What Does a Postpartum Doula Do?
Welcoming a new baby is a joyous experience, but it can be stressful. Our postpartum doulas help to ease that transition with care, kindness, and support for the mother or birthing person, partner, and siblings. Whether you’re recovering from a C-section, learning to care for multiples, need help with breastfeeding, or just need to sleep through the night, Pittsburgh Doula Network will match you with a doula experienced in specialized care.
Sometimes people call us “night nannies,” “newborn care specialists,” or “baby nurses.” We are more than that in many ways, but we never provide medical care. A postpartum doula is an expert in normal adjustment. Her training is specific to the many changes that families experience following the birth of a baby. She provides non-medical support and companionship, assistance with newborn care and sibling adjustment, meal preparation, and household organization. She also offers evidence-based information on infant feeding, emotional and physical recovery from childbirth, and other issues related to the postpartum period, and can make referrals if necessary.
Her guiding principles are to:
- Nurture the family with her loving heart and hands, offering non-judgmental support.
- Educate the family by modeling behavior, observing and offering options.
- Assess the environment in order to best meet your needs.
- Refer by providing resources and referrals, and also assisting the family in developing the skills to seek out resources and referrals.
Daytime Postpartum Doula Responsibilities
A postpartum doula’s day-to-day responsibilities change as the family’s needs change.
- Allow the mother or birthing parent to rest so that they can heal
- Provide gentle reassurance and education as a new parent gains confidence
- Handle basic family needs: meals, siblings, & pet care
- Help with practical chores such as light housekeeping, laundry, and errands, so the birthing parent can concentrate on regaining strength and getting to know the new baby
- Breastfeeding/chestfeeding tips
- Prenatal at-home help for pregnant person on bed rest
Nighttime Postpartum Doula Responsibilities
When a new baby comes home, one of the most difficult elements is a lack of sleep. Nighttime care, feedings, and diaper changes can leave you exhausted and sleep-deprived. Our nighttime doulas will spend the night and help with these overnight duties so that you get the rest you need! This works for both breast and bottle-fed babies.
Recovering After a C-Section
In many cases, your c-section wasn’t planned, and now you’re at home, not as mobile AND caring for your new baby. This can be both physically and emotionally overwhelming. Your doula can help by allowing you to rest and heal without worrying about the day-to-day demands of running a household.
Caring for Twins or Multiples
Caring for twins or multiples is very challenging even for experienced parents. Feedings and diaper changes blend into each other, and a new parent can quickly become exhausted. Allowing a postpartum doula to assist with some of the care can really make a big difference.
Breastfeeding/ Chestfeeding
Feeding a baby from the milk made by your body is one of the most rewarding and intimately bonding experiences between parent and baby. However, the first time can be daunting. Even experienced birthing persons encounter difficulties from time to time. Our knowledgeable and experienced lactation consultants can help see what techniques can get you on the road to successful nursing.
Family Support
We won’t forget your partner or older children and want to protect those relationships already in place. Doulas support the family as a whole. Reminding your partner they are a parent too, not just a “helper” is important. We will encourage them to hold and interact with the baby and assure them that their role as a parent is just as important as that of the mother. Perhaps we can teach them baby basics while the birthing parent rests. Imagine having 15 minutes of uninterrupted alone time to talk to your partner about your day.
By offering a nurturing presence to your other children, they will have opportunities to feel important by helping to make the birthing parent a snack or spend one-on-one time with either the parent or the doula.
Postpartum Guidance
At Pittsburgh Doula Network, we are committed to providing exceptional support and guidance to new and expecting mothers. With a legacy of over two decades, our team is dedicated to empowering women through the transformative journey of childbirth and early motherhood.
Our experienced doulas offer personalized care to ensure a smooth and empowering transition into motherhood. We offer practical assistance, infant care education, and emotional support to help you adjust to the joys and challenges of postpartum life with confidence and peace of mind.
Postpartum Services
Pricing Guide
Whether you have one, two, or three newborns- we got you covered!
Doula care for a newborn
$34.00/hour
Doula care for twins
$37.00/hour
Doula care for triplets
$40.00/hour
Think about your needs…
Do you want a daytime doula to catch a nap, learn some baby 101’s, and receive help with housekeeping, and/or could you use a full 8-hour rest with the support of a nighttime doula?
How many days/nights per week would you want assistance?
How long would you like coverage for?
What are my next steps?
Finding a doula can be difficult. We like to make it simple.
1. Complete Registration
Complete the Pittsburgh Doula Network registration form so we can learn more about your wants and needs.
2. Doula Matching
Our matchmaker will evaluate your registration and pair you with a doula that aligns with your requests.
3. Meet & Greet
Your doula will contact you to introduce themself and schedule a virtual meeting.
Ready to Get Started?
Questions Before Registering?
We have answers!
