A postpartum doula shares the inside scoop on the difference between a birth and postpartum doula, why you should hire one, how they can help support new mothers, and more. It’s a must-listen for anyone considering hiring a doula after birth.
034 | Dana Frutos, Certified Postpartum Doula
Dana is a mom and a postpartum doula. She has a background in early childhood education and has worked in professional childcare for over a decade. she has a 3-year-old son who I love to pieces.
Dana has chosen to leave the world of ECE and pursue a career as a postpartum doula because she wants to support, educate, and empower mothers when they come home with their babies. She wants to be there for families when they are tired and often overwhelmed. She wants to nurture mama while she nurtures her new baby.
What is a postpartum doula?
A postpartum doula is someone who supports the mom in helping her new family.
Their goal is to be intuitive and provide the support that the mom needs, whether that is cooking dinner, doing laundry, taking care of the baby while the mom takes a nap, or having an ear to listen and talk with; postpartum doulas are the village every struggling mama needs in postpartum recovery.
Are postpartum doulas worth it?
Everyone needs different levels of support during postpartum. Whether that level is big or small, a postpartum doula is there to support you, no matter the task.
No parent is the same, so a doula’s job is to get to know you and your needs without overstepping. If you are three weeks or seven months after birth, a postpartum doula will be there to lend a hand in your recovery.
What’s the difference between a birth and postpartum doula?
A birth doula is someone who helps you throughout the pregnancy and birth of your baby. They work with the doctors to advocate for you as you prepare for your new little one to arrive.
On the other hand, a postpartum doula is someone who supports you – and your family – after the baby has arrived. You can think of a postpartum doula as an extension of your family.
“A postpartum doula’s job is to be non-judgmental and support the family in any way they can.”
How to find a postpartum doula
Now that you know more about what a postpartum doula is and how they can support your family, you might be curious about how to find one for your postpartum.
A quick Google search for “postpartum doula + city you live in” is a good start. People may not realize there are multiple resources in or near their hometown. You can also check out Doula Match to browse the doulas listed on that website.
Topics Covered:
What is a postpartum doula? (1:05)
Questions for a postpartum doula (3:26)
Helping moms open up to support (8:17)
Finding a postpartum doula (9:54)
Cost of a doula and how long they can help (11:32)
If you can’t afford a doula… (14:24)
Non-judgemental (21:01)
Final question (24:23)
Additional resources:
Welcome to Chicago Family Doulas – Chicago Family Doulas
You can follow Dana on Instagram at @mamasareatribe.
More resources you might enjoy:
- Tips on How to Prepare for Postpartum Recovery
- One Critical Reason Moms Need Better Postpartum Support
- How to Be a Good Support Person During Birth
