Support for Birth, Postpartum & Beyond

Your birth support team may include an obstetrician, midwives, your partner, a friend – and potentially a doula. A doula offers more than a calming presence. We spoke to Rikki Lee from The Doula Pod and The Parenthood Society about what doulas really do and how they support mothers across every stage of the journey.

About Rikki

Rikki’s journey into birth work began with personal experience. After a premature birth at 28 weeks and a challenging postpartum period, she discovered the power of education and support through her second birth. It was this transformation – from feeling overwhelmed to empowered – that led her to become a doula.

“Every mother deserves a strong support system and the tools to navigate this transition with confidence.”

Understanding the Role of a Doula

A doula is a trained professional who offers physical, emotional and informational support during pregnancy, labour, and the postpartum period. Types of doulas include:

• Birth doulas: Support mums through pregnancy and labour with pain relief techniques and birth advocacy.
• Postpartum doulas: Assist with breastfeeding, newborn care and emotional support in the early weeks.
• Full-spectrum doulas: Offer guidance through fertility, loss, or other reproductive experiences.

Doulas focus on your wellbeing – they don’t offer medical care, but are by your side to ensure you feel heard, safe and supported.

Why Consider a Doula?

While many parents prepare for birth, they’re less prepared for the postpartum stage. That’s where a doula’s ongoing support can make a life-changing difference.

• Builds confidence in early weeks of motherhood
• Improves breastfeeding outcomes
• Reduces risk of postpartum depression
• Supports partners during the transition to parenthood

Many families say hiring a doula was the best investment they made in their postpartum experience.

Doulas vs Other Birth Workers

Unlike midwives or obstetricians, doulas don’t offer clinical care. Instead, they provide hands-on comfort, mental health support, and practical guidance throughout birth and postpartum – including overnight continuity of care when hospital staff change shifts.

Support During Pregnancy & Birth

Support begins in pregnancy through birth planning and education. During labour, doulas provide massage, breathing techniques, partner coaching and a calm presence to help you feel in control and empowered.

Postpartum & The Fourth Trimester

The fourth trimester can be overwhelming. Doulas help ease the transition by supporting your healing, offering newborn care, and ensuring mums prioritise their own recovery.

Postpartum Doulas Help With:

• Settling techniques and baby care
• Birth debriefing and emotional support
• Feeding support (including recommended tools from Bubka)
• Light household tasks to free up time for rest and bonding

Breastfeeding & Infant Care

Breastfeeding can be challenging. Doulas support with latch, positioning and emotional encouragement – and refer families to trusted lactation consultants for specialised care. The goal is to help you feel confident, supported, and equipped with the right tools for success.

Emotional Wellbeing in Motherhood

Postpartum can bring identity shifts, anxiety, or exhaustion. Doulas support mental health by:

• Creating space to talk and feel heard
• Reassuring mums and building self-trust
• Encouraging self-care strategies
• Referring to professional perinatal support when needed

Motherhood isn’t meant to be done alone. Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.

Choosing the Right Doula

Look for someone whose values align with yours. The right doula will make you feel heard, supported, and empowered – like a trusted guide through one of life’s biggest transitions.

To speak to Rikki or learn more, visit thedoulapod.com.au