Postpartum Doula Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the ever-evolving world of maternal health, the role of a postpartum doula has never been more crucial.

As society acknowledges the importance of postnatal care, there is a growing demand for compassionate individuals who can provide invaluable support to mothers and their newborns during the postpartum period.

But let’s dive deeper: What exactly does a postpartum doula do?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker wanting to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager aiming to pinpoint the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of a postpartum doula’s work,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable postpartum doula job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Postpartum Doula Duties and Responsibilities

A Postpartum Doula provides both physical and emotional support to new mothers and families in the period immediately following childbirth.

They offer their professional guidance, care, and knowledge, helping the family adjust and transition into their new roles.

The duties and responsibilities of a Postpartum Doula include:

• Assist with newborn care and provide guidance on feeding, bathing, changing, and overall infant care
• Offer support and advice on breastfeeding and/or bottle-feeding
• Help mothers in their recovery from childbirth, including assistance with physical care and emotional support
• Educate parents and other family members about newborn care and safety
• Provide light household assistance such as meal preparation, tidying up, and laundry
• Monitor the emotional well-being of the mother and provide resources or referrals when necessary
• Offer support and guidance to siblings adjusting to the new family member
• Respect and support the family’s choices and values in the postpartum period

 

Postpartum Doula Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a compassionate and experienced Postpartum Doula to provide essential support to new mothers during the postnatal period.

The Postpartum Doula’s responsibilities include assisting with newborn care, providing emotional support, and helping with household tasks to allow the mother to recover physically and emotionally after childbirth.

Our ideal candidate is a caring, empathetic individual with experience in newborn care and a solid understanding of postpartum recovery needs.

Certification from a recognized Doula program is required.

The goal is to provide mothers and their families with the guidance and care they need to transition smoothly into life with a newborn.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide emotional, physical, and informational support to the mother after childbirth.
• Assist with newborn care such as feeding, diapering, and bathing.
• Help with household duties including meal preparation, light housekeeping, and sibling care.
• Offer evidence-based information on infant feeding, emotional and physical recovery from childbirth, infant soothing, and coping skills for new parents.
• Provide companionship and reassurance to the new mother.
• Identify and refer clients to healthcare professionals when necessary.
• Ensure the well-being of the mother and newborn, provide education, non-judgmental support, and empowerment.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Postpartum Doula or relevant role
• Certification from a recognized Doula program
• Understanding of the physical and emotional recovery process after childbirth
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to maintain privacy and confidentiality
• Knowledge of infant CPR and first aid
• Availability for on-call work schedules, including nights and weekends

 

Benefits

• Flexible work hours
• Opportunity to make a positive impact on families
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Postpartum Doula
• Work Environment: Clients’ homes and sometimes hospitals or birthing centers. Travel is usually required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the agency manager or client, depending on the work setup.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: Varies widely depending on experience and location.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if travel is required)
• Employment Type: Full-time, Part-time or On-call depending on the needs of the clients
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Postpartum Doula Do?

A Postpartum Doula is a professional support person who assists new mothers and families in the period following the birth of a baby, also known as the postpartum period.

They provide emotional, physical, and informational support to the mother, helping her to recover from childbirth and adjust to the new dynamics of having a newborn baby.

The Postpartum Doula’s tasks can include light housekeeping, meal preparation, and helping with baby care such as diaper changes and bathing.

They also offer guidance on breastfeeding and infant care techniques, and can help the mother to understand her baby’s needs and cues.

In addition, a Postpartum Doula serves as a resource for postpartum depression and other postnatal mood disorders, offering support and referrals to other professionals if necessary.

They also provide support to other family members, helping them to adjust to their new roles and promoting bonding between the baby and its family.

While the Postpartum Doula’s role is primarily focused on supporting the mother, they can also provide support to the entire family during this transitional period.

Their ultimate goal is to empower the new mother and enhance her confidence in her own abilities, helping to facilitate a smooth transition into parenthood.

 

Postpartum Doula Qualifications and Skills

A postpartum doula should have a strong set of skills and qualifications to support families after the birth of a new baby.

The key skills and qualifications include:

• Experience in newborn care, such as feeding (breast or bottle), burping, bathing, diapering and safe sleep practices.
• Knowledge of postpartum recovery and care, including emotional support, nutrition and physical healing.
• Excellent listening skills and sensitivity to provide emotional and moral support to new parents, addressing their fears and concerns.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with family members and healthcare providers.
• Nurturing and patient personality, coupled with the ability to provide calm, non-judgmental reassurance and guidance.
• Understanding of infant cues and behavior, including knowledge about infant development and milestones.
• Ability to assist with light household chores and meal preparation, to ease the burden on new parents.
• Understanding of breastfeeding techniques and troubleshooting, to provide support and guidance to new mothers.
• Physical stamina to work irregular hours and handle the demands of newborn care.
• Training or certification from a recognized doula program is often preferred.

