Ideally before your last month of pregnancy. 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, typically 1-2 hours at your home with your partner. We’ll go over many topics regarding the postpartum period, 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. I do require a minimum of 12 hours, and my support is most beneficial in the first 6 weeks after birth.

The exact frequency and duration of visits is hard to determine before your birth (see the previous section on this page for why!). If this isn’t your first postpartum experience, then you have a general idea of what those first few weeks with baby can be like—how time seems to stand still and also pass so fast amidst all that’s happening and changing. Even so, every birth, human, and postpartum is unique and therefore unpredictable.

If you’re someone who feels more at ease knowing you have support at the ready ahead of time, then I would recommend the 6-week package. This secures you on my schedule for at least the first 6 weeks postpartum. We’ll touch base within 24 hours of your birth and determine when will be best for me to begin. We’ll keep in close touch for those next 6 weeks to create a schedule together based on how your recovery is going and what your specific circumstances and needs are. The length and frequency of my visits vary week-to-week as you move through the initial post-birth haze and gain more rest, strength and comfort in your new role.

If you feel you still need my support in some capacity after the 6 weeks have passed, then we can begin a new contract at the hourly rate. I have confidence that as each day and week passes, you will grow to need me less and less and will feel more comfortable and confident in this role than you did before we met.

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, since I will not be with you long-term. I will absolutely tend to baby while you shower or take a rest if that’s 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.

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, full-meal cooking, 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).

I require a 50% deposit at the time of contract signing to hold you on my schedule. The remaining 50% is due at my first visit after baby is born. For the ‘postpartum planning session only’ option, the full amount is due at the time of contract signing.

Family and friends are still a vital part of your support network! My support does not negate their care for you. I provide support as an unbiased third-party who specializes in the postpartum experience that you will only be going through once, as 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, postpartum hormone roller coaster of emotions, 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. As a postpartum doula, I can help you brainstorm ideas for various people and come up with a plan ahead of time. I can also help generate kind, yet firm communication responses for those that you would like to hold specific boundaries with.