What does a postpartum doula do?
Postpartum doulas provide evidence-based, non judgmental support for new moms in the first weeks or months after bringing home your baby, whether through birth or adoption.
Some of the duties that a Postpartum Doula will perform include:
- Assistance with newborn care such as diapering, bathing, feeding, swaddling, and comforting and soothing techniques
- Sibling care
- Breastfeeding support
- Help with emotional and physical recovery after birth
- Light housekeeping (vacuuming, laundry, dishes, etc.) so mom doesn’t feel so overwhelmed
- Running errands (grocery runs, dry cleaning drop off/pick up, etc)
- Light meal preparation
- Referrals to local resources (parenting classes, pediatricians, lactation support, and support groups)
- Overnight infant care so parents can rest at night
Very basically, I’m here to help with anything possible to make this special time as stress free as possible.
What does a postpartum doula visit look like?
A visit can be just a few hours (four hour minimum per day) or the whole day. Or even overnight. Every visit will start with a chat, an assessment of what your goals and priorities are for that day. What’s most important that day? A good meal? A nap? Lessons on baby wearing, swaddling, soothing? Help with laundry? Mom’s priorities are my priorities. What’s important to you for that particular day is what we’ll focus on. These things will be different for every mother and every day.
How long do you need a postpartum doula?
Whether you need one week of help or several weeks to truly get in the groove of mamahood, I’m here to help. I want to ensure that you and your family are off to a great start. I’m here for your healing and health as well as the baby’s.
My goal as a postpartum doula is to work myself out of the job, teaching families how to care for a new baby and making them confident enough to say “I got this.” My goal is that at the end of our contract, however long that may be, you have learned all you need to continue on as a happy, healthy family.
Daytime or Nighttime Help?
I offer daytime or overnight care. I am currently only accepting one client at a time. This allows me to be more flexible with your needs and schedule.
Daytime help is $30 per hour with a minimum of four hours per day. This includes teaching, light household tasks, baby care, and anything else listed above that will help with your healing and bonding time with your new baby.
Nighttime help is $40 per hour with a minimum of 8 hours per night. This includes nighttime diaper changes and soothing, bottle feeding or bringing baby to you to nurse, and putting baby back to sleep. Some quiet household tasks such as folding laundry and washing bottles can be included also. This is a great way for mom and dad to catch up on sleep overnight knowing baby is taken care of. I am awake for all of the nighttime hours.