Postpartum Doula Support

Postpartum doula support is non-medical, in-home care for families during the early weeks after birth. A postpartum doula helps ease the transition to parenthood by providing hands-on guidance with newborn care, feeding support (breast or bottle), sleep routine advice, and emotional reassurance. The doula also supports the recovering parent—offering gentle reminders for self-care, encouragement, and guidance through postpartum emotions. The focus is always on nurturing the entire family, not just the baby.  

The 5-5-5 rule is a simple guideline for postpartum recovery: 5 days in bed, 5 days on the bed, and 5 days near the bed. It encourages new parents, especially birthing parents, to slow down and prioritize rest within the first 15 days after delivery. Instead of rushing into ‘normal’ routines, the rule reminds families that healing takes time. Early recovery should be gentle, supported, and protected. Postpartum doulas help make this kind of rest possible by offering practical assistance during this important period.

A postnatal (or postpartum) doula focuses on caring for the caregivers. Their role includes assisting with feeding (latch help, bottle prep), teaching newborn care (like diapering and swaddling), calming fussiness, supporting emotional health, and guiding gentle routines.

There’s no one right answer to this question; some families only need a few focused sessions, while others prefer ongoing support for several weeks. Many new parents choose to seek help during the first 4–6 weeks after birth, when sleep is light, feeding is frequent, and emotions can be intense. You might schedule a one-time session to troubleshoot feeding or arrange a multi-visit package for consistent support. 

Postpartum doulas typically charge between $25 – $65 per hour across the U.S. Rates vary depending on experience, services provided, and location. Some may offer package deals or sliding scales.

In Atlanta, the cost of a postpartum doula can vary depending on factors such as the doula’s training, experience, and availability. Overnight care may be higher and often requires a set minimum number of hours

Many families find the investment in a postpartum doula well worth it. Doulas offer practical help, emotional reassurance, and support that eases the early parenting experience. This can lead to better recovery and lower stress for new parents.

It’s ideal to hire a doula during the second or early third trimester. This gives you time to interview candidates and secure someone before your due date. Last-minute bookings can be harder due to limited availability.

Postpartum doulas do not perform any medical care, such as diagnosing conditions or administering medication. They also don’t replace nurses, midwives, or pediatricians. Their role is supportive, not clinical.

For postpartum care, families often start looking for doulas around mid-pregnancy. This allows time to plan for services immediately after birth. Early booking helps ensure the best fit and availability.

Yes, demand for postpartum doulas has grown significantly in recent years. More families are recognizing the value of having non-medical, hands-on support at home. Urban areas tend to have the highest demand.

Postpartum doulas assist with newborn care, feeding support, emotional recovery, and sleep guidance. They also help with light chores and provide reassurance during early parenthood. Their goal is to ease the transition and empower new families.