Yesterday, I took you along on a day of homekeeping clients. On today’s schedule, I have a postpartum doula client, which is a lot like yesterday but with a baby.

This client had a long night: baby has been fussy and was up a lot. Her plan while I’m here is to shower and then nap. I make sure she gets something for breakfast, then take the baby while she showers. I tidy her bedroom, straighten out the blankets on her bed, and fix her a cup of tea.

If she’s all about Instagram, I will obviously strew some daisies on the bed and leave a book of poetry open next to the tea. (Just kidding.)

She climbs into bed, and baby and I head to the kitchen. Often, I’ll pop baby in a carrier, which tends to put them right to sleep. Then I can put away dishes, sweep the floor, and fold some laundry.

Depending on the client’s wishes, I will feed the baby a bottle when he gets hungry, or bring him back to nurse. While baby is nursing, I might quick throw some clothes from the washer to the dryer or prepare something for lunch. Or the client may have some questions, or just want some adult company, in which case I’ll sit down for a chat (after I make sure her water bottle is filled of course). Before I leave, I make sure she has a drink and a snack within easy reach.