The role of a postpartum doula is to help a woman through her postpartum period and to nurture the family. Unlike a baby nurse, a doula's focus is not solely on the baby, but on fostering independence for the entire family. The doula is as available to the father and older children as to the mother and the baby. Treating the family as a unit that is connected and always changing enables doulas to do their job: nurture the family.

What a postpartum doula does changes from day to day, as the needs of the family change. Postpartum doulas do whatever a mother needs to best enjoy and care for her new baby. A large part of their role is education. They share information about baby care with parents, as well as teach siblings and partners to "mother the mother". They assist with breastfeeding education. Postpartum doulas also make sure the mother is fed, well hydrated and comfortable.

A postpartum doula may spend anywhere from two visits to three months with a family. Services include:

• Breastfeeding support
• Light housekeeping
• Simple meal preparation
• Mama Care
• Basic infant care
• Errands
• Daddy and Sibling support
• Resources and referrals
• Unlimited Consultation from hire to 6 weeks postpartum

Postpartum Support is offered on an hourly basis, with a 10 hour minimum. A contract will be drawn up with a tentative schedule of support. A prenatal visit will be scheduled around 36 weeks, to help prepare you and your family for the new baby and getting off to a good start breastfeeding.