A Day With Your Postpartum Doula

This is a little glimpse into what a day with postpartum doula support might look like. Every family - and every day - is different, so I meet you where you are and focus on what would feel most helpful that day.

I arrive around 9 a.m., wash my hands, and check in with you. How was the night? How is feeding going? How are you feeling? We mght talk through sleep, feeding, recovery, or anything else that’s been on your mind. Sometimes you need answers and guidance, and sometimes you just need someone who understands to listen and reassure you that what you’re experiencing is normal.

If you haven’t had a chance to eat yet, I can take the baby while you shower and get ready for the day. While baby is settled nearby, I’ll make you breakfast - maybe muffins and a smoothie - and get a load of laundry started or unload the dishwasher.

When baby is ready to eat, I can help with breastfeeding by offering support with positioning and latch, answering questions, and helping you recognize signs that feeding is going well. We may chat while you feed, or you might find yourself sharing your birth story and processing everything you’ve experienced over the past few weeks. I’m there for all of it.

While you and baby finish feeding, I can wash bottles and pump parts and get things ready for the next feeding. Then, if you’re ready for a nap, I’ll take over baby care so you can actually rest knowing your little one is being loved and cared for. While baby sleeps, I might fold laundry, straighten up the main living areas, or prepare a simple dinner for later - one less thing for you to think about at the end of the day.

Dad may have questions too, and I’m here for him as well. We can talk about how everyone is adjusting, ways he can support your recovery, and how to help an older sibling through the transition of having a new baby at home.

When baby gets fussy, I can show you different soothing techniques and help you learn your baby's cues. Later, while you are feeding again, I might make you a quick lunch. We could also use the time to go through newborn care together - maybe baby's first sponge bath, swaddling, diapering, or whatever you want to feel more confident doing.

When your 3 year old comes home from preschool, I can snuggle the baby so you and your partner can have some much needed one-onone time with your older child. Or I can play with your toddler for a bit so the two of you can slow down and enjoy some quiet time with your new baby.

And there are always questions! Which baby products are actually worth buying? Are there local mom groups nearby? Is this normal? What can make this stage a little easier? If I don't have the answer right away, I have a trusted list of postpartum and newborn resources I can turn to.

At the end of our time together, my hope is that things feel just a little lighter than when I arrived. Maybe the dishes are done, laundry is folded, dinner is ready, and baby is peacefully snuggled in your arms. But more importantly, you've had a chance to eat, shower, rest, ask questions, talk through what you're experiencing, and feel cared for too.

Because during those early postpartum days, you deserve someone looking after you while you're busy looking after everyone else.