Day in the LIfe of a postpartum doula
I’m excited to share a glimpse into a condensed, four-hour snapshot of my life as a postpartum doula. For prospective clients, this will give you a clear idea of the care and attention you can expect when you choose to work with me. It’s all about how I can help ease the challenges of new parenthood and bring a bit of extra comfort to your journey.
7:30 AM: A New Day Begins My day starts bright and early, arriving at the family’s home just as the first light of dawn filters through the windows. Today is especially significant because it is dad’s first day returning to work and it's my first day taking care of Mom and helping her with all the needs of baby.
7:45 AM: Morning Check-In Before diving into the day’s tasks, I sit down with Mama to check in on how the night went, sleeping baby in her arms. We discuss how baby slept and fed, any concerns or challenges she encountered, and how she’s feeling overall. This conversation helps us create a plan for the day that addresses both her and the baby’s needs. Whether it’s tweaking feeding routines, managing sleep schedules, or simply finding some time for mama’s self-care (hello luxurious shower), we outline a few of the day’s priorities together.
8:15 AM: Breakfast for Mama With a plan in place, it’s time to focus on Mama. She’s likely feeling the effects of a long night and needs some nurturing herself. I prepare a hearty, nourishing breakfast—today it’s a warm bowl of oatmeal topped with almond butter and fresh berries with a side of herbal tea to help to help boost milk supply. I bring breakfast to Mama in bed, ensuring she has a moment to savor her meal and relax.
9:00 AM: Healing Herbal Bath for Mama After breakfast, I run a soothing herbal bath for Mama using a locally-grown organic herbal Sitz bath blend. Mama and baby can both benefit from this special bath. The bath helps Mama heal and promotes relaxation. Nursing in the bath can also enhance baby’s latch and soothe any discomfort they have been having (i.e. sore and cracked nipples). This time together in the water helps both Mama and baby calm down and feel more connected.
9:45 AM: Nap, Baby Snuggles, and Household Tidying Once Mama and baby are finished with their bath, Mom climbs into bed for a nap while I put a fresh diaper onto baby and gently wrap baby in a cozy wrap. With baby securely held close, I get to work tidying up the house. It’s amazing how much you can accomplish with a baby snuggled up against you! I start by doing the dishes from breakfast and dinner the night before, then move on to folding clean laundry. The baby wrap allows me to multitask efficiently, keeping baby calm and content while I take care of the chores. After that, I straighten up the nursery, organizing baby clothes, organizing the fridge, and ensuring everything is in its place.
10:15 AM: Prepping Dinner and Relaxation With the home tidied and the baby happy, I shift gears to preparing dinner. I make a savory turmeric chicken and vegetable soup that’s both comforting and easy to reheat. While the stew simmers, I turn my attention back to Mama.
11:00 AM: Bodywork Once Mama wakes from her well-deserved 1.5-hour nap, I hand baby back to her for a nursing session. I place a plate of lactation cookies and a warm beverage by her side as she nurses. To complete the relaxation experience, I offer a soothing foot and calf massage, allowing Mama to fully unwind and enjoy some much-needed self-care.
12:00 PM: Farewell Before saying farewell, I make sure that dinner is stored safely in the fridge, ready to be served. I also check-in with Mama, offering any final tips or support she might need before I head out. As I say my goodbyes, I leave with a heart full of gratitude, knowing that I’ve helped make this new chapter a little smoother for the family. Each day as a postpartum doula is unique, but the common thread is always the same: supporting families with care, compassion, and a touch of extra love.
