What is a Postpartum Doula?

In a nutshell, we provide both physical and emotional support to growing families, typically within the first 3 months after a birth. However, in practice, this can mean vastly different experiences. Every shift, even with the same doula, will be unique.

While a lot of what I do is answer questions, my goal is not to parent your child or even to teach you how to parent your child. I am a member of your team, providing both modern and traditional options and then supporting the choices you make. I walk with you on your journey of becoming the parent you want be, and I get joy out of working myself out of a job.

Sarah Herbein, a white female doula carrying a newborn in a blue sling with gold stars.

At the beginning of each session, we will discuss what your priorities, questions, and concerns are for that day and make a plan for how I can be most helpful. These things may include, but are not limited to:

preparing nutrient dense snacks,
stocking diaper stations,
listening to your birth story,
providing information about local perinatal health professionals,
preparing a sitz bath,
caring for the baby while parents take a nap or shower,
educating about cloth diapers,
troubleshooting breastfeeding issues,
washing bottles and pump parts,
facilitating scar tissue healing,
acting as a sounding board during decision-making,
attending a pediatrician or lactation consultant appointment with you, and
giving reading recommendations.

All clients receive access to my digital resources including a list of books to read to older siblings to help them adjust, date night ideas, local providers (everything from tongue ties to massages!), and more. In-person clients also have access to my library of postpartum and parenting books as well as my collection of baby carriers.

Doulas provide many different types of valuable services, but it is important to be aware of the boundaries of our training and capabilities so that your expectations are realistic. To that end, here are some things that doulas are not:

-Newborn Care Specialists: While I have experience and training in caring for newborns, NCSs are there to only take care of baby. I care for and nurture the entire family (including "fur babies"!). Also, the function of an NCS is primarily physical, whereas I offer more holistic support.

-Medical Professionals: I have completed the Red Cross First Aid/CPR course for adults, children, and infants, but I am not trained to diagnose or treat illnesses. However, I can support healing, help you decide when to contact your primary care professional, attend your child's appointments with you, and provide a list of appropriate specialists, if needed.

-Therapists: The postpartum period is an emotional time for all involved. I love to hear birth stories, can provide resources for couples who are navigating their shifting relationship, and am available to listen to whatever you would like to share, but I am not a mental health professional. I do have contact information for several local therapists who specialize in perinatal mental health and can help you decide when to call them, but I am not able to diagnose or treat mental illness.

-Nannies: Caring for older siblings and helping them move through this transition can definitely be part of our job (I have a list of recommended books in my Client Resources), but it is not our primary focus. For example, looking after your children while you nap would be appropriate, but not while you left the house.

-Housecleaners: I am happy to help with light cleaning that improves the functionality of the space or the emotional well-being of the family. For example, washing dishes or folding some laundry while the baby or parents are napping would be an option. However, deep cleaning would not be the best use of our time together.