The 411

A Birth Doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, possible, and informational support to a mother during childbirth to help her achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible. 

Birthing Doulas are on call from two weeks before until two weeks after the baby's estimated due date and available for 24-hour telephone, text, and e-mail support during this time.  

Postpartum doulas have a different role -- they enter the picture after a woman has already delivered her baby, and they can stay for any length of time, from a few hours here or there during the first week to every day for three months or more. 

Postpartum depression affects as many as one in four mothers in North America. It's often confused with the "baby blues"—the emotional lows that come with the massive hormonal changes taking place in your body during and after pregnancy, leaving you exhausted, miserable, weepy, and irritable. However, with the lows of new motherhood also come highs to balance sleepless nights, baby weight, fear, and sore breasts. 

However, the symptoms of postpartum depression are more intense and impactful than the "baby blues," occurring over a long period and often hindering your ability to care for your baby and yourself. 

Any mom who'd like a little extra help after giving birth could benefit from a postpartum doula. Still, their services are especially good for first-time parents, parents expecting multiples, moms who had a complicated delivery, parents of colicky babies, or anyone who had a problematic previous experience.