Postpartum doulas are what’s up.

That sweet baby comes with some challenges.

Wrecked sleep, new expectations and demands, relationship changes, relentless questions, a body in need of rest and healing…whether you’re welcoming your first baby or your fourth, you could use some help. You may be blessed with support from family and friends in the early days, but this is often short-lived or short-sighted.

Ideally, this is where a postpartum doula comes in. (Doulas are usually women, so I’ll refer to the doula as a she, but there’s no reason a good dude or other adult human couldn’t fill this role too.) She’s a hired advisor, a non-medical professional who helps a family navigate these challenges and have a smoother transition to their new normal as they get to know their baby. The doula provides practical, informational, and emotional support. She is trained and knowledgeable in the care and feeding of both infants and new mothers, and one of her primary goals is to help mom get restorative rest in those early weeks to support physical healing as well as good mental health.

This support and its benefits extend to dads/partners as well. Of course, when mama’s not happy, ain’t nobody happy, so the whole family benefits when she’s well supported. But dads & partners have their own questions and concerns about caring for Little Bit and need reassurance and information for their growing pains as well. While it’s not talked about as much, dads/partners experience postpartum anxiety and depression sometimes too, and the care of a doula can help keep those mood disorders at bay for both mom & her partner.

Professional postpartum care isn’t free, but it’s a sound investment in the foundation of your growing family. While you’re considering the expenses of adding a baby to your life, include a line item for doula support. Check with your medical spending or health savings account to see if it covers postpartum care. And add it to your baby registry! Gift certificates are available here.

You may regret not hiring a postpartum doula, but you will never regret hiring one!