Frequently Asked Questions.
What is a postpartum doula?
A postpartum doula takes care of YOU so you can take care of your baby. A postpartum doula specializes in that crucial transition to becoming new parents. A postpartum doula is a trained professional that provides non-judgemental, evidence based knowledge about infant care, maternal recovery and adjustment to parenthood. A postpartum doula is trained to support you mentally, emotionally and physically. A postpartum doula is NOT going to give you medical advice, they are not a housekeeper (though they are more than willing to help with light housekeeping), they are not a babysitter and will not be left in the home alone with the children if parents are not present.
What will you do when you are at my house?
What’s so fabulous about each visit with me is it can be completely different because I help you with whatever YOU need. Some of my families have me do the exact same tasks each visit and some have different things they want to work on each visit, our time together is dictated by you. When I first come to your home, I will wash my hands and then we chat for a bit about how you and your family have been since I’ve seen you last. We will discuss what you are needing that shift and then I get to work. Each shift may be different but some of the things that I frequently do are: cleaning up the kitchen, visiting with parents and providing a listening ear for concerns or fears, loading or unloading the dishwasher, doing the laundry and putting it away, running errands, providing education on infant care or development, playing with older children, holding baby so parents can have focused time with older children, providing breastfeeding/bottle feeding support and knowledge, getting groceries, caring for baby while parents rest or take that much needed bath/shower hehe, we might sit and debrief your birth experience, or I even prep food or cook meals. The list of things I do to help take care of my families is very large and I’m always willing to help you come up with ideas of what can be done if you aren’t sure what you need.
Can’t my family/friends provide the same care that you provide?
Absolutely! In fact, I am thrilled for you that you have supportive care from your family and friends. That is truly wonderful!! I’m not there to replace the support you are receiving from your family and friends but I am there as another part of the team to provide current knowledge and skills that will compliment the care you are receiving. I’ve had many of my families state they have appreciated knowing that I am a consistent support. They don’t feel guilty asking me to do the things they need and that they aren’t feeling like a burden to me because it’s my job and that brings them peace. I love working alongside family or friends to help nurture the new parents and baby and am always willing to provide evidence based information and support to extended family as well, so they can best care for you too.
Is it awkward to have someone come into your home?
Possibly the first moments of meeting in person and having me into your home may cause you to have a few feelings of slight discomfort because this is YOUR first time having a postpartum doula in your home. However, this is NOT my first time being in a family’s home and I can help guide you through the process of finding out what you need the most each visit, whether that’s a shower, a nap, someone to chat with or a myriad of other ways to be supported. You will quickly learn that I’m a big softie and I just love to care for people. I tell my families to think of me like your big sister, I’m coming in to care for you just like a sister would and I find that we quickly will develop a special relationship that brings peace and comfort to my families while I’m in their homes.
When should I hire a postpartum doula?
As soon as you decide you’d like to have professional support. For some families they have just gotten the “+” and they have contracted to work with me. For other families I’ve been contacted a few months postpartum when they are completely sleep deprived, are feeling overwhelmed and just need extra support. It is never too late to hire me as your postpartum doula. Having said that, if you are getting close to the year mark of your postpartum period you may not need postpartum doula support but daycare, babysitter or nanny support may be more appropriate for your needs. If you are unsure of what you need, let’s chat and I can absolutely help answer any of your questions.
Can I buy hours of care for my family member or friend?
YES!!! What a fabulous gift idea that just keeps on giving! Clothes quickly become too small, meals get eaten (though GREATLY appreciated) but giving new families the opportunity to have postpartum support is an incredibly needed and useful gift. Send me a message and we can arrange for payment. I’ll provide you with a gift certificate for the decided amount of time purchased that you can gift your friend or family member.