What to expect for a postpartum doula shift
Most people have worked with birth doulas or at least understand what their role is in your family. They know that a birth doula supports you through pregnancy, labor and the birth of your baby. Postpartum doulas are a little less commonly known about and understandably many people don’t know how they can support you as your family grows.
Postpartum support can begin in pregnancy, like a birth doula, or after birth. In pregnancy, a postpartum doula usually assists with setting up your home for a newborn with things like organizing, cleaning and cooking. After birth, support can look similar but there is a lot more hands on help that a doula can provide including baby wearing and breastfeeding support.
Each shift will be different based on your individual needs. At the beginning of the shift we will sit down to talk about how things are going, how your feeling and how your baby is doing. We will set goals for the day and discuss your top priorities for baby care, household management and postpartum healing. This is a great time to discuss any specific concerns or needs you have for that day. Each shift will last about 3 or 4 hours so that I can do as much as possible for you.
Example #1 - 8am-12am
While you rest or shower and get ready for the day, I can feed your baby a bottle or put them to sleep for a nap. Then, I can get started on cooking you lunch or dinner and preparing you a snack for your next feeding session.
While the food is cooking, I can clean the kitchen and begin picking up the house. When your baby wakes up, you can feed your baby. I can strip the sheets on your bed, start a load of laundry and remake the bed. We can then go over some baby wearing basics and try out different carriers together.
Before I leave, I will make sure there isn’t anything else I need to help you with. I’ll finish whatever I was cooking & leave heating instructions for you or your partner when they get home.
Example #2 - 3pm-7pm
While you feed your baby and your toddler finishes their nap, I’ll begin picking up the house, stripping your bed and starting your laundry. I’ll remake the bed and wipe down the bathrooms.
When it is time for your toddler to wake up, I’ll take the baby to soothe or put to sleep. and then begin dinner for your family. While the food is cooking, I’ll clean up the kitchen and set the table. While your family eats I’ll tend to the baby so you can spend some time one on one with your toddler and if possible, prepare and herbal bath for you to relax in after you eat.
To close out our time together, I’ll walk you through an evening postpartum belly massage routine that you can practice before bed. Before I leave, I’ll make sure the kitchen is clean and ready for the day tomorrow.
I do my best to support each family member individually and collectively so that you have the best care during your postpartum period. Below I’ve compiled a complete list of services. You can also click here to go directly to my services page or here to view my packages.
Postpartum Services
Help you process and record your birth story
Support your physical recovery from birth
Provide companionship throughout the fourth trimester
Plan and prepare healing meals & snacks
Perform light housework and cleaning
Care for your children to allow you to rest
Provide breastfeeding and bottle feeding support
Help you identify your newborn’s cues
Provide you with support and education on newborn care
Attend appointments with you and run errands for you
Book a virtual support session today!