General Resources for Postpartum Doula Work

Recommended read (ideally now, before beginning work as a postpartum doula):

Pascali-Bonaro, D., Arnold, J., & Ringel, M. (2014). Nurturing beginnings: guide to postpartum care for doulas and community outreach workers.

and/or a shorter less comprehensive book on Postpartum Doula work:

Kelleher, Jacqueline, (2002) Nurture the Family

About the Newborn

Two short videos about newborn behaviors. These videos are great for new parents because they offer many visuals of newborn behavior, within a variety of families.

Newborn cues.

What Your Baby is Telling You

Baby Play is fun and leads to the near future as baby is 1-4 months old.

Baby Play 0-3 Months

Holding Baby

These articles describe, through science based research, the importance of contact and touch on a baby's development and overall wellness.
There is No Thing such as Holding a Baby Too Much
Baby Wearing

A Newborn's First Hour
The value of skin-to-skin in the beginning of a newborn's life is explored in this World Health Organization video.

The Newborn Crawl video

Montessori's Respect for a Newborn's Unfolding

These illustrate the various ways to offer simple learning experiences for the very youngest child

Montessori Approach and Your Newborn

Montessori and Your Two-Month Old

Self-care
This article is about the importance of alone time for the caregiving parent of the newborn.
Alone time for the caregiving parent of the newborn.

Breast Feeding

Here are some resources for parents choosing to breastfeed

Snacks for the Breast Feeding Moms
Difficulties with Breast Feeding

Dr Jack Newman's Visual Guide to Breastfeeding

This is a go to visual, for any weary parent struggling with breast feeding and soothing a fussy newborn. Print it out and post it by their nursing chair!

Here are more ways to support families through simple handouts on Breastfeeding
Ten Myths About Breastfeeding
Postpartum Doula for Breastfeeding Help

Here is a study on Breastfeeding and the benefits of hands on support while learning:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26644419/

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders in Families During the Pandemic

Postpartum Depression During the Pandemic