What Is a Postpartum Doula (And Do I Really Need One)?
You’ve spent months preparing for the birth. The nursery is ready, the hospital bag is packed, and you’ve read (some of) the books. But then baby arrives — and suddenly you’re healing, feeding every two hours, barely sleeping, and wondering how you’re supposed to take care of a newborn and yourself.
This is where a postpartum doula comes in.
What Is a Postpartum Doula? Well, she's not a nanny, not a housekeeper, and not a nurse. Instead, she's a trained professional who who supports your recovery, your emotional wellbeing, while providing hands-on support during the early weeks and months after birth. Her role is to care for you as much as they care for your baby.
What a Postpartum Doula Can Help With:
Newborn care support — from diapering and bathing to soothing techniques.
Infant feeding support — whether you’re breastfeeding, pumping, or combo feeding.
Emotional support — a safe space to talk, process your birth, and feel seen.
Light household tasks — like baby laundry, bottle washing, or meal prep.
Overnight care — so you can get minimally interrupted sleep while someone you trust tends to baby.
Why It Matters: Most new parents are sent home from the hospital with a newborn and zero hands-on support. And while family and friends often want to help, they don’t always know how - or their version of “help” can sometimes add more stress.
A postpartum doula offers experienced, compassionate care without judgment or pressure. She’s there to hold the baby so you can shower, help you navigate feeding questions, or simply sit with you through the overwhelm and say, “You’re doing great.”
What Makes Bellies-2-Babies Different?
At Bellies-2-Babies, we have a trusted team of certified doulas who provide daytime and overnight postpartum doula care in Lakeland, Winter Haven, and throughout Polk County. Because we’re an agency, you’re matched with a doula that fits your needs and personality - and if your primary doula becomes unavailable (illness, emergency, etc.), you’re not left scrambling, we have trusted backup ready to step in seamlessly.
Want to Learn More?
We offer a free 30-minute discovery call so you can talk through your questions and explore whether postpartum doula support is right for you.
P.S. Did you know that many insurance companies (and even some HSAs and FSAs) now offer maternity benefits that reimburse up to 100% of postpartum doula care? It’s worth checking with your provider—you might already have this support available to you.
We recommend booking your postpartum support before baby arrives, so we can reserve your spot on our schedule and ensure a smooth transition into life at home.
👉 Have questions or ready to plan ahead? connect@bellies-2-babies.com
We’d love to support you.
Janet Farmer is a seasoned birth professional with over 30 years of experience as a Certified Birth Doula, Childbirth Educator, and Doula Trainer. She is the owner of Bellies-2-Babies Doula Agency and the founder of The Doulas’ Mentor. Janet is passionate about supporting families through the journey into parenthood, as well as training and guiding new and aspiring Birth Doulas in building thriving, sustainable businesses. When she's not teaching Birth Classes, attending a birth or mentoring Doulas, Janet enjoys slow mornings with coffee on the porch, spending time with her hubby, adult children and 11 grandchildren, and beach time.
