Postpartum doula frequently asked questions
What do postpartum doulas do?
What a postpartum doula does changes from day to day, as the needs of your family change. Postpartum doulas do whatever the parents need to best enjoy and care for her new baby. A large part of their role is education, including breastfeeding education and newborn care. Postpartum doulas also make sure the parents are fed, well hydrated and comfortable. We also can help with tidying your home and light cleaning, and can connect you with resources such as meal prep services, house cleaners. Doulas provide great baby concierge services!
How long does a postpartum doula spend with a family?
Doula support can last anywhere from one or two visits to more than three months.
What hours can I expect a doula to work with my family?
The hours that a doula spends with your family will largely depend on your unique needs and schedule. We are available for daytime and nighttime hours. Daytime or evening hours are scheduled with a 4 hour minimum (between the hours of 8AM and 8PM) and an 8 hour minimum for an overnight shift.
What does a postpartum doula cost?
The rate for postpartum care is $60/hour. Your location and hours requested may affect the rate.
What is the difference between a postpartum doula and a baby nurse?
The role of a postpartum doula is to help parents through her postpartum period and to nurture the family. Unlike a baby nurse, a doula’s focus is not solely on the baby, but on fostering independence for the entire family. The doula is as available to the partner and older children as to the mother and the baby. Treating the family as a unit that is connected and always changing enables doulas to do their job: nurture the family.
What is a postpartum doula’s goal?
The goal of a doula is to help the new parents to feel confident in their new roles. As they experience success and their knowledge and self-confidence grow, their needs for postpartum doula support should diminish.
How can I find a postpartum doula in my area?
Use DONA International’s online doula locator.
Do doulas help parents to deal with postpartum depression?
Unlike therapists or psychiatrists, doulas do not treat postpartum depression. However, they will help by creating a safe place for the parents emotionally. The doula will provide a cushioning effect by accepting the parent within each stage that they pass through. They relieve some of the pressure on the new parent by helping them move into their new responsibilities gradually. Doulas make sure that the parents feel nurtured and cared for, as well as making sure they are eating well and getting enough sleep.
In addition, DONA International certified postpartum doulas are trained to help clients prepare themselves for parenthood in pregnancy, maximizing support and rest. These doulas will help their clients to screen themselves for PPMDs and will make referrals to appropriate clinicians or support groups as needed.
Do doulas teach a particular parenting approach?
No. DONA International doulas are educated to support individual families approach. Doulas are good listeners and encourage parents to develop their own philosophies.
How do postpartum doulas work with partners?
A doula respects the partner’s role and input, and teaches concrete skills that will help them care for their family. The doula will share evidence-based information with the partner that shows how their role in the early weeks will have a dramatic positive effect on the family.
Some information taken from DONA International. See www.dona.org.