When a postpartum doula walks into your home to support you she might... 

First, as usual, wash her hands. She'll greet your family and see whats happening for the day. She'll compliment your oldest on her incredible new artistic drawing, now hanging on the fridge. She'll ask how you slept last night and if you've eaten today. She wants to know if anything is bothering you, if you need supported through something. She's always happy to just talk. 

Then the toddler might want a snack. 

But its time to nurse the baby and pump. So she'll grab your toddlers favorite cup and prepare that healthy snack you want them to eat. She'll head downstairs to work on the tower of laundry you accumulated. She's observed how you like it washed and folded and she's happy to oblige to your organizational systems. 

Then she sees the bed is unmade. 

"Rightly so", she thinks. You did just have a baby and all. She passes by and makes the bed... Or at least she tries before you toddler starts climbing through the sheets. She'll include your curious toddler in making the bed by turning it into a game or singing a silly song. 

You reconnect in the living room as she walks in. You have just received the latest baby carrier with all the rave reviews but you have no idea how to use it. 

She demonstrates how to use it properly and safely. Your baby snuggles into your chest and become confident in your "wrap job". She points you to local and web resources, should you need future babywearing help. 

Then its time to head to baby's well check appointment. 

She gathers your toddler's shoes and carries that cumbersome, obnoxiously heavy car seat to the car for you. "Thank goodness", you think. Your cesarean incision is hurting today. You chat in the car about your family and how frustrating it is when your sister comes to visit for hours but doesn't help. She's actually listening and she gets where you're coming from. You arrive to the appointment and she helps you get into the room with your sweet newborn. She whisks the fussy toddler away, tricking him into playing "the coolest game ever". 

You arrive home and you are tired. 

Doctors appointments are great- your baby is healthy and gaining weight well! But recovering and leaving the house can be difficult. No fear; your doula makes a dinner for the whole family while you retreat to your bed to "close your eyes for a bit". You feel her gently touch your shoulder during your slumber and rise. OH MY! Its 2 hours later! The family has been fed and she woke you because baby is ready to breastfeed. She respects your choices and wants you to succeed. You breastfeed for 30 mins and you're glad that dinnertime has been taken care of. She takes the baby to burp her as you sit down with the plate of warm dinner she made you. 

The shift is over now, your house is in order, your family is fed and happy. Her support is all encompassing, completely nonjudgemental and tailored to you.

She'll be back tomorrow to do it all again.