Support Expectations

Daytime Expectations

The Postpartum Doula works with each family individually to find out their particular needs. Some of the services that a doula will perform during daytime hours include:

  • Support with breastfeeding and pumping including setup and cleanup

  • Education on postpartum recovery and newborn expectations

  • Guiding you through newborn care skills (bathing, swaddling, soothing techniques)

  • Assisting with infant sleep shaping and reading baby’s cues

  • Light household tasks (tidying common areas, dishes, baby laundry, restocking essentials)

  • Assistance with newborn care such as feeding, diaper changes, burping, soothing, holding baby while you rest or shower

  • Preparing simple, nourishing meals and snacks

  • Creating a smooth daily rhythm or routine for your household

  • Emotional support and a calm, reassuring presence during the day

  • Referrals to trusted local resources

Overnight Expectations

While many of the core responsibilities remain the same during overnight hours, care naturally shifts to meet the needs of the night. Additional or adjusted duties include:

  • Bringing baby to you for breastfeeding or handling bottle feeds

  • Newborn care throughout the night (feeding support, diaper changes, burping, soothing)

  • Helping you get longer stretches of uninterrupted sleep

  • Implementing healthy sleep habits

  • Providing emotional support and reassurance during nighttime hours

  • Light baby-related household tasks such as tidying the nursery, restocking and laundry

  • Washing and prepping bottles and/or pump parts

  • Using gentle, evidence-based soothing techniques to get baby back to sleep