What is a postpartum doula?

A postpartum doula is a trained professional who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period, also known as the fourth trimester. A postpartum doula eases the transition a family experiences during this time.

Why do I need a postpartum doula?

Research shows that new mothers have a lower risk of postpartum depression when they are cared for by postpartum doulas, other supportive professionals or family members.
Moms who don’t have family in the area, moms of multiples or preemies, moms whose partner must return to work soon after birth, first-time moms, and moms with toddlers often want this kind of support.

What’s the difference between a postpartum doula, midwife, baby (or night) nurse or mother’s helper?

A midwife is a professional who attends to a woman during her labor and birth. She helps the mom birth the baby.
A baby nurse attends to the baby at night or when mom wants to sleep. She will bring the baby to mom in order to nurse or will bottle feed the baby. She is there solely for the baby.
A mother’s helper is a non-professional who does household tasks or helps care for the baby while mom is home.
A postpartum doula is a professional trained in postpartum adjustment, newborn care, breastfeeding, parent-infant bonding; provides emotional and practical support, resources and referral information when needed.

How long do you work for a family?

The needs of each family are different. This can range from just two visits to multiple visits over several weeks or months.

How old must my baby be?

I work with families who have newborns - up to 12 weeks old. This is somewhat flexible, however, especially if there are multiples or preemies involved.

What happens during our initial phone interview?

I will gather some basic information about you and your (growing) family and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. After we chat, we can decide whether to meet for a free prenatal visit or intake (if you are already postpartum).

What does a typical day look like?

I will check in with you to see how you're feeling; to know if there's anything you'd like to talk about. (New parents often have many questions or concerns about their baby and new familial relationships). I'll ask if there's any specific support you want that day (ex. breastfeeding help, baby's bath, lunch or dinner prep, a shower and nap, etc...). In addition, I will work on other tasks (ex. baby's laundry and room organization, kitchen clean up, bottle washing and sterilization, etc...)

What is your fee?

My fee is $45/hr with a three hour minimum per visit. This allows me to observe at least one feeding.

Crises Have a Way of Forcing the Issue

Published in VestLife on September 2, 2020