What is a Postpartum Doula?
A postpartum doula is a professional support person trained to offer practical, informational, and emotional support to the family in the days, weeks, and months after the addition of a new baby. What a postpartum doula does may changes from day to day, as the needs of the family change.
When is the best time to hire a Postpartum Doula?
Ideally, a family sets up Postpartum Doula services in late pregnancy, so that the doula can help with planning for a smoother transition in the early days and weeks. In reality, many people don't know how much they need a Postpartum Doula until after baby arrives, and most of my clients have contacted me after the birth of their baby. I can accommodate last minute clients as long as my schedule permits, so please don't hesitate to ask!
Is a Postpartum Doula only for people who have, or are at risk of having, postpartum depression (or another perinatal mood & anxiety disorder)?
No! The “Postpartum” in Postpartum Doula refers to the postpartum period, generally from birth to 3 months (although I have supported families throughout the entire first year). A Postpartum Doula is for ANYONE who has recently had a baby! Yes, I do have experience supporting moms who are dealing with a perinatal mood & anxiety disorder (PMAD), but you absolutely do not need to have a PMAD in order to hire a Postpartum Doula. Please note that Postpartum Doulas are not therapists and do not treat PMAD.
What does a Postpartum Doula do?
What does a Postpartum Doula NOT do?
What kind of breastfeeding support do Postpartum Doulas offer?
Postpartum Doulas are trained in basic breastfeeding support and education. They help the mother and baby establish breastfeeding and offer tips to build a good milk supply, a comfortable latch, and launch a healthy breastfeeding relationship.
When does the Postpartum Doula come? How long does she stay? How long does she work with a family?
Ideally, you will schedule a visit with your Postpartum Doula either immediately after birth, or within the first few days after the birth of your baby. After that, the frequency and length of visits will be worked out as per your contract - typically there is a minimum number of hours you contract your doula for, and those could be daytime, evening, or overnight hours, depending on what you worked out in the agreement. Visits can be a minimum of 2 hours to a maximum of 8 hours. Some contracts last for 2 weeks, some for 6 months - every contact is different, and specific to that family.
*Source for some FAQ's: Birth Ways International
A postpartum doula is a professional support person trained to offer practical, informational, and emotional support to the family in the days, weeks, and months after the addition of a new baby. What a postpartum doula does may changes from day to day, as the needs of the family change.
When is the best time to hire a Postpartum Doula?
Ideally, a family sets up Postpartum Doula services in late pregnancy, so that the doula can help with planning for a smoother transition in the early days and weeks. In reality, many people don't know how much they need a Postpartum Doula until after baby arrives, and most of my clients have contacted me after the birth of their baby. I can accommodate last minute clients as long as my schedule permits, so please don't hesitate to ask!
Is a Postpartum Doula only for people who have, or are at risk of having, postpartum depression (or another perinatal mood & anxiety disorder)?
No! The “Postpartum” in Postpartum Doula refers to the postpartum period, generally from birth to 3 months (although I have supported families throughout the entire first year). A Postpartum Doula is for ANYONE who has recently had a baby! Yes, I do have experience supporting moms who are dealing with a perinatal mood & anxiety disorder (PMAD), but you absolutely do not need to have a PMAD in order to hire a Postpartum Doula. Please note that Postpartum Doulas are not therapists and do not treat PMAD.
What does a Postpartum Doula do?
- Provide hands-on education on infant and mother care (infant feeding, bathing, diapering, calming techniques)
- Create a nurturing, restful atmosphere in which parents may eat, shower, and nap
- Help the family get the information they need to make informed decisions
- Cater care for special circumstances such as recovery from a difficult birth or other challenges
- Introduce parenting tips, helping parents to learn skills that will enable them to cope with their new responsibilities
- Screen for hurdles such as breastfeeding challenges or perinatal mood & anxiety disorders
- Light housekeeping, including laundry, dishes, and meal prep
- Referrals to other care providers should your needs exceed my scope of practice (ex. lactation consultant, massage therapist, physiotherapist)
What does a Postpartum Doula NOT do?
- Clinical tasks of any sort (blood pressure readings, diagnosis, recommend treatments, interpret charts, etc.)
- Transportation of you or anyone else in your family
- Heavy housework
- Make decisions for you – I provide you with information to help you make informed decisions for yourself and will support and advocate for your preferences
- Replace your partner – if you have a partner or another support person that will be helping you postpartum, I will work with them to optimally support you
What kind of breastfeeding support do Postpartum Doulas offer?
Postpartum Doulas are trained in basic breastfeeding support and education. They help the mother and baby establish breastfeeding and offer tips to build a good milk supply, a comfortable latch, and launch a healthy breastfeeding relationship.
When does the Postpartum Doula come? How long does she stay? How long does she work with a family?
Ideally, you will schedule a visit with your Postpartum Doula either immediately after birth, or within the first few days after the birth of your baby. After that, the frequency and length of visits will be worked out as per your contract - typically there is a minimum number of hours you contract your doula for, and those could be daytime, evening, or overnight hours, depending on what you worked out in the agreement. Visits can be a minimum of 2 hours to a maximum of 8 hours. Some contracts last for 2 weeks, some for 6 months - every contact is different, and specific to that family.
*Source for some FAQ's: Birth Ways International