Breast Milk Storage 101 - Safe handling of human milk

Breast milk handling and storage can be confusing. Follow these practical guidelines for safe handling of your expressed milk.

What kind of container should I use to store expressed breast milk?

Before expressing or handling breast milk, wash your hands with soap and water. 

Store expressed milk in a clean, capped glass or hard plastic container (long term storage).

You can also use special plastic bags designed for milk collection and storage. Keep in mind that breast milk storage bags aren't recommended for long-term storage; certain components of breast milk might adhere to the soft plastic bags during long-term breast milk storage, which could deprive your baby of essential nutrients.

Don't store breast milk in disposable bottle liners or plastic bags designed for general household use.


What's the best way to store expressed breast milk?

Using waterproof labels and ink, label each container with the date you expressed the breast milk. If you're storing expressed milk at your baby's child care facility, add your baby's name to the label. 

Place the containers in the back of the refrigerator or freezer, where the temperature is the coolest. If you don't have access to a refrigerator or freezer, store the milk in a cooler or insulated bag until you can transfer the milk to the refrigerator or freezer.

To minimize waste, fill individual containers with the amount of milk your baby will need for one feeding. You might start with 2 to 4 ounces, and then adjust as needed as your baby grows. Also consider storing some smaller portions — 1 to 2 ounces — for unexpected situations or delays in regular feedings. 

Breast milk expands as it freezes, so don't fill containers to the brim.


Can I add freshly expressed breast milk to already stored milk?

You can add freshly expressed breast milk to refrigerated or frozen milk you expressed earlier in the same day. Be sure to thoroughly cool the freshly expressed breast milk in the refrigerator or a cooler with ice packs before adding it to previously chilled or frozen milk. 

Don't add warm breast milk to frozen breast milk because it will cause the frozen milk to partially thaw.

Keep milk expressed on different days in separate containers.

How long does expressed breast milk keep?

In general, we recommend following the "rule of four's" for breast milk storage.  4 hours, 4 days, 4 weeks, 4 months.

Room temperature. Freshly expressed breast milk can be kept at room temperature for up to 3-4 hours. If you won't use the milk that quickly or the room is especially warm, transfer the milk to an insulated cooler, refrigerator or freezer.

Insulated cooler. Freshly expressed breast milk can be stored in an insulated cooler with ice packs for up to one day. Then use the milk or transfer the containers to the refrigerator or freezer.

Refrigerator. Freshly expressed breast milk can be stored in the back of the refrigerator — not the door — for up to 4-7  days.

Freezer. Freshly expressed breast milk can be stored in a standard refrigerator freezer for up to 3-4 weeks and in a chest/deep freezer for up to 4-6 months. Place the milk in the back of the freezer — not the door.

Keep in mind that storage guidelines might differ for preterm, sick or hospitalized infants.


How do I thaw frozen breast milk?

Thaw the oldest milk first. 

Place the frozen container in the refrigerator the night before you intend to use it. 

You can also gently warm the milk by placing it under warm running water or in a bowl of warm water. 

Before offering the milk to your baby, gently swirl it to evenly distribute the creamy portion of the milk that rises to the top of the container during storage. Don't vigorously shake the container or stir the milk.

Never thaw frozen breast milk at room temperature, which enables bacteria to multiply in the milk. 

Don't heat a frozen bottle in the microwave or very quickly on the stove. Some parts of the milk might be too hot, and others too cold. Some research suggests that rapid heating can affect the milk's antibodies as well.

Use thawed breast milk within 24 hours. Discard any remaining milk. Don't refreeze thawed or partially thawed breast milk.

Does thawed breast milk smell or look different from fresh breast milk?

The color and consistency of your breast milk might vary, depending on your diet. Also, thawed breast milk might appear different than freshly expressed milk. It's still safe to feed to your baby. If your baby refuses the thawed milk, it might help to shorten the storage time.

HAH Birth Story: Welcoming the Water Nymph

I think that everyone has a certain moment in time that is the destiny they have waited their lives to reach. For some, it's an Olympic dream, a goal, a particular destination - some tangible event that they have set their sights on and they work diligently to attain. Although I did not know it in advance, birthing my girl was that moment for me.

