Hiring a postpartum doula can sound like a luxury, and in many ways it is. At the same time, the nurturing and care you receive from such a service enables you to pass that care onto your baby. Some people say the word doula means “mothering the mother”.

Whether or not you have the means to hire a postpartum doula, it is hugely beneficial if you have someone who can “mother” you as you journey through this life transition of becoming a mother yourself. This could be your own mother, your mother-in-law, a close girlfriend, an aunt, a cousin, a grandmother… or a postpartum doula!

Asking for such support can feel vulnerable, and attempting to do things alone might sound a lot more appealing. In the long run though, choosing to rest in the care of another for a chosen amount of time – paid or unpaid – can bring wonderful benefits to you and your family.