The Role of Postpartum Doulas in Lactation Support

Many new parents find lactation – the body process that produces and secretes milk – complex and sometimes mystifying. Breastfeeding (the act of feeding a baby at the breast and also called chestfeeding or bodyfeeding) can leave parents feeling surprised, joyful, unhappy, and/or exhausted.  While many parents choose to breastfeed  their babies and have no trouble, some may choose to not breastfeed or may experience unexpected hiccups.  Regardless of a parent’s breastfeeding journey, postpartum doulas help along the way. 

Breastfeeding Support in Your Home

Postpartum doulas have comprehensive training in the fundamentals of lactation and breastfeeding. This training prepares us to support successfully breastfeeding parents who may just need an extra pair of hands for ease and comfort. We are there to pass or prop a pillow, bring a snack or water, wake a sleepy baby with a diaper change or tickle, coax a burp between sides, and such. If you’re a parent who feels “nap trapped” after every feed, your postpartum doula can help free you from the glider!

Our training also prepares us to deal with typical breastfeeding challenges. Many common issues – such as nipple soreness, engorgement, and fears about milk supply – are well within a postpartum doula’s training and expertise. Supporting positioning to alleviate latch pain, offering tips for management of early lactation, translating a baby’s hunger and fullness cues – these are also core parts of our role.  

Many parents need to pump or combination feed (use both their own/donor milk and formula). When breastfeeding includes pumping and bottle-feeding pumped milk in the same session (commonly called “triple feeding”), postpartum doulas provide an extra set of hands to wash and sanitize bottles and pumping equipment. We also have experience and evidence-based tips for milk storage and use, how and when to introduce bottles, and changes you can expect  as your baby grows and develops.                  

Postpartum Doulas & Advanced Breastfeeding Training

Some postpartum doulas have additional qualifications, such as “Certified Lactation Counselor” or “Breastfeeding Specialist.” Alongside basic lactation and breastfeeding knowledge required to certify as a postpartum doula, these doulas have extra and focused training. This certification is renewed every few years, with lots of continuing education in between! Families experiencing newborn birth injury, oral restrictions (such as a tongue tie or lip tie), low (or perceived low) milk supply, or other less typical issues can benefit from postpartum doula support that includes this advanced lactation knowledge. 

One of the many benefits of a postpartum doula, in general and as an agency, is our own network of supportive peers across the Washington, DC metro area. When appropriate, we work closely with other lactation providers, such as International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) or bodywork specialists, such infant chiropractors and massage therapists, to help parents through more complex – and often clinical – problems that are outside our scope of practice. Having a list of referrals at the ready ensures the best care for the parents we serve.  

At Metropolitan Doulas, all our postpartum doulas have the fundamentals, while some have the extras. At every level, our team is committed to professional and personalized lactation and breastfeeding support that meets our clients where they are and centers their long-term goals. If you are seeking care, contact us to learn more about how we can support your unique breastfeeding journey.