My entire life I knew that mothering would be my primary purpose. As a young girl I would stuff pillows under my shirt, bemoaning the burdens of pregnancy. As a teenager, I wore handmade maternity clothes and I could feel that beautiful, yet still elusive, round belly that I carried with my heart. When my friends hung images of rock idols Like Curt Cobain and Bono in their lockers, I had a cut out from a natural health magazine of a lovely goddess pregnant woman, adorn in flowing silk in a field of wildflowers. I waited patiently through my formative years for the day I too would carry a life inside my body.

My first two pregnancies were indeed planted by fate, but still I was waiting. Waiting unknowingly and still wandering patiently. My logical mind warned me that my family was complete. Babies cost money and time and energy. I was sure another child would overdraft me on all accounts. So when I realized I was pregnant with my third child, my heart skipped a beat. It didn't quite sink, but simply fluttered about with doubt and disbelief. How could I possibly create and care for yet another person? My husband threw up the moment he found out and although he did not know it, and probably didn't even mean it, his confidence and conviction that followed gave me strength to be courageous.

My pregnancy was taxing to say the least. Not physically, as I seem to be given a gift to carry my babies with the grace of the mother goddess herself. But emotionally I carried a burden that I was certain would crush my child and I together until there was nothing left but a few glowing embers and 2 forgotten souls. Still, everyday I woke up and every day that life inside of me prompted me to just keep going. Just keep moving forward, just keep breathing, just keep walking, and I promise you mama, we'll make it together. And I listened. Silent and sullen, still I carried on.

The "holiday season" which for us begins in September, approached and tasks of celebration occupied my mind. Pregnant and tired to my core I had to continue providing jubilant comforts to my two boys. I inhaled and breathed out birthday wishes. I threw together Halloween costumes, I roasted the turkey, I gave to the poor, I tended to family … and everyday I thanked God for the inspiration inside of me. Christmas grew closer and so did my due date. Although technically I was not "due" until January, everything told me to be ready as the year came to its close. My boys were born early and this baby would be as well. People warned me not to get my hopes up - I could go overdue. I sheepishly replied that I would be happy to get to the New Year. Inside I begged my baby to wait until after Santa came.

Around the solstice I felt my body getting ready. Contractions would interrupt my day and I would frantically wrap presents between them. Irrational I know, but I did not want my boys first memories of their sibling to be the one where he/she stole the glory of childhood Christmas magic. And it wasn't. We celebrated that holy Sunday with the usual extravagance as the typical bombardment of retail splendor was rained upon them. Not by me or Kris Kringle, of course - the kids know we are both far too frugal to engage in that insanity. But so are the woes of two small boys cursed with the fate of being the FIRST. The first children, the first grandchildren, the first nephews … the first and most important all around. Yes, Christmas past and I spent the next few days wading through the aftermath and cursing myself for my delay. Now how in the world would I ever get the house back in order enough to give birth?!

But each day passed and each contraction prompted me slowly to fluff up the fillers in my nest. My bathroom was, for all intents and purposes, immaculate! A simple victory in the grand scheme of things, but important none the less.

Wednesday night was my husband's last show of the season and a milestone we needed to surpass. So on that evening when the contractions started piling on top of one another, I sat back and drank a few sips of wine. When I tried to reach him on his cell phone but couldn't, I firmly told this baby to wait a little longer. Many things I may have thought of that man over the years, but in my heart I knew that birthing without him was simply not an option.  I went to bed and woke with the sun a little bit surprised that the baby listened.

Thursday morning I traveled to Kate's for what would be my last prenatal visit. I told her and Merle of all the activity and although excited and reassuring, they were slightly preoccupied. Another mom was in labor and so they already had an impending birth that day. Wait baby wait, just a little while longer. Such a good baby I had because it did listen. The day carried on without much excitement. I did some chores, checked and double checked my birth supplies, and I took an unusually long nap.

