What is a doula?

We’re glad you asked! A doula is a woman trained to assist another woman during all or parts of pregnancy, childbirth and caring for a newborn. A doula is not your health care provider, but someone with extra knowledge, experience and training who supports, assists and advocates for you and your needs during this time.

WHA’s Postpartum Doula Program begins before your child is born during your pregnancy. Your doula can help you get the most out of your obstetric care by addressing things that could be standing in the way, like transportation or childcare. For eight to 12 weeks after your baby is born (“postpartum”), your doula can continue to support and advocate for you, helping you with the transition to parenting a newborn or caring for a growing family if you already have children at home.

How your doula can help during pregnancy

• Helping to resolve transportation and child care issues
• Connecting you to community resources
• Answering questions or addressing concerns you have about your care

How your doula can help postpartum

• Providing baby feeding and newborn care support, such as soothing, diapering and bathing
• Checking on your emotional and physical recovery from birth
• Doing light housekeeping, meal preparation or sibling care to help you feel less overwhelmed
• Connecting you to the birth control method that’s right for you
• Providing referrals to local resources, such as parenting classes, pediatricians, lactation support and support groups

Cost

The Postpartum Doula Program at WHA is funded through a grant partnership so we are currently able to offer this program at no charge.

Signing up

Talk to your provider or one of our postpartum doulas at Pathways group or while in clinic.