Surprising Benefits of Working With a Postpartum Doula
Most people are aware that working with a postpartum doula has benefits, such as a smoother transition to parenthood, and reduced postpartum depression. Here are 6 surprising benefits of working with a postpartum doula!
1. Better Mental Health Outcomes!
Families who receive postpartum doula support have lower rates of postpartum depression and anxiety, but families often report greater emotional satisfaction beyond avoiding mental health disorders. It’s not just about the extra hands, it’s about feeling seen, heard, and validated even when things are hard.
2. Confidence Boost for New Parents!
Postpartum doulas do not take over newborn care from the parents. They teach and support the new family to foster independence, working themselves out of a job over time. This way, the new parents learn baby care, feeding, and soothing with hands-on, compassionate guidance, resulting in more confident, calmer parents.
3. Faster Physical Recovery!
Postpartum doulas are focused primarily on the postpartum parent’s wellbeing. Your doula will help support your rest, nutrition, hydration, and proper postpartum care, so physical healing often happens more smoothly and comfortably.
4. Support for the Whole Family!
Although your postpartum doula’s primary responsibility is to the birthing client, they support the whole family! Partners, siblings, even grandparents benefit, as doulas help to balance household rhythms, ease transitions, and support bonding for everyone.
5. Early Problem-Spotting!
Doulas are experts in typical postpartum recovery and newborn behavior, and are trained to recognize early signs of postpartum mood disorders, feeding challenges, or healing complications so you will be referred to appropriate resources before any issues escalate.
6. Space to Process Birth and Parenthood!
Many parents don’t realize how much they need to talk through their birth or new parent identity. Your postpartum doula will hold that emotional space, without judgment or agenda.