Around dinner time I started to feel some activity and haphazardly timed the contractions as I had for so many weeks before. 12 minutes … 10 minutes … 18 minutes … no big deal. So I continued with my obligations. I cooked, I did some laundry, I milled about. My husband stopped in to eat and I told him what was happening. He looked at me sideways with a half smile and asked "Is this it?" "It could be" I replied and continued with my business. The contractions had basically subsided and I assured him that it would be fine for him to continue the rest of the lessons he had scheduled for the evening.

I had one last project on my list of "things to do before baby comes". My friend Kristie in California had commissioned me to design a bag with the most wonderful Frida Khalo fabric. While he was gone I lovingly stitched the last seams and tied on the perfect beads for the zipper pull. At that, he walked in the door proclaiming his lessons cancelled (in fact he cancelled because he did not want to be away from me). I sat back, relaxed and proclaimed to myself, "I'm done. I finished everything. I can have a baby now."

Almost momentarily the contractions came back with more regularity. They did not hurt, not in the least, but they were building for certain. They skipped closer together with long breaks in between. I decided to call the midwives to give them a heads up. It was around 8:30 when I spoke to Merle. They were finishing up the birth of a baby boy and assured me they were ready if I needed them.

I decided to sit back in a bath and collect myself for the night ahead. I was relaxed and excited. The baby danced quietly in my belly and I relished that these would probably be the last moments we would have alone, together as one. My oldest son came home from an evening of ice skating with his uncle and was beaming from the possibilities. He didn't want to go to bed for fear that he might miss the birth. Dad assured him that we would wake him when the time came and tucked him in.

My indifference to the world at that time should have been a sure sign of things to come, but I was still caught up in the fact that this had gone on for weeks and could continue for some time to come. I got out of the tub and instead of reaching for a glorified patchwork dress that I painstakingly created (as I had envisioned myself birthing in), I pulled on a simple faded maternity dress that was comfortable and familiar. My husband buzzed about, asking me if I wanted him to steam clean the rugs and other such things. None of that really mattered anymore though. I had everything I needed. I was safe and warm and was ready for whatever the universe had to give me.

I called Tyler and assured her that things were slow and surely I would make it until morning when she got off of work. I was happy and patient. Kate called to check in around 11. They were home and ready to jump when I said go. I told her that although I was still having contractions, they were peaceful and I was going to sleep for a while. I crawled into bed and sunk into the comfort of my soft pillows. I snuggled up to my younger son and already began to apologize for the uneasiness I was about to unleash upon his little life. I fell asleep quickly and dreamed of trickling waterfalls and tall oak trees. The water nymph was knocking on the door to my heart and I silently, gracefully let her in.

Around 1 am I awoke to stronger and closer contractions. Still I felt no pain and into my mind came one simple verse … I WILL BIRTH IN PEACE … my mind sang and I held onto it as my mantra. I lit some candles and with each single flame I repeated it to myself reassuringly … I WILL BIRTH IN PEACE.

I called Kate and she quickly replied "Ok, we are on our way." I put on a cd and quietly swayed to the soft rhythms. My husband woke up and peered across the room. Little words needed to be spoken. He smiled brightly and told me he was going to try and catch just a little more sleep. The midwives arrived in the blink of an eye. It was a balmy night, not too bitterly cold with a hint of fog. I was thrilled to see them and felt protected, loved and secure. They set up their gear and chatted softly. They put on a pot of water to boil, which consequently set off the smoke alarm. Kate, being a woman of quick action, yanked it from the ceiling and continued with her business.

The waves began coming more quickly and soon I was breathing through each surge. I rocked on the birth ball and held tight to my mantra I WILL BIRTH IN PEACE. My husband came and rocked with me and held me as I surrendered in his strong knowing arms. We had done this before I assured myself, and surely we could make it through again, together. The contractions continued to rush over me and I made my way to the bathroom. I clung to the sink as one, two, three, four contractions slammed down on me. I felt doubt as I pondered the notion of continuing on for several more hours. It seemed that active labor had just begun. Surely birth could not be so close as to be able to reach out and touch it.

