The Role of a Postpartum Doula

The Rise of Postpartum Support

The journey through motherhood is one of profound transformation, and while the world often celebrates the birth of a baby, it can easily overlook the birth of a mother. For many women, the postpartum period is as demanding and delicate as pregnancy and birth. More families are recognizing this truth and seeking holistic, heart-centered support in the days and weeks after childbirth. This is where a postpartum doula can be a grounding, nurturing presence.

Hi! I’m Hailey Pechan, a postpartum doula located in Phoenix, Arizona. I provide holistic, heart-centered support for new mothers during the transformative postpartum period—honoring their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs while helping them feel deeply seen, nourished, and empowered.

I strive to redefine postpartum care by blending modern knowledge with traditional wisdom, offering compassionate guidance and personalized support that nurtures the whole mother—from conception through postpartum. You can learn more about me and my services here.

What is a Postpartum Doula?

Postpartum doulas are trained professionals who provide emotional, physical, and informational support during the fourth trimester. They differ from birth doulas, who support mothers during labor and delivery. Together, birth and postpartum doulas form a continuum of care that gently carries families through pregnancy, birth, and beyond.

What is the Role of a Postpartum Doula?

A postpartum doula is someone who "mothers the mother" during one of the most vulnerable and beautiful seasons of her life. Their role centers around providing personalized care that nourishes not only the physical recovery but also the mother's emotional and spiritual well-being.

New mothers were never meant to walk through the fourth trimester alone. 

A postpartum doula's role can ebb and flow depending on the needs of the family. Some of their responsibilities include: holding space for big emotions, preparing nourishing meals, assisting with newborn care, offering lactation support, and supporting household rhythms so the mother can rest and recover.

What Does a Postpartum Doula Do?

When deciding what kind of support families want during and after pregnancy, many new mothers ask: What does a postpartum doula actually do? 

The answer is: a little bit of everything that makes a new mother feel held, seen, and less alone.

What Happens During a Postpartum Doula Visit?

During a typical postpartum doula visit, the doula may:

• Prepare healing meals or snacks

• Hold or wear the baby so the mother can nap or shower

• Set up an herbal bath, yoni steam or sitz bath

• Support with feeding (breastfeeding, formula, or both)

• Prepare herbal teas 

• Assist with light tidying or laundry

• Offer guidance on newborn care (diapering, swaddling, soothing)

• Give abhyanga (Ayurvedic massage) to relax and nourish the tissues

• Talk through the birth to support reflection and help with processing emotions

• Encourage rest and nervous system regulation

  
  

Above all, postpartum doulas are calm, compassionate guides who meet mothers where they are and support the unfolding of their unique postpartum experience.

What is the Scope of a Postpartum Doula’s Work?

While a postpartum doula offers a wide range of care, it's important to understand what is and isn't within their scope. 

Doulas do not:

• Provide medical care or advice. 

• Diagnose or treat medical conditions

  
  

Doulas can:

• Refer you to trusted professionals

• Help you navigate the many options and decisions new parents face

• Provide emotional and spiritual support 

• Help with household tasks

• Care for the mother and baby 

  
  

Some doulas work during the day, others offer overnight care, and some support virtually. The scope is flexible and guided by the family’s needs, the doula’s training, and mutual agreements.

What Can I Ask a Postpartum Doula?

This is your journey, mama, and you deserve to have an experience that feels safe and sacred. During an initial consultation or postpartum visit, there is no question too small. 

You can ask about:

• Feeding questions: latching, formula options, pumping

• Physical recovery: what’s normal, what to watch for

• Emotional changes: anxiety, mood swings, overwhelm

• Practical support: how they can help with meals, laundry, sleep, etc.

• Scheduling: how often they visit and for how long

  
  

It’s your space to be open, curious, and heard. The right doula will honor your story and offer care that feels intuitive, non-judgmental, and aligned with your values.

Postpartum Doula Packages and What’s Included

Most postpartum doulas offer a variety of packages to meet different needs.

These might include:

• Hourly support (daytime or overnight)

• Weekly bundles (e.g., 2-3 visits per week)

• Postpartum planning sessions

• In-home or virtual visits

  
  

Packages typically include:

• Emotional check-ins

• Meal and snack preparation

• Infant care support

• Light household tasks

• Resource sharing and referrals

  
  

Some doulas may also offer prenatal consultations, holistic healing practices, placenta encapsulations, or support for older siblings.

The Benefits of Hiring a Postpartum Doula

The benefits of hiring a postpartum doula extend beyond physical support.

Having a consistent, nurturing presence in your home can:

• Decrease the risk of postpartum depression or anxiety

• Increase confidence in newborn care and feeding

• Support deeper rest and nervous system regulation

• Help the entire family adjust with greater ease

  
  

Postpartum doulas also create space for the partner to rest, bond with the baby, and participate in the journey with support and reassurance.

Postpartum Doulas vs. Other Postpartum Support

It can be helpful to understand how doulas differ from other postpartum professionals:

• Midwives focus on medical care

• Night nurses or nannies may help with baby care, but not mother care

• Therapists support emotional health but don’t offer in-home help

  
  

Postpartum doulas uniquely blend emotional, physical, and informational support in a holistic way, centered on the mother’s well-being.

How to Find and Hire a Postpartum Doula

Finding the right doula is a sacred step. You can start by:

• Asking for referrals from birth providers or friends

• Searching local or national doula directories

• Exploring their websites, offerings, and philosophy

• Scheduling a discovery call or consultation

  
  

Look for someone whose energy feels safe and grounding, who respects your choices, and who has experience supporting families in ways that feel aligned with your core values.

Final Thoughts: Support That Honors the Whole Mother

Postpartum is not a time to go it alone. It is a season that calls for softness, respect, and support. A postpartum doula can be a powerful anchor during this tender time, reminding you that you are not alone, that your needs matter, and that rest is sacred.

If you’re preparing for birth or currently in your fourth trimester, consider inviting a postpartum doula into your journey. You deserve to feel held, nourished, and deeply supported as you step into this next chapter of motherhood.

Interested in postpartum support in Phoenix? Explore my ayurvedic postpartum doula packages or reach out to schedule a free inquiry call. Let’s create a postpartum plan that helps you rest, heal, and feel deeply cared for.