What does a typical daytime postpartum doula shift look like? 

I arrive at your home at the requested time (typically around 9 am). After washing my hands and taking over with baby to relieve mom, I sit on the couch holding baby and spend a few minutes talking with parents about how things are going and what their goals and needs are for the day. We talk about feeding, sleeping, mom’s postpartum recovery and how she is feeling, discussing what is normal and what is not. I provide evidence based information to answer parents’ questions. I find out that mom has not had anything to eat yet, and baby is settled for the moment so I put her down in the bassinet and prepare a quick breakfast for mom while she takes a shower. I have muffins and a smoothie waiting on her when she gets out of the shower. 

I start a load of laundry and unload the dishwasher, and about that time baby is beginning to stir and is ready for a feeding. After a diaper change I bring baby to mom and assist her with latching and offer some tips on positioning and signs that baby is transferring milk. I answer mom’s questions and concerns about breastfeeding, and listen as she processes her birth story. While mom and baby are finishing up feeding, I sterilize bottle and breast pump parts so they will be clean and ready if needed. 

After feeding, mom is tired and wants to go lay down for a nap, and I care for baby while she rests. I change baby’s diaper and get her settled to sleep in the bassinet. I fold a load of laundry and straighten up the main living area. I then begin prepping dinner for that night so all the parents will have to do is pop a casserole in the oven. As I am working in the kitchen, dad comes in and we chat about how the transition is going and I offer some ideas for ways he can support mom in the postpartum period and help their other child adjust.

About that time baby wakes up fussy, so I demonstrate some techniques to calm and soothe a fussy baby. Mom is awake now and I fix them a quick lunch while mom is breastfeeding. After lunch, I show the parents how to give a newborn sponge bath. Shortly after, dad picks up their 3 year old son from preschool and I take over with baby for awhile so the parents can spend some one on one time with their toddler. Then I play with the 3 year old for awhile to give mom and dad some time with the baby. Mom asks for recommendations for local mom support groups and baby products, and I provide her with recommendations from my postpartum resource list.

My shift is coming to an end, and I leave the house neat and orderly. Dishes are clean and put away, laundry is clean and folded, and dinner is ready to go in the oven. Baby is swaddled and calm in mom’s arms. Mom looks happy and peaceful… she is rested, showered, well-fed, her needs have been met, she has been listenened to, validated and supported. 

I hope this gives you an idea of what a typical work day looks like for me, and that it helps you picture what this would look like for your family!