I stumbled back to the bedroom and dropped on my hands and knees as another one came. I rocked and moaned and with a burst my waters broke. In the light of the bathroom again I realized that it was dark and green and thick. I looked up at him with terror in my eyes. He tried to reassure me and I muttered "No. Meconium. Its not ok." At that Kate entered the room. She quickly, yet tenderly grabbed the Doppler and I felt such relief to hear the strong, solid blipblipblip of my baby's heartbeat. She reassured me that everything was ok and I remember specifically feeling such pride in her. How she had grown as a woman, a midwife and my friend since our last birth together 2 years earlier. Not an ounce of nervousness, not a single step missed. Kate went to scrub the green from the carpet and Merle came in to check on me. Unable to articulate, I simply nodded to the green. I was still scared and Merle gingerly looked into my eyes. "Is it ok?" I asked, almost not wanting to hear the answer. She smiled "yes. It's fine. The baby is right here. It's ok." and I believed her.

Kate stood up and announced, "If you son wants to be present for the birth we need to wake him NOW." and Dad went off to rouse him. I sat on the toilet and moaned and was afraid I might scare my little boy. He appeared in the doorway, half sleeping but glowing. I looked at him and gained courage from his certainty. His ear to ear grin was enough to know that I could do this.

Kate asked me to scoot forward off the toilet as the baby continued to descend. My husband came and sat behind me and held me up in a high squat. I leaned back into his might and surrendered. I WILL BIRTH IN PEACE. I yelled owowowowow and Kate took my hand. She locked eyes and gently commiserated. She affirmed my pain and it was nice to be acknowledged and supported. I felt the baby in the birth canal and pushed tentatively. The head emerged and I looked up to my oldest son, still beaming in the light. Everyone smiled as the baby turned to corkscrew its way down the passage. I pushed again, this time hard and strong. I pushed and out she slid, into loving hands.

I released my body back into dad's arms and he held me up as we all let out a collective sigh of joy. My baby was blue, but vibrant! Her cord was still short and Kate cradled her onto my belly. I gazed upon the round face and took the time to just relax and breathe. My son still stood proudly at the door, nearly bursting out if his skin. He grabbed the camera and took the first pictures of his new sibling.

Several minutes had passed and we didn't know if we had a boy baby or a girl baby, so my son came closer to make the announcement. Kate pulled back the blanket and much to my surprise … there was a YONI! Dad prompted son to check and he was excited to proclaim it was a girl. A BABY GIRL!

I made my way to the bed and pulled her close. She nuzzled at my breast but didn't latch on. She wasn't like her brothers in that regard. She was patient and gentle. I birthed the placenta and laid back with an energy buzzing through me. I had a girl baby! I watched her as she slowly made her transition to the earth side. She took her time and slowly unfolded her personality.

Everyone gathered around to examine her placenta home. Merle proudly held it up and Rachael came over to see it up close. It was brilliant and healthy. When the cord stopped pulsing, my son was ready to release her to the world. The cord was thick and rubbery and it took effort for his little hands to make the cut, yet he proudly proceeded. I laid with her by my side and soon she latched on tight for her first meal. I felt energetic and raw. This little tiny life was no longer mine, but all of ours. Before long I got up to shower and, petty as it may be, I felt ecstatic pride in my pearly clean bathroom! My bathtub! My home! My homebirth! A wondrous thing from such simple pleasures!

After I was cleaned up and cozy in my new flannel pjs, we came together once again to weigh her. A big girl she was - 8 lbs 1 oz. My tiny body had grown a healthy, hearty baby girl and birthed her without so much as a tiny tear. Everything was winding down and my younger son came stumbling into the room, blurry eyed and sleepy. He fell hopelessly into Rachael's arms (who was largely pregnant with her own baby girl) and looked up in confused horror when he realized it wasn't mama. Dad picked him up and carried him to me and we introduced him to his baby sister. He was disenchanted and unimpressed. He really just wanted to go back to bed. The midwives packed up and left as effortlessly as they had come. My family snuggled down together and went to sleep with smiles …

And so it was, the birth of my water nymph. A moment so simple and primitive, yet utterly complete. In that flash of time, that instance I had waited my entire life for, everything was perfect. My husband was with me holding me up. My first born son was smiling and full of love and admiration. My second born child was peaceful and serene. I was surrounded by a circle of loving, tender mother goddess women. I was strong and dazzling. And I had a daughter. A little girl to cherish and to teach all the wonders of the mother goddess ways. If only for that fleeting moment … I was whole … I was happy … I was blessed.

