The Postpartum Doula
Childcare Services
What is a Postpartum Doula?
A Postpartum Doula is a non-medical support professional who focuses on the well being of the entire family during the weeks and months following birth. Unlike a Newborn Care Specialist - whose role centers primarily on direct infant care - a Postpartum Doula takes a more holistic, integrated approach, supporting parents as they recover, adjust, and find their footing in early parenthood.
Postpartum Doulas are trained to provide emotional reassurance, practical guidance, and hands-on assistance that extends beyond the baby alone. Their support may include newborn care education, feeding support, recovery focused care for the birthing parent, light household assistance, and help establishing sustainable rhythms that support the whole household. The goal is not to take over care entirely, but to empower families with confidence, rest, and continuity during a period of profound transition.
Postpartum Doulas typically work during daytime or evening hours and are especially focused on in-home support, education, and integration. Their presence allows parents to learn newborn care skills, process the emotional aspects of the postpartum period, and receive steady, compassionate guidance as routines begin to take shape. This role can be particularly valuable for first time parents, families navigating recovery from birth, or households adjusting to new dynamics after the arrival of a baby.
Families are encouraged to begin their search once a due date is confirmed. Experienced Postpartum Doulas are often booked well in advance. Early planning ensures thoughtful alignment and uninterrupted support during the postpartum period. Securing care early also allows families to approach birth and recovery with greater ease and preparation.
Families who prefer a more infant centered approach, rather than full family support, may choose to work with a Newborn Care Specialist instead.
What to Expect From a Postpartum Doula.
Postpartum Doulas support families during the weeks and months following birth, with care centered on the recovery, adjustment, and well being of the entire household. While support may include hands on newborn care, a postpartum doula’s primary focus is on nurturing parents, fostering confidence, and helping families establish sustainable rhythms during a time of significant transition.
Unlike roles that assume full responsibility for infant care, Postpartum Doulas usually work closely alongside parents - offering guidance, education, and reassurance while supporting emotional recovery and integration. Their presence is especially valuable during the early postpartum period, for first time parents, families adjusting to life with a new baby, or households welcoming a child through surrogacy.
Some areas of support may include:
Emotional reassurance and compassionate presence for parents
Education in newborn care, including feeding, diapering, bathing, and soothing
Guidance around infant sleep rhythms and early routine development
Support for postpartum recovery and rest
Assistance with baby wearing and safe handling
Light meal preparation focused on nourishment and recovery, as agreed
Sterilization and organization of feeding equipment (bottles, pump parts, etc.), as needed
Support with sibling adjustment and family integration
Baby-related supply sourcing and organization
Infant laundry and nursery organization
Accompanying families to pediatric appointments, when requested
Additional agreed upon support that contributes to household stability and postpartum well-being
The goal of Postpartum Doula care is not perfection, but steadiness - helping families feel supported, informed, and cared for as they settle into life with a new baby.
To begin the hiring process, we invite you to connect with us for a consultation.
Questions and Answers
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Families are encouraged to book a postpartum doula as early as possible, ideally during early pregnancy, to ensure availability around their anticipated delivery window. Planning ahead allows time to discuss support goals, schedules, and preferences so care can begin smoothly once baby arrives. That said, postpartum doulas can also be engaged later in pregnancy if needs change.
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Yes. Even if your baby has already arrived, postpartum support can often be arranged quickly. We regularly help families who realize after delivery that they could use additional hands-on guidance, recovery support, or emotional care, and we will work to connect you with an available postpartum doula as soon as possible.
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The length of postpartum doula support varies based on each family’s needs. Some families engage a doula for a short period to assist with the initial transition home, while others continue care for several weeks or months. Support can be structured to evolve over time as baby grows and needs change.
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A Postpartum Doula’s primary focus is supporting the parent and the family as a whole during the transition after birth. This includes emotional support, recovery guidance, feeding education, and practical help that promotes rest and confidence.
A Newborn Care Specialist, by contrast, is focused primarily on the baby and hands-on infant care, often taking the lead on sleep routines, feeding schedules, and overnight care. While both roles provide valuable support, Postpartum Doulas center the parent’s well-being, while Newborn Care Specialists center the baby’s care.
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All Postpartum Doulas are carefully vetted before working with families.
Screening includes in-depth interviews focused on postpartum recovery, infant care fundamentals, feeding support, emotional wellness, and family adjustment. Most doulas have completed formal Postpartum Doula certification programs, while others bring extensive hands-on experience supporting families through the postpartum period. All are required to maintain current infant CPR certification, pass background checks, and provide strong personal and professional references.
At The Grocery Store, The Anti-Agency, the process begins with a brief conversation about your family’s routine, expectations, and the environment you want to create at home. From there, we define the role with care and conduct a discreet search aligned with your values and long term goals.
How to Hire a Postpartum Doula.
The Grocery Store places Postpartum Doulas across major residential, metropolitan, and resort destinations:
Southern California, Los Angeles, Malibu, Santa Barbara, Newport Beach, and surrounding communities
Northern California, San Francisco, Atherton, Palo Alto, Woodside, and the greater Bay Area
Florida, Miami, Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and neighboring coastal areas
New York City and New York State, the Upper East Side, Upper West Side, SoHo, TriBeCa, Chelsea, Brooklyn, the Hamptons, and the greater Tri-State area
Connecticut and nearby regions, Greenwich, Stamford, Westchester, and surrounding communities
New England, Boston and surrounding areas of Massachusetts, as well as Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard
The Midwest, Chicago and surrounding areas
Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, Maryland and Virginia
Texas, Houston, Austin, Dallas, and other major cities
The Pacific Northwest, Seattle and Portland
Resort destinations, Aspen, Colorado, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming
The Hawaiian Islands, Honolulu, Maui, and the North Shore
Nationwide, with select international placements
