Thy Joys of Postpartum Doula Support: Why We Love What We Do
Welcoming a baby into the world is not only a transformative experience - it’s also tender, raw, and often overwhelming. That’s where postpartum doulas come in. Our job isn’t just to change diapers or make snacks (though we do that too!) - it’s to hold space for families in one of the most vulnerable and sacred seasons of their lives.
Postpartum doula support is about more than just taking care of mundane tasks - it’s about being a comforting presence. It’s showing up, providing calm in the chaos, and helping parents feel seen, heard, and capable - gently guiding them through the fourth trimester with compassion and care.
As two doulas who adore this work, Sharlene and I wanted to share what keeps us coming back to it - what fills our cups, brings us joy, and reminds us how meaningful this calling really is.
I first met Sharlene, owner of Sounds of Life Doula Services, through a mutual doula friend. She thought Sharlene would be a great fit for my doula team - and she was not wrong! Not only does she already have a thriving business of her own, but she is a skilled postpartum doula with a heart of gold, a visible passion for this work, and she’s a valued member of my team.
Katie’s Perspective:
I became a postpartum doula because...
I’d have to say my love for moms and babies - and my own experience as a new mother - drew me to this role. I remember the newness, the uncertainty, the beauty, and the isolation I felt, even with a support system. The identity shift that came when I transitioned from young woman to mother confirmed that I was exactly where I was meant to be the night I worked my first postpartum shift. Doula work found me - I didn’t find it.
A moment I’ll never forget...
My very first night as a postpartum care provider. A very tired, first-time mother opened the door and invited me in. We sat on her couch, and she asked me - then a new mom myself to a 20-month-old - if she was nursing her baby “right.” In that moment, I felt like I had been called to be there. To be a comforting presence during such a vulnerable and sacred shift - from woman to mother. I’ve since become a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist and I carry that night with me always.
What surprises many people is...
That mothers need just as much care and attention during the postpartum period as the fragile newborns they bring into the world. They need a village that nurtures them - a village that understands how crucial it is to slow down, rest, and heal. They need someone to sit with them and say, “You’re doing a great job. What can I do right now to help you?”
One thing I didn’t expect was how healing this work would be for me. It allowed me to reflect on my own postpartum experience - to recognize the blessings of having support, but also to process feelings of shame about ending my breastfeeding journey sooner than I had planned. Becoming a doula helped me forgive my past self and embrace the truth that I was doing the best I could at the time - and that the decision I made was one of love and care for both myself and my baby.
To me, being a doula means...
Validating a mother’s emotions and experiences. Reminding her she’s doing a great job - even when she feels unsure. It’s offering the TLC she needs as she heals from the marathon that is birth. It’s sitting with her quietly as she processes her birth story. Being a doula means being present, open, honest, and non-judgmental. It’s walking alongside her with tenderness and care as she becomes the mother her baby already knows and loves.
Sharlene’s Perspective:
I became a doula because…
I was a doula long before I even knew what a doula was. I believe to do this kind of work, you’re born with this kind of passion! When I was just 8 years old, my half brother was born and I remember going over on the weekends and couldn’t wait to feed, change, and cuddle with him. Again when I was 16 and I had my first nephew, at that point I thought it was my own child! When I became pregnant myself, the way I felt, all I learned, how my family treated me and how I found out.. “It takes a village”.. I knew I wanted to be a shoulder to lean on for mothers and families.
A moment I’ll never forget…
Not moment, but moments… Every. Single. Time. My time comes to an end serving a family, the type of appreciation I have received, the words from the parents, and knowing I have truly made a difference, I have remembered every bittersweet goodbye.
What surprises many people is…
Surprisingly the statement/question I get the most is.. “I don’t know how you do it”. I am the most surprised, mildly offended at this. I want to say “How do I do this? How can I not? God gave me this overwhelming passion to serve mommas when they need the most help. This is a time that no matter if it is the first or fifth child, it is life changing, and every postpartum experience is different.”
To me, being a doula means…
Simply being. Being patient, being kind, being a shoulder to lean on, being available, being willing, being kind, being mindful, being helpful in all ways. I am absolutely in love with what I do. I get just as much back from my clients as I give. This is my calling and I am so eager to help families and care for babies for many many more years.
Welcoming a baby into the world is not only a transformative experience - it’s also tender, raw, and often overwhelming. Katie couldn’t have said it better!
