Postpartum care isn’t very common in most western cultures, so I understand that you might don’t know what to expect at a postpartum session with a doula. Let me give you an example.

Every postpartum visit looks different, depending on the mum’s wishes and needs in general and on that day in particular.

I always have a catch-up with the mum and dad before the baby is born to identify their postpartum needs and support network. We talk about their expectations of me and I make myself familiar with their wishes and their home so that when I come for our postpartum sessions I can focus completely on the new mum.

Here is an example of a postpartum session that I did recently with a mum in Randwick, Sydney.

• I messaged the mum the day before to remind her of my upcoming visit and ask if there is anything in particular that she wanted me to do. She send me a recipe that she wanted me to cook the next day, thanked me for the reminder and told me she would leave the laundry for tomorrow then.

• When I arrived at her home, the mum was about to breastfeed, which was perfect timing because she had a few questions. I sat down with her. She breastfed her baby and we talked. She said how she enjoyed breastfeeding but that she was surprised by how difficult it is. I was able to give her some breastfeeding advice and show her a different position, a side-lying position which can be especially helpful for the night.

• She finished breastfeeding and I put in a load of washing and folded dry laundry.

• Once the baby was settled and asleep we started a massage for the mum. I brought a massage table, towels and oils so that she could have maximum relaxation and no mess afterward. We did a full body massage with a belly massage.

• The mum fell asleep towards the end of the massage. I let her and her baby sleep whilst I hang the laundry and started cooking the recipe that she had chosen.

• When the mum woke up I made a cup of tea and she had a rest on the couch reading a book until the baby woke up again.

• Whilst her meal was cooking, I cleaned the dishes and kitchen.

• By the time I left, the mum was rested and refreshed through the massage and sleep, her laundry was done and she had a freshly cooked meal ready to eat.

What does a doula do postpartum?

A doula supports the new mum in her transition into motherhood. She provides practical, physical, informational and emotional support. Her focus is on the new mum and her needs. The care of a postpartum doula is often described as “mothering the mother”.

What can a postpartum doula help with?

A postpartum doula cares for the new mum and her needs. She might cook a postpartum meal, listen to the new mum or give her a massage. A postpartum doula also helps with breastfeeding, settling the baby and general newborn care.

How long do you need postpartum support?

Postpartum Support can vary from a few days after birth up to a year. It’s advisable to have support for the first six weeks after birth.