Community Care Through Birth and Postpartum Doula Work

One of the greatest honors of my work as a birth and postpartum doula is walking alongside families as they welcome new life. Each family I serve teaches me something new, and often, they also teach me about generosity. As babies grow and needs change, parents will often hand me items they no longer need—diapers in the next size up, swaddles that weren’t a good fit, bottles, blankets, toys, even postpartum recovery items that went unused.

What may seem like small hand-me-downs in one home can make a huge difference in another. I take these donations and bring them into my community, often sharing them with local high schools that support teen moms here in our county. This small act of redistributing care has become one of the most meaningful parts of my work.

While essentials like diapers, wipes, and bottles are incredibly important, my favorite things to pass along are the soft, pampering items—robes, slippers, and pajamas. These might not seem like “needs,” but they hold a special kind of value. Every new mother deserves to feel comforted and cared for in postpartum, regardless of age or circumstance. For many of the teen moms I meet, these cozy comforts simply aren’t available to them. To be able to hand a young mom a robe or pair of slippers, knowing it will make her feel just a little softer and more supported, feels like giving a small piece of dignity and care.

This is why I believe birth and postpartum doulas bring value to the entire community, not only to the families who hire us. Even if someone never works with a doula one-on-one, they can still benefit from the ripples of our presence—whether it’s through education, advocacy, or simply acts of care like redistributing resources. Doulas are connectors, givers, and advocates for better maternal outcomes. We want every birthing person to feel supported, seen, and cared for, no matter their circumstances.

My hope is that more people can come to see doulas not just as private support, but as community partners. Because when families are cared for, our whole community thrives.