Write Your Birth Story!

  “Whenever and however you give birth, your experience will impact your emotions, your mind, your body, and your spirit for the rest of your life.”  Ina May Gaskin

As a woman who work with other women during all phases of the childbearing process, it becomes inevitable that I hear lots and lots of birth stories, from long time clients and stranger alike. Usually within 10 minutes of meeting me, most women who know my profession open up and start using words such as "vaginal" and "cervix" and bearing intimate details of the most intimate experience of their lives. And I don't even blink an eye. Why? Because words like that and situations like this have become quite commonplace in my world. And I love it. It is self evident through these experiences that women crave to be heard and understood on a deep and spiritual level. Motherhood as a whole has taught me that sharing stories is important and vital. I now realize that every mom has a story to tell, and if we allow a space for moms to tell their stories with openness and honesty, it greatly improves the outcome and circumstances for others.

Here’s the truth: Every. Single. Mother. on this big, glorious planet we share has a story. Some are serious. Some are embarrassing. Some are funny. Some are scary. Some are harmonious. Some are full of unpredictable twists and turns. Some went according to plan. Some were rude awakenings. But every woman has one. And every story matters.

And, here’s another truth: writing your story matters. Why? The act of putting your story into actual words can have a very therapeutic and cathartic effect on you. But, the benefits aren’t just for you. The following are reasons why you should write your birth story:

Write To Remember

Memories fade and especially so when sleepless nights and infant care are a part of your daily life. Taking the time to put your story into words as soon as possible will preserve details that your mind won’t recollect later. There's this funny thing that happens after we give birth: our minds selectively pick and choose details of the process to remember and usually its the smiles and the laughs and positive moments that stand out. I can almost promise, years from now, you won't remember the sensations of pain or the groans or the moans. (This is probably a self preservation mechanism to make sure we keep having babies!). Write it now. Write it soon. Write it before its gone.

Write To Educate

Every birth is different, but the more stories we hear, the more perspective we have and the more educated we are on what the possibilities of birth are. Tell your story not just for your own benefit, but for the benefit of others, so they can learn from your experience. I have come to realize just how important the stories we hear are, and how much impact and influence they can have over our lives. I’ve learned that if stories of c-sections are all a woman hears, she has a different perspective of birth than a woman who has been surrounded by women who believe in natural birth. Write to empower. Write to encourage. Write for diversity. Write so we can all understand each other better.

Write To Be A Gift

In writing our birth stories, these words are preserved for our children, their future spouse, our grandchildren and beyond. Maybe they'll appreciate it. Maybe they won't. Its there for them nonetheless. I know my children love to hear the accounts of when they were born. I think for most of us, hearing about how we entered the world gives us a sense of humanity, validation and grounding that is very palpable.

Write To Heal

Birth is a life-changing event in many ways. Regardless of how perfect or imperfect it was, reflecting on the experience gives you the ability to work through the events and emotions. Some will feel a great sense of empowerment from birth. Others will need time to work through negative emotions and memories of what happened. Writing a birth story allows a woman to organize her thoughts and gain a better perspective on her experience. It gives her the opportunity to release the story and heal.


So take a the time to write your birth story. Put away the inner critic, and write what comes out. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just needs to be honest and real and uniquely yours.

A Baby Moon Survival Guide – How to Make the Most of Your Postpartum Period

Making the transition from pregnancy to family is a time of immense joy, but it also comes with change and uncertainty. From the time the positive line shows up on the test, many women spend their energy preparing for the birth process – which is great. But the delicate nature of the postpartum time is often overlooked. This can lead to many families feeling overwhelmed and unprepared. Taking the time to plan for a peaceful Baby Moon allows mama and baby the space and time to bond and heal. This creates the most positive and healthy start for budding families.

