Published June 24, 2025
Certified Doula, Tayler Morrison, explains the role of a doula in supporting a mother’s mental health.
Mental Health is Health
Mental health through your pregnancy and postpartum journeys is crucial. While a doula is not a licensed healthcare professional or therapist, they are able to offer support and advice in your most crucial times of need. Pregnancy can be the most challenging yet beautiful thing you do, and with that can come many emotions along the way. A doula can help guide you through these emotions in pregnancy in many ways. Every woman will have different thoughts and feelings, and being able to work through them in their own way can be helpful.
Education and Support
Throughout pregnancy, your doula will be providing you with education and support relating to your pregnancy and upcoming birth. Having a doula’s support is extremely important in that aspect, as well as supporting you mentally and emotionally. It may be as simple as having someone to relate to throughout your pregnancy. A doula can also help you overcome fears and anxieties by offering evidence-based information and resources. If you feel you need help from
a therapist or professional, many doulas can also give you referrals to finding someone to fit your needs. Having the correct support, education, and resources can truly help you become set up mentally and emotionally for when you welcome your new little one to the world.
Postpartum
Postpartum can be a breeze for some, and for others, it can be more challenging. Every mother, whether it is your first baby or your sixth, will have a different postpartum journey. Having your doula support you at this time can be important. Your body just did a tremendous job bringing your little one to earthside, and it continues to rapidly change as your hormones fluctuate as well as change if you are breastfeeding. Whether it be discussing your birth, learning newborn care, breastfeeding support, etc., a doula can help support you. There are many
postpartum doulas that specialize in helping mothers in their homes as well. Some doulas may come to support you throughout the night to get better sleep or support you during the day with help around the home. They can also refer you to other specialists if you feel you need more support, such as newborn care specialists, lactation consultants, therapists, nannies, etc. Having
a doula help just for a day may change your journey and reduce the stressors or anxieties you may have.
Story by Tayler Morrison for BlueWaterParent.com
All content of BlueWaterParent.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
