What a 6-Hour Shift with a Postpartum Doula Looks Like

Do you know what a Postpartum Doula does?

When I arrive for a postpartum shift, my goal is to provide hands-on support that helps parents feel cared for, confident, and rested. Every day is different and families have unique needs, but here’s an example of what a 6-hour shift might include:

Hour 1: Checking In
We start by chatting about how things have been going. What are your immediate needs? How is the baby feeding? How did last night go? Are there any questions or concerns you’d like to address? This time is all about you and setting priorities for the shift.

Hours 2-3: Hands-On Baby Care
While you take a well-deserved nap, shower, or enjoy a moment to yourself, I care for the baby. This might include feeding (if bottle-feeding is in place), diaper changes, or soothing a fussy newborn. My goal is to give you space to recharge and meet your own needs.

Hour 4: Household Help
I take care of light household tasks like doing dishes, folding laundry, preparing a simple meal, or tidying up. Big brother or sister might also like to get involved! These small actions can make a big difference in creating a calm, manageable environment for your family.

Hours 5-6: Parent Support
We might spend this time discussing baby care techniques, troubleshooting feeding issues, or simply offering reassurance and emotional support. Whether it’s showing you new soothing methods or talking through the ups and downs of postpartum life, this time is tailored to what you need most. We can create a plan for the next day or week ahead (whatever you’re ready for).

At the end of my shift, my hope is that you feel a little lighter, more rested, and supported. Ready to learn more about how a postpartum doula can help ease your transition into parenthood? Let’s connect!