• Plan to stay in bed for 7–10 days after the birth; the longer you rest now, the sooner you will

recover. The rest of the world can wait! Overdoing it after birth can lead to increased postpartum depression and anxiety, infection, breastfeeding problems and more. The very best way we can care for of our newborns is to ensure we are caring for ourselves. As tempting as it maybe to jump right in and conquer the world, allowing yourself the space to heal is imperative.


• Be sure to get good nutrition, plenty of fluids and adequate rest (sleep when the baby sleeps).

• Arrange for lots of help: hire a postpartum doula or baby nurse, ask your mother, father, mother-in-law, sister, brother, or friends to pitch in. Allow yourself to be cared for while you and your partner attend to the baby.

• Identify and ask for the things you need. Most of the people surrounding you are eager and willing to help out, but they can't read your mind. Be open and honest. Accept the kindness of others. Now is not a time to be humble but rather gracious. (Remember, you can always pay it forward later.)

• Accept and express both positive and negative feelings. Emotions are the threads that make up the fabric of human existence. We all have a range of feelings, and our negative thoughts do not make us bad people. Expressing these feelings is important; its much easier to process them and release them when we are not afraid of them.

• Talk with your partner about the changes you are both going through. This is a journey you are traveling together.

• Ease into new routines—let the baby lead the way. Trying to force a newborn into an adult schedule from birth can be frustrating at best, and dangerous at worst. Allow your family ample time to grow and adjust to your new life together. There is no rush. You are all learning together. That takes time and patience.

• Keep expectations realistic: newborns “only” sleep, eat, and poop, but they do it every

hour; it takes more time and energy than most people realize.

• Take time for yourself: a warm bath, a nature walk, a good book, meditation, listening

to music, talking with a friend—whatever you find rejuvenating. The more you nurture yourself, the more of yourself you'll have available to care for your newborn.

• Give yourself credit; mothering is a difficult job, and it takes time to find your rhythm. Mindfully acknowledge the progress you make, the milestones you conquer, the little victories of everyday life. Ignore mommy war propaganda, follow your instinct and listen to your heart. No one knows your family and your baby better than you. Trust yourself.

• Hook up with both new and experienced parents for support, guidance, and feedback. Parenting groups, Baby and Me exercise classes and La Leche League are all good places to find other new moms with similar interests.

• Where possible, postpone other major life changes, like moving or changing jobs.

Why hire a Postpartum Doula?

“Postpartum Doulas are the best thing since … sliced bread, ice cream, velcro, you name it. They are the angels who sweep into your home when you’re bleary-eyed, sleep deprived and need someone to talk to when you’re home from the hospital trying to figure it all out.”

A Birth Doula is an important member of the support team during labor and birth, but do you know the value and benefits offered by Postpartum Doula services? Moms who use Postpartum Doulas insist they are more than worth the money.

A Postpartum Doula will provide non-medical support for educational, emotional and practical needs following childbirth or adoption, in your home. This professional (typically a woman) is a non-judgmental support person, and services can include the following as needed: care for mother’s postpartum body; assistance with breastfeeding; newborn care (diapering, bathing, etc); infant massage techniques; assistance with siblings; support for mother’s normal adjustment to the parenting process; running errands, meal planning, cooking and dishwashing; doing laundry, emptying trash and other light housework. The Postpartum Doula assists with transitions that accompany a newborn being welcomed into a family, and she works beside the family to foster confidence and knowledge during that special time. Each family must make informed decisions based on what works best for them, and the Postpartum Doula is there to support those family decisions in the process.

Here are some of the many important ways a Postpartum Doula can help:

1.  A Variety of Services

The role of a Postpartum Doula is multi-dimensional. She comes to your home and works where she is needed, according to your needs and the needs of your new family. Not only can she provide direct support for the new mom and family on topics such as breastfeeding, newborn care and babywearing, she can also tend to light housework, meal planning and other daily chores while the new parents get precious bonding time with their baby. She’s flexible and compassionate; she knows when to jump in and when to back away.

