+ What does a postpartum doula do?

I nurture the birthing parent and their family by listening carefully to their thoughts and feelings without judgment, validating their experience, and holding space for the family to process this profound transformation. I care for the birthing parent to support healing and wellness. I assist new parents with infant care and soothing, feeding, learning to read baby’s cues and preferences. I help parents stay aware of their own emotional needs and offer resources for additional support as needed.

On a practical level, I make sure the birthing parent and the family rest and eat nourishing foods. I can assist with meal preparation and light housework so that the family can have more rest and time to enjoy the tender postpartum period.

+ Do I need a postpartum doula?

Every new parent needs and should have support when welcoming a new baby (or babies) into their family. Traditionally, villages, neighbors and extended families cared for the new mother and her baby, and recognized the sacredness of postpartum.

In modern American society, parents find themselves without a community or family support at a most delicate and vulnerable time in their lives. A postpartum doula can provide the practical and emotional support to help ease the transition of new parenthood.

Studies show that parents and families who are cared for by others in the postpartum period experience better outcomes in postpartum adjustment. Mothers who receive support from family, care providers, counselors and peer groups have greater breastfeeding success, greater self-confidence and less postpartum mood disorders than mothers who do not.

+ When should I have a postpartum doula?

The first few weeks immediately after birth are when a mother and her family can benefit most from knowledgeable postpartum care. The days just after birth are when a birthing parent and their baby should get their most basic needs of rest and nourishment met, and so parents are not left to guess what is needed, what is "normal", and what needs medical attention.

+ How long should I have a postpartum doula?

Most families benefit from 4 - 8 weeks of doula care, during which your baby's feeding and sleeping patterns quickly evolve, and baby can become "fussy". This is a time of problem-solving and learning what routines and sleeping arrangements work best for your family.

Most cultures of the world observe a sacred period of 6 weeks or 40 days, known as the Golden Month, during which the mother is relieved of all work and household duties, fed nourishing foods, and is fully cared for. Her only concern is her self care and feeding and bonding with her new baby.

+ How is a doula different from a nanny?

As a postpartum doula, I provide emotional and practical support to help the mother and family adjust immediately postpartum. I provide coaching on newborn infant care and support your self care to help you gain confidence and self-sufficiency in parenting. I am there to connect you with other resources as needed, such as lactation consultation, infant feeding specialists, postpartum support groups, or mental and physical health specialists.

A nanny's role is to focus on the care of the children in the family, after the immediate postpartum period.

+ How do I hire a postpartum doula?

Reach out to me a few months before your due time. Based on availability, we can meet to see if I am the right doula to care for you during your 4th Trimester. If you choose to work with me, we sign the contract and you pay for your package to hold the time on my calendar. This assures that I will not schedule another family for the same postpartum time. A few weeks before you give birth, we can meet in person at your home to plan details of your care.

+ What does a postpartum doula cost?

A typical 4-hour visit is $300. My hourly rate is $75. Families tend to reserve postpartum care for 4 - 8 weeks. Clients who book packages receive a discount (see Care Menu) I will travel up to 10 miles by car to reach my clients.