Postpartum Doulas & Physical Recovery: How We Help the Body Heal

Knowledge of birth doulas, I think I can say, is fairly common locally. Perhaps outside of the city it’s a little different, but here in Lincoln, most people are aware of what a birth doula is. Many are also aware of the ways a birth doula will support you (and if you aren’t, you should scroll back a couple of blog posts because Joyce has outlined these details perfectly!)

The role of a postpartum doula, on the other hand, appears to be a bit of an enigma to most. I intend to clear that up right here and now. Follow along for the next few weeks if you find yourself asking “What does a Postpartum Doula do”?

As a postpartum doula and IBCLC, I often remind new parents that recovery isn’t just physical repair; it’s recalibration. Your hormones are shifting, your tissues are regenerating, your milk is coming in, and your sleep is fragmented. You deserve gentle, evidence-based care during this time — and that’s where postpartum support can make a meaningful difference.

Rest as Medicine

Rest isn’t indulgent; it’s biological necessity. Research shows that sleep deprivation in the postpartum period can worsen pain perception, slow tissue healing, and even heighten the risk of postpartum depression (Dorheim et al., Sleep Health, 2014).

One of the simplest but most powerful things a doula can do is help make rest possible. That might mean holding the baby while you nap, keeping an eye on your toddler, or ensuring you have food and water within reach. I once worked with a new mother who hadn’t slept more than two hours in a row in nearly a week. After I arrived, she napped while I tidied the kitchen and rocked her baby. She woke up looking lighter — and later told me that nap “reset” her entire week.

Comfort and Healing

Postpartum Doulas are trained in non-medical comfort measures that can ease postpartum discomfort. Cold compresses for engorgement, cool perineal pads for swelling, and gentle guidance on posture and feeding positions all make a difference.

Sometimes it’s simply about noticing what a parent might not — adjusting a pillow, bringing water, reminding them to take a few deep breaths. Small comforts have big impact when your body is in recovery mode.

Nourishment Matters

The postpartum body needs calories, hydration, and micronutrients to heal well. I often encourage families to think of meals as medicine. Warm, easy-to-digest foods — soups, stews, oatmeal — support circulation and digestion.

Evidence supports this focus on nutrition: adequate iron, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids are linked with better wound healing and mood stability (Innis, Journal of Nutrition, 2007).

Postpartum recovery isn’t about bouncing back — it’s about gently moving forward. A doula’s role is to create the conditions for your body to do what it already knows how to do: heal