2. Mothering the New Mom

After a baby is born, the focus of everyone around often shifts to the baby, which can leave the new mom feeling lonely or unsupported. A Postpartum Doula can help "mother the new mom" by ensuring she is well fed and hydrated, and can be on hand to help fetch needed supplies or run interference if the new mom needs to rest.  She provides emotional support, a tender touch and a listening ear as a women navigates this completely new experience.  She can provide guidance when mom has questions or concerns about her ever changing body, offering insights about what is normal and to be expected.

"I honor birth stories, I shoulder anger, I dissolve guilt and fear. I do not judge and I do not try to do things my way. I teach, but I don’t give advice unless asked. I am a humble servant, I am a secret keeper, I am a baby burper. I am a mother to the mother."  Jen Rognerud

3.  Breastfeeding Support

If you don’t have a lactation consultant, having a Postpartum Doula in the early days can be extremely valuable. A Postpartum Doula knows basic information on breastfeeding, to guide mothers through the challenges. She also has referrals to other professionals who can help with problem solving beyond her practical knowledge.  It is important to get breastfeeding off to a good start just after the baby is born. It is important to address questions as early as possible, and the Postpartum Doula is there to support the family during this process. She can help with feeding charts if the pediatrician needs to see progress, as well as give instructions for nipple shields, positioning, latching and breast pumps.  She can also give nutritional suggestions to increase milk supply. She can help mother rest and have adequate time with her baby to not feel rushed.

4.  Emotional Support
Postpartum Doulas can serve as a sounding board for the new mother and can really help her work through her thoughts and feelings during the early weeks with a new little one. Statistics show that Postpartum Doulas help reduce the risk of postpartum depression.  When a mother feels supported, understood and cared for, it provides her the best opportunity to thrive in her new role.

5.  Overnight Care
Sleep.  Sweet, precious, glorious sleep. Unfortunately you can’t bank sleep and use it for when you really need it (wouldn’t that be nice!?) But the good news - you can have a Postpartum Doula step in when you really need it, and for a lot of people that is at night.  When parents are completely run down and overtired, the whole world seems more overwhelming.  A Postpartum Doula can provide night time care for baby to allow parents a full nights rest.


5.  Doulas and Extended Family Members

Do you need a Doula if you have lots of family nearby?  The answer probably depends on your family and the level of support and care they offer you.  Not everyone has a mother they can trust to come over, pitch in and help out—without the added commentary on how she’d do it differently if she were you. One of the things new parents most appreciate about Doulas is the complete lack of pretense; the Doula is there to help you and support you, not to change your views or parenting style and impose her own system of ethics. Because your Doula doesn’t have an emotional investment in the way you desire to parent your newborn, she is a help to the process, rather than a hurdle.

However, Doulas are not just for women with especially vocal mothers and mothers-in-law! Perhaps you would rather let mom do the fun grandma things like helping to entertain your visitors and taking care of older siblings, and then allow your Doula to handle the mundane chores and basic operations of a household. Doulas don’t usurp the role of family members in supporting a mother at this special time, rather they are advocates, making sure mom’s needs get handled in the midst of the new baby chaos. Said one doula, “The best thing I can do is to be quietly present. To take care of “things”, while mom is learning her new role.”

6.  Babywearing Support

Today's baby carrier market has skyrocketed since days of old and the choices can be stagger.  Your Postpartum Doula can help you navigate these choices, choose the carrier that is right for your family, discuss the important benefits of babywearing and train you in the different techniques used with today's popular carriers.



Both a birth doula and a postpartum doula are worth their weight in gold, and the support they provide is unlike any you’ll find anywhere else. If you’ve chosen to hire one, know that it’s money well spent so you can recover from birth and get to know your baby in peace and solitude.

Harmony at Home offers Postpartum Doula services in the greater Philadelphia area.  

Visit www.harmonyathome.net  for more information.