 

Postpartum Doula Experience Requirements

Postpartum doulas generally require specific training and certification, typically obtained through a recognized Doula training organization.

This education provides them with necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to support new mothers.

During training, these individuals gain hands-on experience working with families in postpartum stages, often through internships or volunteering roles.

This experience often includes providing emotional support, education about infant care, and assistance with household tasks.

Candidates with 1 to 2 years of experience in a similar role such as a childbirth educator, lactation consultant, or a nurse may be more desirable.

They will have a deeper understanding of the physical and emotional changes a woman goes through after giving birth.

Those with more than 3 years of experience often have developed their skills in providing evidence-based information on infant feeding, emotional and physical recovery from childbirth, infant soothing, and coping skills for new parents.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience may have additional expertise in areas like breastfeeding support or postpartum depression, and may be ready to take on a leadership role in doula training programs or maternity care organizations.

Advanced experience may also include running their own doula business, conducting workshops or acting as a mentor for less experienced postpartum doulas.

 

Postpartum Doula Education and Training Requirements

A Postpartum Doula usually has a high school diploma or equivalent and may have additional training in health care or related fields.

The main requirement for becoming a Postpartum Doula is completing a certification program through a reputable doula training organization.

These programs often consist of both theoretical learning and practical experience, including understanding the physical and emotional needs of a new mother, newborn care techniques, breastfeeding support, and knowledge of postnatal recovery.

Some programs may also require trainees to attend a certain number of births or provide a specific number of hours of postpartum support to families before awarding certification.

While not always necessary, having additional training or certification in areas such as lactation consulting, infant CPR, or child development can enhance a Postpartum Doula’s skills and make them more attractive to potential clients.

A Postpartum Doula should also have good interpersonal skills, as they will be working closely with families during a sensitive period, and be committed to continuous learning, as information and best practices in newborn care and postpartum support can change over time.

 

Postpartum Doula Salary Expectations

The average wage for a Postpartum Doula is $28.84 (USD) per hour.

Actual earnings can vary significantly depending on the Doula’s years of experience, location, and the nature of employment, whether it is self-employed or hired through an agency.

 

Postpartum Doula Job Description FAQs

What skills does a postpartum doula need?

A postpartum doula should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills to understand and cater to the needs of the new mother and her family.

They should have good knowledge of newborn care, breastfeeding support, and postnatal recovery.

Additionally, they should have problem-solving skills to help families adapt to their new routine and manage potential issues like postpartum depression.

 

Do postpartum doulas need a degree?

A degree is not mandatory to become a postpartum doula, but certification from an accredited doula training program is often required.

Additionally, it is beneficial for postpartum doulas to have a background in nursing, social work, or childcare.

Further training in areas like lactation consulting or infant CPR can be advantageous.

 

What should you look for in a postpartum doula resume?

A postpartum doula’s resume should show certification from an accredited doula training program and any relevant experience in postnatal care.

It’s also important to look for additional qualifications, such as first aid or CPR certification.

You may want to see evidence of skills like empathy, patience, and excellent communication, which could be demonstrated through references or personal statements.

 

What qualities make a good postpartum doula?

A good postpartum doula is patient, empathetic, and supportive.

They should have excellent listening skills to understand the needs of the family they are assisting, and be adaptable to provide personalized care.

They should also be knowledgeable about postnatal care and able to provide accurate and reassuring information to new parents.

 

How does a postpartum doula support new mothers?

A postpartum doula provides emotional, physical, and informational support to new mothers.

They assist with newborn care, help with breastfeeding, provide information on infant development, and help the mother recover from childbirth.

They can also assist with light household tasks and provide referrals to professional resources if required.

Their primary goal is to help the family transition smoothly into their new life with a baby.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve shed some light on the profound role of a postpartum doula.

Surprise!

It’s not just about providing physical care.

It’s about nurturing the emotional health of new mothers, one moment at a time.

With our comprehensive postpartum doula job description template and real-world examples, you’re equipped to make a difference.

But why halt your journey here?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your key to crafting detailed listings or refining your professional profile to brilliance.

Remember:

Every moment spent nurturing a new mother is a part of a larger journey.

Let’s embark on that journey. Together.