We hired a doula during my third pregnancy so my husband could step back from being my labour coach and enjoy the birth. As part of her service, the doula we chose included three postpartum visits.
Because I had been through the newborn stage twice before, I didn?t think we would need the visits, but she suggested we take advantage of her help after the birth. With no family living close by, I?m so glad we did. She provided breastfeeding support, cared for my other children while I got some much-needed sleep, and shared baby-care tips when our newborn daughter showed signs of reflux. 
.related-article-block{display:inline-block;width:300px;padding:.5rem;margin-left:.5rem;float:right;border:1px solid #ccc}@media (max-width: 525px){.related-article-block{float:none;display:block;width:280px;margin:0 auto 2rem}}
   
   

   Everything you need to know about taking care of your postpartum body

What postpartum doulas do

Postpartum doulas are trained and experienced professionals who offer emotional and practical support to new parents. Services may include light housekeeping, childcare for older siblings, feeding assistance, infant care and, in some cases, physical care for mothers recovering from delivery.
?The primary role of a postpartum doula is to mother the mother,? says Alicia Moffat, a certified doula who has cared for families in the Greater Toronto Area for more than five years. ?In our society, we?ve lost the practice of having groups of women who su...