How to Prepare for an In-Home Doula Visit

Hypothetical, yet realistic thought process of a new mother, anticipating her upcoming in-home postpartum visit: "Oh, my goodness. What was I thinking scheduling my visit so soon after my birth?! What is my doula going to think coming into this cramped, cluttered, dirty apartment! I have got to get up and clean this place up before she gets here! I am so tired though, all I want to do is sleep...but I can't let her see my house looking like this!!"

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I get it. I really do. So, here's what you can do to prepare for your in-home visit from me:

1. Get in bed with your baby
2. Care for your baby by feeding, burping and changing diapers
3. Sleep when your baby sleeps
4. Make a list of all the things you want me to do-start the list with what is most important and on down to the least important, in case I can't finish everything on the first visit.
5. Make a list of all the questions you can think of to ask me while I am there.

Did you notice what was missing from this list? In case you missed it DO NOT:

1. Pick anything up off the floor
2. Clean your kitchen
3. Vacuum
4. Clean your bathroom-including your toilet
5. Take out the trash

In other words, please DO NOT do all the things I am coming to help you with before I get there. I am not thinking anything about your house or its state. All I am thinking of is how I can best support you, your baby and your family as you bond and recover from your birth! I am coming to help you with light housework, I can put food in your slow cooker for dinner, help you with feeding questions or difficulties, answer questions about postpartum recovery, depression, newborn and baby care, baby wearing, breastfeeding, help with your older children and so on! I am coming to serve you! That's what I do!
​*photo added 5/8/2020