“The Baby’s Here—Now What?” Your First 48 Hours with a Postpartum Doula
You’ve waited nine months, made it through labor, and finally brought your baby home—congratulations! Now comes one of the most intense and transformative moments of your life: the first 48 hours postpartum.
While friends and family might expect you to be glowing with joy, the truth is, most new parents feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and unsure of what to do next.
That’s where a postpartum doula steps in.
Why the First 48 Hours Matter
The first two days after coming home from the hospital or birthing center are filled with:
Physical recovery
Hormonal shifts
Feeding challenges
Emotional highs and lows
You may find yourself crying without knowing why, questioning whether your baby is feeding enough, or second-guessing every little decision.
These early hours are also key to setting the tone for your postpartum journey. With the right support, you can begin this chapter with confidence instead of chaos.
What a Postpartum Doula Actually Does
Unlike medical professionals, postpartum doulas focus on you and your family in the real-life, real-time moments that unfold at home.
In the first 48 hours, your doula might help with:
Breastfeeding or bottle-feeding support
Diaper changes and baby soothing while you nap or shower
Light meal prep and snacks to keep you nourished
Processing your birth story emotionally and mentally
Teaching baby basics like swaddling, bathing, and soothing
Offering evidence-based guidance without judgment
They’re not there to take over—but to help make your transition into parenthood more supported and less stressful.
A Real-Life Example
“This agency and most importantly Elise helped me find my footing with my precious baby. Elise has the biggest heart and truly listens to you and your families needs are. She’s experienced and wise in all things childcare. I trust her and the people she hires with the most important thing in my life, my baby! She is professional, kind, caring, wise and oh so helpful. I highly recommend her agency for any and all of your childcare needs. A billion stars if I could!”
How to Prepare for Your Postpartum Experience
The best time to set up postpartum doula care is before baby arrives. That way, your doula is ready to support you the moment you walk in the door.
Some families choose to:
Have their doula visit them in the hospital
Schedule overnight care from day one at home
Line up daytime support to ease the first transition
If your baby is already here—don’t worry! We can move quickly to get support in place.
Related Services
Want to learn more about how these services can support your family? Visit our website to explore everything we offer and find the right fit for your postpartum journey.
Recommended Resources:
KellyMom – This evidence-based site is a go-to resource for breastfeeding questions. Whether you're wondering how often your newborn should feed, need tips for increasing milk supply, or want to explore the realities of pumping and nursing, KellyMom offers practical, research-backed answers.
Postpartum Support International (PSI) – PSI provides invaluable tools for new parents navigating the emotional challenges of the postpartum period. From self-assessment checklists for postpartum anxiety and depression to a directory of local mental health providers, this site is a lifeline for those who need support.
Creating a Postpartum Plan: What to Expect and How to Prepare – Our blog walks you through how to build a thoughtful postpartum plan that supports your physical recovery, emotional well-being, and family needs. It’s never too early (or too late) to prepare for life after baby.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
The first 48 hours after bringing your baby home can feel like a blur—full of love, questions, emotions, and change. But with the right support, they don’t have to feel overwhelming. A postpartum doula can offer the steady, compassionate presence you need as you find your footing and begin this new chapter.
Whether you’re preparing ahead of time or already holding your newborn in your arms, we’re here to help.