Stepping into postpartum doula work has been one of the most rewarding journeys of my life. As a longtime school counselor, nurturing and supporting families has always been at the heart of what I do.
Transitioning into postpartum doula support felt like a natural extension of my passion — helping mothers during one of the most sacred, overwhelming seasons of their lives.
I’m excited to share what it was like working with my very first official postpartum doula client. A mom with a newborn and a toddler. If you’ve ever wondered what a postpartum doula really does, especially for moms juggling multiple little ones, keep reading.
I’m excited to share my experience working with my very first official postpartum doula client — a mom navigating life with a newborn and a toddler.
Why I Became a Postpartum Doula
My journey into postpartum doula work was deeply personal.
After the birth of my daughter Penelope, I realized firsthand how vital postpartum support is — and how often it’s missing for new moms.
I had a birth doula during my pregnancy who helped me prepare for labor and delivery, but she also became a huge emotional support when things didn’t go as planned.
Even though my baby was healthy, I wrestled with feelings of failure. I mourned the VBAC birth experience I had envisioned and planned for.
Despite doing prenatal yoga, hiring a doula, reading and doing research, staying active, I STILL developed preeclampsia and had to be put on two different blood pressure medications postpartum.
After the birth I was left with all these feelings I was processing and was fighting off depression. I couldn’t understand why even though I had a healthy baby, my body failed me. I told anyone who would listen about my desire for a VBAC and it just didn’t happen for me. Insert feelings of inadequecy, shame, doubt and frustration.
I only had one postpartum session with my birth doula, and while it was helpful, it left me wishing for more support. I was longing for someone to check in regularly, someone to listen without rushing, someone to hold space for the complicated emotions of recovery and birth. (You can read more about my personal birth journey here: Penelope’s Birth Story)
Walking through that season made me realize that I wanted to provide that kind of support for other moms.
I officially received my Postpartum Doula Certification through the International Doula Institute in October 2024.
Since then, I’ve committed my heart and skills to helping mothers navigate postpartum with more grace, compassion, and real, tangible support.
What Is a Postpartum Doula?
A postpartum doula is trained to support families after the arrival of a new baby. A postpartum doula provides support in a physical, emotional, and practical manner.
Most people I encounter are familiar with birth doulas but have never heard of postpartum doulas. After having my last baby, I cried during my last postpartum visit, knowing that would be the last time a doctor would ask me how I was doing. Even though I had done it 3 times before, it was still hard. Postpartum doulas are there to support moms in the most vulnerable recovery period that follows birth.
Postpartum doula care includes newborn care, breastfeeding support, meal prepping, emotional encouragement, light housekeeping, and providing a calming presence during those first intense weeks.
Meeting My First Client: A Local Mom Seeking Support
My first client found me through my IG page.
She was a mama still a few months from giving birth, but she already understood how essential postpartum care would be. Without any family nearby, she knew she would need a support system in place, and I was excited to be that for her.
The Thursday before my spring break started, she texted me to let me know that she had given birth. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect!! I was feeling all the feelings. Excitement. Nervousness.
I even felt a little imposter syndrome kicking in. Who am I to help anyone? Will I really remember everything I learned in my program? Will my services be good enough? What if we don’t click anymore? What if I hate it?
But the great thing about a calling is that you can lean in even when you are afraid. After pushing those limiting thoughts aside, my brain went to work with making a list of things she needed.
Ways I Supported My Client as a Postpartum Doula
Daytime Support: Creating Space for Rest and Recovery
A mama’s mind remains clouded in the hours and days following birth. She isn’t quite sure what she needs beyond the basics. We spoke a few times over the phone and through text so she could give me a general idea of what she needed most. When I showed up, there were times where she wasn’t sure what she needed, so I looked around and asked if she’d like me to complete certain tasks, and often while she ate, I took initiative and cleaned up around her living space so that was one less thing she had to worry about. Most of my daytime visits consisted of folding laundry and straightening the home, taking her toddler on walks so mama could nap or feed the baby peacefully, preparing meals and cleaning the kitchen, meal prepping quick, nutritious meals and snacks (like overnight oats or breakfast).
The nice thing about being a mama of 4 myself is that it allowed me to anticipate her needs often before she asked. I put myself back in her shoes and thought about what I would have wanted or needed immediately following birth, especially while caring for a newborn and a toddler.
Occasionally we just talked. I left space for her to vent and to enjoy the company of another adult. Caring for little ones while your husband is away at work can be very lonely.
Night Shift Support: Helping Navigate Evenings Alone
One night, while her husband was away, I came to provide nighttime support. Nighttime is tricky, whether you are a seasoned mom or a new mom. After caring for kids all day, mom’s exhaustion is at an all-time high. My role was to relieve the heaviness of the evening so mom could settle down and prepare for another day.
I started by asking what she needed the most help with, and she requested help winding the toddler down for bed. I could see in her eyes that she had little left to give. So we turned the lights down low, and I did her usual nighttime routine of bath, brushing teeth and story time. I offered to put little one down to sleep, but that’s where her sweet toddler drew the line. She knew something was up, and wasn’t having anyone but mama. Mama and I swapped; I took the baby so her toddler could feel secure in mama’s love.
After about an hour or so, mama woke up. She fell asleep in her toddler’s bed (something I know all too well and still do on occasion myself when I’m exhausted).
That night reminded me that postpartum work isn’t just physical — it’s emotional and sacred, too.
Meal Prep and Nourishment
Mama requested help with meals, so I prepped several jars of overnight oats with fruit and often brought a breakfast bowl. Breastfeeding mothers need breakfast, the day’s most vital meal, to stay energized. When I came in each morning, I made sure mama’s water cup was full and that she had taken her vitamins. I held the baby or played with her toddler to make sure that she could eat without interruption.
As a little farm bonus, I brought farm-fresh eggs to support her healing with wholesome nutrition.
Phone and Text Support: Extending Care Beyond Visits
In addition to in-home support, I offered phone and text support between visits.
Whether she needed advice, encouragement, or just someone to say, “You’re doing a great job,” she knew she could reach me.
Because postpartum doesn’t just happen during business hours. It happens at 2 a.m. when the overwhelm creeps in.
The Heart of Postpartum Doula Support
Being a postpartum doula is about so much more than folding laundry or prepping meals.
It’s about holding space for mothers during one of the most vulnerable times in their lives.
It’s about celebrating small wins, offering gentle encouragement, and reminding every mom that she is enough, even on her hardest days.
Why Every New Mom Deserves Postpartum Doula Support
Postpartum recovery can feel raw, exhausting, emotional, and beautiful all at once.
Having postpartum doula support can make the difference between barely surviving and thriving during those early months.
I’m honored my first client trusted me with such sacred work, and I’m excited to continue supporting more families on their postpartum journeys.
If you’re expecting or recently had a baby, I would love to walk alongside you. Learn more about my postpartum doula services here.
You don’t have to navigate postpartum alone.
You were never meant to.
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