A Day in the Life of a Postpartum Doula: What a Daytime Shift Looks Like
As a postpartum doula, my role is all about supporting new families during the transitional period after childbirth. Daytime shifts typically start at 4 hours, but they can be extended depending on the needs of the family. Every family is different, so each shift can vary in its tasks and focus. Some days, I’m helping with newborn care; other days, it’s about supporting a new mom/parent with self-care, sibling or pet care, or just lending a compassionate ear to help ease the transition into parenthood.
Here's a glimpse of what a typical 4-hour shift might look like:
Hour 1: Caring for Baby and Morning Routine
The first thing I do when I arrive is connect with the family to see how everyone is doing and check in on any immediate needs. Often, my first task is assisting with baby care, which could involve anything from changing a diaper to feeding. For a newborn, this might be a feed, a burping session, and some gentle soothing, especially if the baby is a bit fussy. I check in with the parents about how the baby has been since the last shift to ensure we’re on the same page with any ongoing concerns or milestones.
In this hour, I may also help mom by setting up a comfortable spot to rest or support her as she feeds the baby. Whether it’s breastfeeding or bottle feeding, I offer guidance to make the process easier for mom and baby.
Hour 2: Sibling and Pet Care
After caring for the baby, I might shift focus to older siblings or pets. This part of the day can vary greatly depending on the family’s needs. I might take time to play with siblings, help with a snack, or even read a story to help them feel loved and supported while the parents are focused on the baby. Or I might help run an errand such as returning packages or going grocery shopping for the family.
If the family has pets, I’ll often help with pet care—whether it's taking the dog for a walk or giving the cat a little attention. This helps ensure that the family’s pets are feeling loved and not neglected while everyone adjusts to the new family dynamics. I have two dogs myself, so you know that your pets are in good hands.
Hour 3: Household Support
Next, I take a load off the parents’ shoulders by diving into household tasks. For example, I might help with light cleaning, like dishes or tidying up. If there’s time, I may take a closer look at the laundry pile, particularly the baby’s clothes, which seem to multiply overnight! This is all about making the parents’ life a little easier so they can focus on recovery, bonding with baby, or catching a much-needed nap.
During this time, I might also prepare lunch for the new parents. This could be a quick, healthy meal to give them some energy while they are caring for their newborn. I make sure it’s something nourishing and healthy—perhaps a salad with protein or a warm soup—along with some hydration.
Hour 4: Newborn Development Chat and Final Support
As we approach the end of the shift, there’s usually time for a conversation about newborn development. This is a time where I can offer guidance or answer any questions parents might have about the baby’s feeding, sleeping patterns, or developmental milestones. Whether it’s discussing the importance of tummy time, the difference between colic and regular baby fussiness, or offering some tips on calming techniques, I’m here to support the parents in any way I can.
Sometimes, this part of the day is also when I check in with the parents to make sure they are taking care of themselves, too. It could mean helping them set up time for self-care, reminding them to drink water, or giving them some emotional support as they navigate the ups and downs of new parenthood.
Final Thoughts
While the day-to-day tasks I perform can vary, the most important part of every shift is the emotional and physical support I provide. Families often need a helping hand, but just as importantly, they need someone to listen and validate their experiences. Whether it’s giving practical advice on how to manage a newborn's sleep schedule or simply providing a listening ear when the new parents are feeling overwhelmed, I’m there to support in whatever way works best for that particular family.
As a postpartum doula, my goal is to ensure that parents feel empowered and supported as they navigate this beautiful yet challenging phase of life. Whether it’s a short 4-hour shift or a longer day, I’m there to provide assistance that is tailored to the unique needs of each family every step of the way.
PS: I offer support to all families - LGBTQ+ families, foster families, adoptive families, and families with kids beyond the newborn stage that still need support transitioning into parenthood.
