. H., & Dobson, C. F. (2023). The effect of doulas on maternal and birth outcomes: A systematic review. Frontiers in Public Health, 11, 1153243. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1153243
Klaus, M. H., & Kennell, J. H. (1992). Parent–infant bonding (2nd ed.). St. Louis: Mosby.
McLeish, J., Redshaw, M., & Sheehy, A. (2019). “We’ve come to expect it”: A qualitative study of volunteer doulas working with disadvantaged mothers. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 19, 21. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-018-2170-x
Rayment-Jones, H., Silverio, S. A., Harris, J., Harden, A., & Sandall, J. (2023). The role of doulas in supporting perinatal mental health: A rapid evidence review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(5), 4541. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20054541
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. (2022). Doula services and maternal health: An evidence review. https://aspe.hhs.gov/reports/doula-services-maternal-health-evidence-review