Here’s How You Set Your Postpartum Doula Up for Success

Hiring a postpartum doula is one of the best decisions you can make as a new parent—but even the most experienced doula can only do her best work when she's set up for success. Whether you’re preparing for your first baby or already in the fourth trimester, these tips will help you build a strong, supportive relationship with your doula and get the most out of her care.

1. Show Her Around (Ideally Before Baby Arrives)

Before your baby is even born, it’s incredibly helpful to invite your doula over to get familiar with your space. Show her where things are: bottles, burp cloths, swaddles, diapers, the bottle brush, the laundry room—anything she might need to help you smoothly during a shift.

This is something I do with every client before I start—because when I know where everything is and how your home runs, I can step in and help right away without needing to ask a million questions (especially in the middle of the night!).

P.S. Don’t forget to mention any personal preferences you have. Do you want bottles washed a certain way? What kind of laundry detergent do you use for baby clothes? Let your doula know—she’s there to support your way of doing things.

2. Communicate What You Need (Even the Small Stuff)

Your postpartum doula will likely check in with you at every shift to see how you're doing and what you'd like help with—but she can’t read your mind. It’s more than okay to say, “I would love it if you could restock the diaper station,” or “I feel like I need to bond with my baby today and just rest in my room.”

This is your healing time, and every day might feel different. Open, honest communication helps your doula adjust her support to meet your needs in the moment—whether that’s helping with baby care, doing light tidying, or simply giving you space to rest.

3. Get to Know Each Other Beforehand

Not every postpartum doula will be the right match for you, even if she’s great on paper. If possible, schedule an interview or consultation ahead of time—ideally during pregnancy—to talk through your values, expectations, and needs.

Birth and postpartum are incredibly intimate experiences. You deserve to feel completely comfortable and seen by the person supporting you.

4. Make Sure She’s Comfortable, Too

Especially for overnight shifts, your doula needs a clean, flat surface to rest when your baby is sleeping. This doesn’t need to be fancy—just a place where she can lie down and close her eyes in case your little one gives her a break.

It’s also thoughtful to show her where she can get coffee, snacks, or an extra blanket if needed. If there's a chance of spit-up or a diaper explosion (there always is!), having a place where she can change clothes can also go a long way.

5. Get Personal (Yes, Really!)

Postpartum work is deeply personal. Your doula is there during some of your most raw, vulnerable moments. When you ask her questions about her—what brought her to this work, what she enjoys outside of birth work, what kind of support she wishes she had after her own babies—you build a relationship that makes the care feel even more human and connected.

No, you don’t have to chat if you don’t feel like it. But if the moment feels right, letting your doula into your world a little can make the experience even richer for both of you.

The bottom line? A postpartum doula is there to support you, but like any relationship, it thrives with a little communication, connection, and care. By setting her up for success, you’re also setting yourself up for a smoother, more supported postpartum journey.

Have questions about what working with a doula looks like? Or want to know how I support families? Feel free to reach out—I’d love to chat. 💛