Working with many postpartum families (and being a postpartum parent myself), I can’t rave enough about the benefits of having a postpartum doula present during the fourth trimester. Postpartum doulas are the guiding angels during this adjustment season of life; the individuals who rock a baby to sleep while the parents rest, who cook meals for tired parents, and who help be a piece of the “village” we so desperately need.

I have always believed we needed more postpartum doulas, and that more people needed to know about how amazing they truly are. I recently met Monica Davis of Tiny Miracles Care, a truly wonderful and beautiful soul. I asked her to answer some questions regarding postpartum doula life, to shed light on this wonderful work she does in aiding new parents.

What does it mean to be a postpartum doula?

M: I help fill in the gaps essentially! I’m there to talk Mom through juggling her crying 2 year old while her newborn is spitting up. I’m there to make sure Mom gets enough rest and is able to sneak a shower. I’m there to make sure that Dad knows that he can baby wear too and how to do it. Anything that the parents aren’t quite sure about they can ask me. In the quiet moments I will fold laundry, give the dog an extra snuggle or wear the baby while prepping dinner. Basically a postpartum doula is a listening ear, a positive resource and an extra set of hands for those first few months.

What are the benefits of having a postpartum doula?

M: When you work with a postpartum doula it helps you to be able to get better rest and heal faster. It also helps to ease the transition in to parenthood because we take some of the other responsibilities around the house off of your shoulders for you. And honestly sometimes just having someone there that you can talk to openly who has already pretty much heard it all can be comforting! Most times that a client starts out with "This is probably TMI" I reassure them that I am totally okay with hearing it! At the end of the day knowing that you have someone you can rely on who can be a resource for both parent and baby can be priceless.

What is your most favorite piece of what you do?

M: I love helping empower parents so that they feel more confident in their new role! This can be a very exciting time but can also be stressful for families as they learn how to care for this new tiny human. It is always my goal to alleviate some of that stress so that they can enjoy their time bonding as a family. Watching them fall in to step as a family and working myself out of a job is so rewarding. So are the amazing relationships that I get the privilege of gaining along the way!

If you could give a new parent one piece of advice, what would it be?

M: Listen to your gut! So many people will be out there trying to give advice and tell you the "right" way to do things. In the end though this is your little one-listen to what your gut tells you to do.

Postpartum doulas; guiding parents through the fourth trimester | An interview with Monica at Tiny Miracles