A Night in the Life of a Postpartum Doula
As a postpartum doula, one of the most common questions I hear from parents is: “What do you actually do all night?” Whether you’re considering overnight support for the first time or you’ve had a night nanny or doula before and wondered what goes on while you sleep, I thought I’d share a glimpse into what a typical night can look like. Of course, every family’s needs are unique — but this story gives a sense of how I support both parents and newborn babies through those quiet, important overnight hours.
When I arrive at the Smiths’ home at 10 p.m., the house is winding down from the long day. I’ve got my backpack slung over my shoulder, packed with my usual tools — a baby nail file, my favourite wrap carrier, snacks to keep me fueled through the night, and Spotify ready in case a calming playlist is needed as a makeshift sound machine.
Inside, Sarah is tucked into her armchair, finishing a pumping session. Michael is bustling around the kitchen, prepping her water bottle and snacks to bring upstairs so she has everything she needs for the night. This is a ritual I often see: parents moving in rhythm, making sure each other is cared for before heading off to rest.
Before they head upstairs, we take a few minutes together to go over the day. Baby Emma is now 3 weeks old, but I have been supporting them consistently since their first night home from the hospital. I ask when Emma last fed, when she was changed, and how her naps and moods went throughout the day. This little check-in is essential; it helps me meet their baby right where she’s at, so the night runs smoothly.
Tonight, Michael wants to show me his progress with babywearing. Baby carriers have been such a big part of their parenting journey, and he’s eager to master it. We do a quick demo together: I show him how I like to use the wrap carrier, and then I guide him as he slides a sleeping Emma in, adjusting her posture so her back is supported and her airway is clear. His face lights up when she settles comfortably against his chest. Celebrating those little victories matters so much in the early weeks.
Once Sarah finishes pumping, she hands me the bottles and pump parts, thanks me with a tired smile, and both parents head upstairs. Their job for the night is to rest. My job is to hold the space, care for their baby, and keep the household humming quietly in the background.
Emma is still asleep in her bassinet when I settle into the kitchen. I sanitize the bottles and pump parts, store Sarah’s breast milk, and while the sterilizer runs, I load the dishwasher from dinner. Tonight, they’ve asked if I could also chop up some fruit and veggies for tomorrow. I slice up a pineapple, carrots, and cucumbers, tucking them neatly into containers for easy grab-and-go snacks. These small acts of overnight support can make the next day feel so much lighter for a tired family.
About an hour later, Emma begins to stir. I warm a bottle of the pumped breast milk and gather pillows on the couch to create a comfortable, supportive feeding spot. Keeping the lights low, I hold her in an upright, paced-bottle position. After a diaper change and a little more milk, she drifts back into a deep sleep. I rock her gently for 20 minutes before transferring her back to her bassinet, safe and snug.
With the house quiet again, I move through my mental checklist: start a load of baby laundry, fold burp cloths, tidy the toddler’s toys, and collect small odds and ends from around the house. I put in one AirPod, listening to an audiobook while folding tiny onesies and sleepers. It’s one of my favourite parts of the night, the rhythm of simple tasks combined with the knowledge that tomorrow morning will feel just a bit easier for the Smiths.
The second feed happens more quickly, and Emma drifts back to sleep with less fuss. By this point, everything on the parents’ wish list is done, so I take a short rest myself — light dozing on the couch, always with one ear tuned to the baby.
Toward the end of my shift, Emma wakes for her final feed of the night. Same pattern: bottle, burp, diaper change, cuddle. This time, instead of settling her downstairs, I carry her quietly into the parents’ bedroom and place her in the bassinet beside them. They’ll be able to continue sleeping until she’s ready for her next feed, and I know Sarah will appreciate waking up with her baby close by.
Before leaving, I wash the last of the bottles, fold a few blankets, and write out my notes from the night: how much Emma fed, her diapers, and the rhythms of her sleep. I send a text with the summary to Sarah and Michael so they can wake up with a clear picture of the night. Then, as the sun begins to rise, I slip out into the quiet morning, drive home, and tuck myself into bed.
Every family I work with has different needs. For some, it’s bottle prep and baby laundry. For others, it’s emotional support, guidance with newborn care, or just the reassurance that someone experienced is keeping watch. That’s the heart of overnight doula care, meeting families where they are, so parents can rest, recover, and feel supported in the beautiful, exhausting and transformative weeks after birth.
If you’re curious about what overnight support could look like for your family, a postpartum doula or night nanny may be the perfect fit. Every home and every baby is unique, and the right care can make those first weeks and months feel more manageable and restful. Contact us to start building your overnight plan.
*Note: The family names and details in this story have been changed to protect privacy.
