Frequently asked questions

When should I book a postpartum doula?

Ideally while you are still pregnant! Second trimester is a good sweet spot. This gives us time to have our initial meeting to see if we will be a good fit to work together—if not, then there is still time to find someone who is. 

This also allows time for our postpartum planning session which will be one visit (prenatally) approximately 2-3 hours at your home with your partner. We’ll go over many topics related to what to expect postpartum, answer any questions, and I will follow up with additional resources and information for you to have handy before baby arrives. This will give you time to mentally prepare, stock up on necessary items for recovery, and have an idea of what those first few weeks with baby will be like. This preparation can ease some anxiety, especially if you are a first-time parent, so you can focus on the end of your pregnancy, labor and birth.

If you happen to find me after your baby has been born, that’s ok! Go ahead and fill out the contact form and we’ll go from there if I’m available. My previously contracted clients do take precedence on my schedule, but sometimes I can weave you in last minute depending on your needs and my current clients’ needs. My support is typically most beneficial in the first 6-8 weeks after birth.

Do you do overnight shifts?

No. I do not provide overnight services at this time. However, there are other local doulas who do, so if that’s what you’re looking for I’m happy to recommend some of them to you!

Do you take care of the baby during your visits?

My objective is to care for you as the parent, with emotional, informational and practical support; to enable you to grow comfortable caring for your baby yourself, since I will not be with you long-term. With that being said, I will absolutely hold and tend to baby while you shower or take a rest if that’s what is needed while I am there. I’m also happy to do so while you spend some valuable 1×1 time with an older sibling, as this benefits the entire family and can be hard to find time for in baby’s first few weeks. 

If you determine you need additional support in the form of childcare (nanny, babysitter, child care center, etc.) I can assist you with locating options and interviewing if you’d like.

Is there anything in particular that you do NOT do?

Some things that are not covered in my scope are: administering medication, making medical or mental health diagnoses (I would refer you to your or your baby’s care provider, or provide another referral if need be), transportation, sibling care (aside from fostering bonding with baby), deep cleaning, non-urgent errands, grocery shopping (I can help you make a list or pick up a previously placed order on my way to your home—this would mean my time would begin before arriving at your home).

When is payment due?

I require a 50% deposit at the time of contract signing to hold you on my schedule. The remaining 50% is due within 48 hours after my first postpartum visit concludes. For the ‘postpartum planning session only’ option, the full amount is due at the time we set a scheduled date for your session.

Isn’t this what my family members and friends are for?

Family and friends are still a vital part of your postpartum support network! Hiring a doula does not negate their care for you. I provide support as an unbiased third-party who specializes in care and evidence-based information related specifically to the postpartum experience. It’s important to surround yourself with the support people you feel most comfortable with, as you will only be going through this once: whether you have one child or multiple, each postpartum is unique and temporary.

Everyone’s circumstances and relationships vary. Some may not have family or friends close by, or may not feel comfortable seeing them while in such a vulnerable state (bleeding, engorged breasts, emotional states that vary wildly, sleep deprived, constant feeding, etc.).

Those who offer to help mean well, and there are ways to involve them so they feel valued while also prioritizing your undisturbed rest, especially in those first couple of weeks. This is something we would cover together during our postpartum planning session. I can also help generate kind, yet firm communication responses for those that you would like to hold specific boundaries with.