Support for the Fourth Trimester
The first weeks with your new baby are precious—and challenging. As your postpartum doula, I provide nurturing support so you can rest, recover, and bond with your baby without feeling overwhelmed.
Understanding the Fourth Trimester
The "fourth trimester" is the first 12 weeks after birth—a critical time of adjustment for babies and parents alike.
For Baby
Your newborn is adjusting to life outside the womb. In the fourth trimester, babies need:
- •Frequent feeding (8-12+ times per day)
- •Lots of holding, skin-to-skin, and closeness
- •Help regulating temperature and emotions
- •Patient caregivers learning their cues
For You
Your body is healing while you're sleep-deprived and learning an entirely new role. You need:
- •Rest and physical recovery time
- •Nourishing food and hydration
- •Emotional support and reassurance
- •Someone to share the load
You Might Need Postpartum Support If...
Needing help isn't weakness—it's wisdom. Humans weren't meant to parent in isolation. Consider postpartum doula care if:
Every family deserves support. There's no threshold you need to meet.
Daytime Postpartum Support
I provide daytime support when life feels most chaotic. My visits are tailored to what your family needs.
What Daytime Support Includes
- •Feeding support - breastfeeding assistance, bottle prep, or combination feeding help
- •Baby care education - bathing, swaddling, soothing techniques
- •Light housework - baby laundry, baby dishes, nursery organization
- •Sibling care - engaging older kids while you rest or nurse
- •Your rest - I watch baby while you nap
- •Emotional support - a listening ear and reassurance
Typical visits: 4+ hour minimum, morning or afternoon. I'm flexible to your needs.
What a Daytime Visit Looks Like
Every visit is tailored to what your family needs that day. Here's an example of a 4-hour morning visit:
Arrival & Check-In
I arrive, wash up, and check in with you. How was the night? What do you need most today? We make a plan.
Baby Care
I change and dress baby while you finish breakfast. We chat about what you're noticing—any concerns, questions, or wins.
Feeding Support
I help you get comfortable for a feeding, bring water and snacks, troubleshoot latch if needed, or prep a bottle.
Your Rest
Baby is content and drowsy. You take a nap while I watch the baby, fold baby laundry, and do light meal prep.
Lunch & Chat
You wake refreshed. We eat together while I share what I observed and answer your questions.
Wrap Up
Baby dishes washed, baby laundry is done. I leave you with a peaceful nursery and a sleeping baby.
What's Included in Postpartum Doula Support
Newborn Care Education
Bathing, diapering, swaddling, soothing techniques, and understanding your baby's unique cues.
Feeding Support
Breastfeeding assistance, pumping guidance, bottle feeding help, or combination feeding strategies.
Emotional Support
A non-judgmental listening ear as you process your birth experience and adjust to parenthood.
Light Meal Prep
Simple meal preparation, nourishing snacks, and ensuring you eat while caring for baby. Note: I'm not a housekeeper—this is light support focused on your recovery.
Light Housework
Baby laundry, baby dishes, and nursery organization—so you can focus on recovery and bonding. Not general housekeeping.
Sibling Support
Helping older children adjust, engaging them in activities, and facilitating sibling bonding.
Included with Postpartum Support
These specialized services are included as part of your postpartum doula package—no extra charge.
Infant Massage Instruction
As a Certified Infant Massage Instructor (CIMI), I include basic infant massage education in all postpartum packages. Learn gentle techniques to soothe your baby, ease gas and colic, improve sleep, and deepen your bond through nurturing touch.
A Note on Postpartum Mood Changes
Up to 80% of new parents experience the "baby blues"—mood swings, tearfulness, and overwhelm in the first two weeks. This usually resolves on its own with rest and support.
However, about 1 in 7 birthing people experience postpartum depression or anxiety—conditions that are treatable and nothing to be ashamed of.
As your postpartum doula, I'm trained to recognize signs that you might benefit from additional support. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space and can connect you with mental health resources if needed.
When to Seek Additional Help
- • Persistent sadness or hopelessness
- • Difficulty bonding with baby
- • Severe anxiety or panic attacks
- • Thoughts of harming yourself or baby
- • Inability to sleep even when baby sleeps
- • Withdrawing from family and friends
If you experience these symptoms, reach out to your provider or call Postpartum Support International: 1-800-944-4773
You Don't Have to Do This Alone
Whether you need a few visits or several weeks of support, I'm here to help your family thrive in those precious (and exhausting!) early weeks.