What does a postpartum doula visit with me look like?
- cearamcmanus
- Aug 24
- 3 min read
Often, when someone is considering a postpartum doula, they wonder what exactly happens during a visit.
While of course, each family and visit is unique, I thought it might be helpful to describe what a very typical visit with me can look like. This is just an example, as I always customise visits to suit the priorities of each family.
Checking In
This one is pretty much a staple of every visit I make to clients. It’s a very important and lovely way to begin each visit.
On arrival, I will chat with mama, usually over a soothing mug of herbal tea or a coffee to see where she’s at and what she needs today. Dads often pop in during this time for a quick chat too, and of course the babies are always at the centre of the action!
As we talk, we figure out what is most helpful for the day’s visit. It may be any combination of cooking, some light cleaning and organisation, and healing treatments.
Some days, it might simply be minding your little one while you have an uninterrupted shower or nap.
Nourishment
Nearly every visit includes me prepping and cooking up a storm in the kitchen.
I will usually get a pot of something delicious for dinner going on the hob or in the oven. While that’s working away, I will prep some tasty treats for Mama (and Dad!) to enjoy throughout the day.
Baby Care
As I mentioned above, sometimes this just entails taking care of baby while Mama takes some time for herself.
Other times, it can incorporate an Ayurvedic bath for baby and guiding Mama in giving her little one a soothing massage.
Craniosacral Therapy
I offer craniosacral therapy (CST) as an optional add-on for all of my postpartum care plans. I have trained in CST for newborns and find it so beneficial for all babies, but particularly those who may have had a challenging birth or are coping with latching or digestive issues.
Advice
My training and experience help me in offering guidance for challenges new parents face. Some regular topics include:
Breastfeeding and bottle feeding - tips on latching, feeding rhythms, boosting your supply, getting a pumping routine going, taking care of yourself while feeding.
Sleep - whether that’s finding a rhythm, working on safe and comfortable co-sleeping, or helping you guide your baby into their own cot.
Soothing your little one - this usually involves troubleshooting any particular situations where baby is distressed or parents are finding things difficult.
Massage and bath time - tiny ones can find bath time overwhelming at first. I have plenty of tips that can make bath time a lovely experience for parents and baby.
Nutrition and self-care for Mama - offering guidance on how you can find time to take the best possible care of yourself during this wonderful, but intensive time.
"We were having such a tough time with sleep until we met Ceara. She helped us get our little one happily sleeping safely in her own cot in no time at all." - Aoife K
Cleaning & Organisation
I really love a good organisation project and, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the mountain of lovely gifts and baby paraphernalia that have arrived in your home at a time when you just can’t get to sorting it out, I am happy to help!
I will also gladly do some light cleaning around the house to help reduce your task list in those first weeks.
Going with the Flow
Sometimes, I might have discussed what we’ll do for a visit and when I arrive, mama and baby have had a tough night. In these cases, planning often goes right out the window… and that’s exactly what should happen.
After a tough night, or if a mama is feeling overwhelmed or exhausted, I make it my business to adjust the rhythm of the visit to meet her needs.
Having a postpartum doula - like much of your postpartum journey - isn’t about following a checklist of things that "should" be done. It’s about meeting you wherever you are on any given day, and providing the right nourishment and support.
Snippets of Real Visits
I often post short snippets or reels from my visits on my social channels. Pop over to my Facebook or Instagram to browse through some real visits.
Your Visit, Your Choice
If there’s something you would like included in your visits that I haven’t mentioned here, let’s chat about it. I’m very flexible about what happens during my home visits.
Comments