8 tips to make the most of your postpartum doula support in Salt Lake City

Hiring a postpartum doula is one of the best gifts you can give yourself in those early weeks. Whether your doula is there during the day to fold laundry and talk through newborn challenges, or overnight so you can actually sleep, this support is designed to make life easier.

If you’re a new parent in Salt Lake City (or anywhere, really) having a doula on your team can make a huge difference. But here’s the thing: postpartum doula care works best when you know how to use it. Just like any new relationship, it can take a little time to settle in. These tips will help you get the most out of your doula support.

1. Keep a “parking lot” list

New parents have about 47 random thoughts an hour (give or take). You’ll think of a question in the middle of a feeding or remember a task right as you’re falling asleep. Instead of trying to hold it all in your tired brain, write it down in one place: a notebook on the counter, a sticky note on the fridge, or a note in your phone.

That way, when your doula comes, you’ll have a ready-made list of questions, to-dos, or “can you show me how to…” requests. Nothing gets lost, and you feel more organized.

2. Give it a little time

You and your doula are a new team. It can take a few shifts to find your groove together, especially as your baby’s needs change from week to week. This is totally normal.

Be open about what’s working and what you’d like more of. Maybe you realize you’d rather your doula tackle dishes before folding laundry. Or maybe you discover you’d like more time just talking things through. Adjustments are part of the process.

3. Check the notes from overnight shifts

If your doula is with you at night, you might wake up wondering how things went. That’s why the postpartum doulas at Heart Tones Birth Services use DoulaConnect. This free app allows you to see your full schedule, read notes from overnight shifts (so you can know how long baby slept, when they ate, etc) and even message with your doula team.

It makes mornings smoother; you don’t have to guess or feel like you “missed something.” You’ll start the day already in the loop.

4. Ask for the baby-whisperer tricks

Every doula has a stash of tricks for soothing, burping, swaddling, and surviving those fussy hours. Don’t be shy, ask to see them in action.

Not only does this help in the moment, but you’ll pick up tips you can use on your own. Think of it as a mini newborn care lesson built into your doula support.

5. Be honest about what you need

This one’s big. If what you really need is a nap, say that. If you’re craving adult conversation, let your doula know. If you’d feel better with a tidy kitchen, ask for it.

Your doula isn’t judging what you ask for. They’re there to support you in the ways that actually matter to you.

6. Use your doula as a resource

Doulas know things. They’ve worked with lots of families and usually have a list of trusted referrals in their back pocket: Salt Lake City lactation consultants, pelvic floor therapists, parent groups, newborn classes, meal services, you name it.

If you find yourself needing extra support, ask. Your doula can probably point you to the right person.

7. Set realistic expectations

Your doula isn’t there to “fix everything.” They can’t make your baby sleep through the night at two weeks old or erase all the stress of new parenthood. But they can ease your load, boost your confidence, and make things feel a little lighter.

Think of your doula as a partner in this season, not a replacement for you or your partner.

8. Celebrate the small wins

Sometimes it’s hard to see progress in the fog of new parenthood. That’s where your doula can help you notice the little victories - like when your baby takes a longer stretch of sleep, or when you finally get a hot meal without interruption.

These small shifts add up, and they’re worth celebrating.

Final Thoughts

Postpartum doula support is flexible, personal, and designed to meet you where you’re at. These tips can help you make the most of it, whether that means more rest, more confidence, or just more hands-on help.

If you’re in Salt Lake City and curious about how a doula could support your family, we’d love to talk. At Heart Tones Birth Services, we’ve been serving families for over 10 years with compassionate, evidence-based care. Reach out anytime! We’re here to help make the early weeks feel a little easier.