newborn baby being greeted by older siblings

Who Hires Postpartum Doulas?

As awareness of postpartum doula support grows, many people ask us what type of family hires a postpartum doula. They often ask "Who hires postpartum doulas?" Here are just a few examples of who hires postpartum doulas:

First-time parents.

When bringing your first baby home, everything is new! Feeding, sleeping, diapering, washing, doctors ... it's enough to make even the most level-headed people feel slightly batty. Add in a lack of sleep and now you're completely overwhelmed!

New parents without a local network of family or friends.

The Tampa Bay area is a great community that attracts mobile families for professional and military advancement. It also attracts those drawn to our tropical location. Living so close to the beach offers lots of amenities. However, your friends and family may be many states (or even countries) away. While your parents may make a trip for a baby's birth, many aren't able to stay as long as needed for you to have a complete postpartum recovery. In such cases, families often explore who hires postpartum doulas.

New parents who have a demanding career.

Returning to work can feel overwhelming. Whether you are an entrepreneur, a business owner or professional, you may or may not have a generous family-leave package. Regardless, the necessity of caring for your growing family will weigh on you. This is in addition to outreach from your employees, boss or clients. Many in such positions will hire postpartum doulas to help balance these demands.

Families with an older child or children at home.

Figuring out logistics like nap schedules, bedtime, playdates, school drop-offs and all of the other myriad of responsibilities are hard enough. Adding in your newborn and his/her needs - pediatrician visits, breastfeeding, avoiding too much time in the car - can present a significant challenge.

Families with a baby in the NICU.

When a newborn requires a short - or extended - stay in the NICU, figuring out how to be at home and in the hospital may be very frustrating for you, in addition to the scariness of dealing with your baby's medical needs. The NICU can be an overwhelming and exhausting place.

Maybe your new family has a little of everything going on, or maybe your needs are totally different. No matter why you need support, we're here to offer it. Read more about what kind of support a postpartum doula offers. Transitioning into parenthood is never easy. Therefore, knowing who hires postpartum doulas (and whether that might be YOU!) might be your first step towards feeling more secure and supported. And no, you don’t need to be struggling with postpartum depression to benefit from postpartum doula support.

Need tips on how to hire a doula in Tampa Bay? Check out our helpful guide here.

And here is one Mom's story: Leah Remini on Why She Hired a Doula

Christie Rinder Founder Buddha Belly Doulas

Christie Rinder is the founder of Buddha Belly Doulas, Tampa Bay's original and largest doula agency. Supporting families since 2009, she's passionate about ensuring every family has the support they need during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. She believes in helping women recognize their own inner wisdom, strength and power.

Having served as President of the Tampa Bay Birth Network for six years and 17 years serving families as a doula and agency owner, she has a reputation for leadership, dedication and compassion. A childbirth educator, certified lactation counselor as well as a certified doula, she makes a point of ensuring mothers and their partners understand all their birthing options and what to expect on their journey. > learn more about Christie