What can I ask my postpartum caregiver to do?
This is one of the most common questions from mothers exploring Korean postpartum care for the first time. This guide gives you a complete, transparent breakdown of what to expect.
What Is a Postpartum Caregiver (산후관리사)?
A postpartum caregiver (산후관리사, sanhugwanlisa) is a trained professional who visits your home after birth to care for both mother and newborn. In the US, this role is sometimes called a postpartum doula in English, but Korean postpartum caregivers offer a uniquely comprehensive approach that includes traditional Korean recovery practices.
Mom Helper USA’s caregivers provide Korean postpartum care services tailored to Korean-American families throughout Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, and the Bay Area.
What a Postpartum Caregiver Does
1. Maternal Care
The primary focus is helping the mother recover fully after birth.
- Breast massage — Professional massage to relieve engorgement and support lactation
- Postpartum hygiene support — Sitz bath assistance for perineal pain relief and wound recovery
- Korean nutritional meal preparation — Cooking recovery meals and maintaining kitchen cleanliness
- Massage and postpartum exercises — Light massage and gentle exercises to promote recovery
- Emotional support — Companionship and encouragement to help prevent postpartum depression
2. Newborn Care
Safe, expert care for your newborn during the critical early weeks.
- Daily newborn journal — Tracking feeding amounts, diaper output, and sleep patterns
- Feeding and sleep rhythm coaching — Building healthy routines for the newborn
- Newborn bathing — Safe bathing technique and umbilical cord care
- Newborn massage — Developmental massage to promote healthy growth
- Accompanied outings — Joining you for pediatric appointments when needed
3. Family and Household Support (within scope)
Depending on the family’s situation, basic household support is provided.
- Older child support — School pickup accompaniment (no driving), meal and snack preparation
- Laundry for mother and baby — Washing items directly related to postpartum care
- Kitchen cleanliness — Tidying the kitchen after preparing the mother’s meals
What a Postpartum Caregiver Does NOT Do
It is equally important to understand the limits. The following fall outside the standard scope:
- Cooking full meals for all family members beyond the mother
- Whole-home deep cleaning
- Laundry for the entire family or large bedding items
- Hosting or entertaining guests
- Preparing large quantities of Korean side dishes or kimchi
Work unrelated to postpartum care may incur additional fees.
Live-in vs. Commute-Type: Which Is Right for You?
Commute-Type (출퇴근형)
- Caregiver visits during set daily hours
- Family maintains private home environment overnight
- Lower cost than live-in
Live-in (입주형)
- Caregiver stays in the home 24/7
- Immediate response to nighttime feedings and emergencies
- Maximum peace of mind for mother and family
Ready to learn more about Korean postpartum care?
Mom Helper USA provides comprehensive postpartum caregiver services throughout Southern California and the Bay Area.
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