Katie I do want to thank you for your part in my journey. For the community you have built and for allowing me to be a part of it.
Postpartum doula support is about more than just taking care of mundane tasks - it’s about being a comforting presence. It’s showing up, providing calm in the chaos, and helping parents feel seen, heard, and capable - gently guiding them through the fourth trimester with compassion and care.
As two doulas who adore this work, Sharlene and I wanted to share what keeps us coming back to it - what fills our cups, brings us joy, and reminds us how meaningful this calling really is.
I first met Sharlene, owner of Sounds of Life Doula Services, through a mutual doula friend. She thought Sharlene would be a great fit for my doula team - and she was not wrong! Not only does she already have a thriving business of her own, but she is a skilled postpartum doula with a heart of gold, a visible passion for this work, and she’s a valued member of my team.
Katie’s Perspective:
Why This Career Has Been Nothing Short of a Dream
I became a postpartum doula because...
I’d have to say my love for moms and babies - and my own experience as a new mother - drew me to this role. I remember the newness, the uncertainty, the beauty, and the isolation I felt, even with a support system. The identity shift that came when I transitioned from young woman to mother confirmed that I was exactly where I was meant to be the night I worked my first postpartum shift. Doula work found me - I didn’t find it.
A moment I’ll never forget...
My very first night as a postpartum care provider. A very tired, first-time mother opened the door and invited me in. We sat on her couch, and she asked me - then a new mom myself to a 20-month-old - if she was nursing her baby “right.” In that moment, I felt like I had been called to be there. To be a comforting presence during such a vulnerable and sacred shift - from woman to mother. I’ve since become a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist and I carry that night with me always.
What surprises many people is...
That mothers need just as much care and attention during the postpartum period as the fragile newborns they bring into the world. They need a village that nurtures them - a village that understands how crucial it is to slow down, rest, and heal. They need someone to sit with them and say, “You’re doing a great job. What can I do right now to help you?”
One thing I didn’t expect was how healing this work would be for me. It allowed me to reflect on my own postpartum experience - to recognize the blessings of having support, but also to process feelings of shame about ending my breastfeeding journey sooner than I had planned. Becoming a doula helped me forgive my past self and embrace the truth that I was doing the best I could at the time - and that the decision I made was one of love and care for both myself and my baby.
To me, being a doula means...
Validating a mother’s emotions and experiences. Reminding her she’s doing a great job - even when she feels unsure. It’s offering the TLC she needs as she heals from the marathon that is birth. It’s sitting with her quietly as she processes her birth story. Being a doula means being present, open, honest, and non-judgmental. It’s walking alongside her with tenderness and care as she becomes the mother her baby already knows and loves.
Sharlene’s Perspective:
Why This Career Has Been Nothing Short of a Dream
I became a doula because…
I was a doula long before I even knew what a doula was. I believe to do this kind of work, you’re born with this kind of passion! When I was just 8 years old, my half brother was born and I remember going over on the weekends and couldn’t wait to feed, change, and cuddle with him. Again when I was 16 and I had my first nephew, at that point I thought it was my own child! When I became pregnant myself, the way I felt, all I learned, how my family treated me and how I found out.. “It takes a village”.. I knew I wanted to be a shoulder to lean on for mothers and families.
A moment I’ll never forget…
Not moment, but moments… Every. Single. Time. My time comes to an end serving a family, the type of appreciation I have received, the words from the parents, and knowing I have truly made a difference, I have remembered every bittersweet goodbye.
What surprises many people is…
Surprisingly the statement/question I get the most is.. “I don’t know how you do it”. I am the most surprised, mildly offended at this. I want to say “How do I do this? How can I not? God gave me this overwhelming passion to serve mommas when they need the most help. This is a time that no matter if it is the first or fifth child, it is life changing, and every postpartum experience is different.”
To me, being a doula means…
Simply being. Being patient, being kind, being a shoulder to lean on, being available, being willing, being kind, being mindful, being helpful in all ways. I am absolutely in love with what I do. I get just as much back from my clients as I give. This is my calling and I am so eager to help families and care for babies for many many more years.
Welcoming a baby into the world is not only a transformative experience - it’s also tender, raw, and often overwhelming. Katie couldn’t have said it better!
Katie I do want to thank you for your part in my journey. For the community you have built and for allowing me to be a part of it.