The role of a postpartum doula per D.O.N.A (Doulas of North America) standards is as follows. "A postpartum doula is a caregiver of non-medical support.  Healthcare professionals such as doctors, midwives, nurses and others are responsible for the health and well being of mother
and baby.  The non-medical support of the doula meets the physical, emotional and social needs of the family."

My role as a postpartum doula caregiver is to educate with evidence based knowledge and to provide nurturing and supportive help for the entire family during the healing process of the mother, as well as, to assist as their roles change with the birth of a new child.   Mothers and fathers both need postpartum support as they re-define their new roles as mother and father 
This can be one of your families most exciting, yet emotional fill time in your lives. 

Everybody experiences the postpartum period differently, therefore, all feelings and emotions
are acceptable and safe to express, thus will not be judged.  My role with each family will vary
as there is no precise time frame of how long your postpartum support will be needed. This will depend on your family and what other support systems such as friends and relatives ability to give the gift of time and your comfort zone with them.  A general time frame may be 2 to 4 hours per day for 4 to 6 week following mother discharge, if a hospital delivery.

My job as your postpartum doula is to enhance communication both within the family and with other support professionals.  As a doula I may make referrals to quality care providers such as
a lactation consultant, pediatrician, counselor and support groups when necessary.

As your doula, I will provide the care and assistance to ease your family through the postpartum period with nurturing care and education.  I do not come in as a nanny or housekeeper and take over.    

It is my job to educate and assist the family in the following areas: 

• Infant care skills
• Newborn characteristics
• Sleep deprivation of  mothers and fathers
• Assistance with older siblings
• Breastfeeding skills
• Coping Skills
• Light house hold organization
• Make referral when necessary:
  breastfeeding problems
  signs of postpartum depression
  or any medical attention that may be needed.