What does a postpartum doula actually do? If you're picturing overnight newborn care, Joy McAfee is about to change everything you thought you knew.

Joy is a certified postpartum doula, early childhood educator, and trauma-informed care practitioner based in the Twin Cities. She provides daytime postpartum support to help families heal, rest, and find their rhythm after baby arrives -- and her approach is unlike anything I expected.

We talked about what postpartum support actually looks like in real life, why Joy focuses on daytime care, how she supports C-section moms, what sibling integration is and why it matters, and why postpartum doula support is not a luxury.

Joy also shared her own story of severe postpartum depression after her first child, and how that experience became the foundation for the work she does today.

In this episode:

• What a postpartum doula actually does (and what they don't)
• Daytime vs. overnight support and why Joy chooses days
• The fourth trimester and why support can matter up to 18 months
• Healing meals, light tidying, and reducing the mental load
• Emotional and trauma-informed support after birth
• C-section recovery and how a doula supports surgical birth
• Sibling integration for growing families
• How to find a postpartum doula in Minnesota
• Making postpartum support affordable, including mutual aid and sliding scales

Connect with Joy McAfee: 

• Website: https://www.joythevillagedoula.com/about 
• Instagram: @joy_the_doula

Medical disclaimer:

This episode is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider with questions about your health or your baby's health.

About Made for Minnesota Moms Made for Minnesota Moms is a podcast for Minnesota moms navigating pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and early motherhood. Hosted by Minneapolis newborn and family photographer Megan Norman, each episode features trusted local experts sharing practical resources you can actually use.

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