Day in the Life of a Postpartum Doula

This week we invited our very own Amy Own, birth and postpartum doula, to write about her experiences as a postpartum doula.  We are often asked what exactly a postpartum doula does, and the simple answer is, they help families adjust to life with a new baby(ies).  Read on to learn about a day in the life of a postpartum doula.  

First, I check in with the client to make sure the time still works for them and everyone in the household is healthy. 

Next, I shower and make sure I have freshly cleaned clothing and shoes to wear in their home, as well as a well-fitting mask.     

When I arrive at the client’s home I put on clean shoes and wash my hands.   

I then spend some time checking in with the parent(s).  Most people assume that I do my job because I love holding babies.  This is not true.  I love holding parents!  When parents feel heard and supported, they are more likely to feel that their transition to parenthood was positive. 

By spending the time to focus on the parent(s) and really listen, I find out: 

• How is the parent feeling?

• Have they been getting any sleep? Eating? Staying hydrated?

• Do they have any questions about baby care or feeding their baby?

• Do they want me to help care for baby so they can shower, take a nap, eat a hot meal (or all of the above)?

• Do they need referrals to any other providers in the community (ie: lactation counsellor, physiotherapist, massage therapist, psychologist, their care provider...)

• Are the systems they have in place for changing and feeding baby working for them?

• Do they want to spend some one-on-one time with an older child or need help with that child’s transition to being a big brother or sister?

I do not lead this conversation - I may offer some guidance, but the parent(s) tells me how things are going and what they are going through.  I am there to listen and then offer support.

I spend the rest of the shift helping them with whatever needs we have talked about. At nearly every shift I get a load of baby’s laundry washed, dried and folded.

I also make the parent(s) a warm drink and a snack at almost every shift and often help them settle in for a nap while I’m there.

Parents need to be held / cared for just as much as their babies. My goal for each shift is to leave my client(s) feeling more confident about their parenting skills and often, better rested.

Interested in postpartum doula services? We would love to chat about how we can help support your family.