A Day in My Life as a Postpartum Doula

   Becoming a parent is one of the most beautiful, chaotic, and life-altering experiences. The early days of parenthood can be overwhelming—emotionally, physically, and mentally. That’s where I come in. As a postpartum doula, my job is to support families through this transition, helping them find balance, comfort, and confidence as they navigate their new lives with a baby.

   Every shift is different, and no two families are the same, but there are moments that are universal—moments of tenderness, moments of relief, and moments of pure connection. I thought I’d take you through a typical day in my life as a postpartum doula, so you can see firsthand what I do and how I’m able to help families during this special time.

8:00 AM – Getting Ready for the Day

   My mornings always start with a cup of tea and a moment to breathe. It’s a quiet moment before I head out to support new families. I’ll check in with the families I’ll be seeing that day, look over any notes from the previous shifts, and get mentally prepared for the kind of support they might need. Sometimes it’s baby care and household help, and sometimes it’s emotional support and a listening ear for overwhelmed parents. Either way, I’m there to provide whatever they need most.

I also make sure I’ve got everything ready for the day—a warm smile, a calm presence, and a heart full of support.

9:00 AM – Arriving at the Family’s Home

   When I arrive at a family's home, I can often feel the quiet excitement (or sometimes the exhaustion!) in the air. Whether it’s the first baby or the fourth, those first days and weeks can be such a whirlwind. I try to immediately put everyone at ease. My goal is always to create a space where the parents feel comfortable, heard, and supported—whether I’m helping with the baby or just holding space for them to rest.

   I always start by checking in with the parents—how did the night go? How are they feeling today? Many times, the baby has had a restless night, and I can sense the weariness in the parents' eyes. I remind them that it’s okay to ask for help, and that it’s normal to feel tired and overwhelmed. I’m here to carry a bit of that load for them.

9:30 AM – Caring for the Newborn

   One of the most important aspects of my role is caring for the baby—helping with diaper changes, feeding, and soothing. New parents often have so many questions about what their newborn needs, and I’m here to provide gentle guidance.

If the baby needs to be fed, I’ll help with breastfeeding if that’s the family’s choice, making sure the latch is comfortable and effective. If they’re bottle-feeding, I can help with proper positioning and pacing. I always take time to ensure that both parent and baby are comfortable in these moments, offering tips and advice along the way, but always respecting the family’s feeding journey.

   Sometimes, the baby is fussy or having trouble settling down, and that’s when I can step in and help calm them. Swaddling, gentle rocking, or even just walking around the house together can be incredibly soothing for a newborn. Seeing the parents take a deep breath of relief when I’ve calmed their baby is always such a special moment.

11:00 AM – Providing Emotional Support

   While newborn care is an essential part of my job, I’m also there to support the parents. The postpartum period can be full of emotions, and parents often feel a mix of joy, anxiety, and exhaustion. Sometimes they just need someone to listen to their worries or to reassure them that they’re doing a great job.

    I always check in on how the parents are feeling. Are they feeling connected to their baby? Are they getting enough rest? What are the challenges they’re facing right now, and how can I help? I want parents to feel seen and heard. There’s so much pressure on new parents to “do it all,” but I’m there to remind them that it’s okay to take things slow, ask for help, and take care of themselves.

   I also help them build confidence in their abilities as parents. Whether it’s reminding them of their intuition, offering a few tips on calming techniques, or simply validating their feelings, my goal is to empower them. Parenthood is hard, but they’re not alone in it.

12:30 PM – Helping Around the House

   As much as I focus on baby care and emotional support, I also help with practical tasks around the home. Whether it’s folding laundry, prepping a meal, or tidying up the living room, I do what I can to lighten the load.

I often prepare simple, nourishing meals for the family—something easy but comforting, like a big pot of soup or a casserole. These little acts of care go a long way. Parents often feel guilty for not being able to “do it all,” but I’m here to show them that it’s okay to take a break from the housework and focus on what matters most: their recovery, their relationship, and their new baby.

2:00 PM – Encouraging Rest and Self-Care

   By this point in the day, I can usually sense when the parents need a break. New parents are often so focused on the baby that they forget to take care of themselves. I encourage them to rest—whether that means napping, showering, or simply sitting down with a cup of tea. I let them know that I’ve got it covered, and they deserve to take time for themselves.

It’s one of my favorite things to do: give parents the gift of rest. Knowing that they can trust me to care for their baby while they recharge is incredibly fulfilling. Parents often feel like they need to be “on” all the time, but I remind them that rest is essential for their well-being, too.

3:30 PM – Wrapping Up the Shift

   As my shift comes to a close, I check in one last time with the family. I want to know how they’re feeling, if there’s anything else they need, and what I can do to support them moving forward. If there are any specific concerns, I make note of them and share helpful resources or advice.

   Before I leave, I give the parents a reminder: they are doing an incredible job. Parenting isn’t easy, but they’re showing up every day with love, patience, and dedication. It’s such an honor to walk alongside them during this journey.

4:00 PM – Reflecting on the Day

   When I head home at the end of my shift, I always take a moment to reflect on the day. Each family I work with is so unique, and each day is filled with moments of connection, laughter, and growth. I’m always reminded of how meaningful this work is. Supporting new parents through their transition to parenthood isn’t just about helping with a baby—it’s about helping families thrive during one of the most beautiful and challenging times of their lives.

As a postpartum doula with Blooming Bears Doula, I consider myself a guide, a listener, and a source of support for families in the postpartum period. Every shift is a chance to make a difference, and every family is an opportunity to help create a more confident, rested, and connected start to parenthood.

   If you’re navigating the early days with your baby and feel like you could use some support, I’m here for you. You don’t have to do this alone. Together, we can help you bloom into the parent you were always meant to be.

With warmth, support, and care,
Ashley Elliott
Blooming Bears Doula Services