World Doula Week, Day 1: Intro to Postpartum Doulas

In honor of World Doula Week, March 22-28, 2020, I’m going to do a little blog series highlighting and explaining what I do as a Postpartum Doula. Most people don’t know that the job exists, let alone what it entails, so please read, comment, and spread the good word!

To begin:

Hi, I’m Mary! I live in Brunswick, Maine with my husband, our son (10), and our twin daughters (6). In 2015 I said “adios” to my career as a high school Spanish teacher, and followed my dream to build a business as a postpartum doula.  

WHAT IS A POSTPARTUM DOULA?

 I’m so glad you asked! Just as a labor doula is by your side to support, nurture, and empower you as you birth your baby, I am there with you as you navigate the early weeks of recovering from birth, caring for your newborn, and adjusting to life with a new little human. Beginning with the powerful concept of “mothering the mother,” I hold space for the mother to heal, to rest, to express her joys and concerns, to grieve, to celebrate, to nourish her body, to ask for the help she needs, and to step into her shifting role with full vitality. Pretty awesome, right?

 Did you have the support of a postpartum doula? What did you love about it?

 If you didn’t, what would have been different about your postpartum experience if you had?