When is the best time to have a postpartum doula?

The entire 4th trimester (the 12-week period immediately after your baby arrives) is an amazing and transformative period. Having unbiased emotional, physical, and evidence based support during this time is invaluable as you, your family, and baby navigate this newness together. While there is no specified length of time that a postpartum doula spends with a family, the first few days, weeks, or months are typically the most beneficial.

What does the schedule of postpartum care look like?

I try to maintain flexibility to support a schedule that meets your needs. This can include daytime care, overnight care, or a combination of the two. Daytime care consists of a minimum of 4 hour visits. Overnight care is a minimum of 8 hours. You choose how often you would like support and how many visits you would like per week. The visits oftentimes are more frequent in the early weeks and lessen as the weeks go on. We will work together to develop a plan that works for you and your family.

Will you support my desire to breastfeed?

Yes, yes, yes! If you have the desire to breastfeed, I would love to help make it a successful experience for you and support you! We can discuss various feeding positions, typical feeding, and managing engorgement. Sometimes, the help of an IBCLC (International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant) is necessary and I can provide trusted referrals.

I have family/friends coming to stay with me after the baby is born, should I still hire a postpartum doula?

Yes! While it’s wonderful to have loving family and friends around, their focus can be misguided and many are not familiar with the latest parenting and postpartum research, resulting in potentially outdated or inaccurate advice. New parents and babies need time to rest and rejuvenate without the unintentional and unspoken agendas that family/friends may bring . You are my primary focus and I arrive without any expectations.

Can a postpartum doula diagnose postpartum depression?

As a CAPPA trained postpartum doula, I have been taught to recognize the warning signs when a parent may be experiencing postpartum depression but am not a medical professional and therefore do not make any sort of diagnosis. I can help provide recommendations of therapists and support groups in your area. Postpartum doulas assist by ensuring parents are cared for and get the support they need. Research indicates that families with more support have decreased incidences of postpartum depression.

Are doula services covered by insurance?

Unfortunately, postpartum doula services are not covered by insurance at this time.

What is your scope of practice?

I trained through CAPPA (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association) and work under their scope of practice for postpartum doulas.

When should I hire a postpartum doula?

Ideally, you will hire your postpartum doula before your baby arrives, so that you have support in place for those early days and weeks. However, if your baby has already arrived, it’s not too late to reach out and get the assistance you deserve.

Who needs a postpartum doula?

Anyone welcoming a new baby can benefit from the support of a postpartum doula! The emotional, informational, and practical support helps parents, babies, and families thrive on countless levels.

I am aware of, and respect, the various ways that a parent can welcome a newborn into their lives and am happy to help you navigate through your personal journey. In addition to traditional couples, my postnatal support is open to the LGBTQ community, adoptive parents, single parents by choice, and parents by surrogacy.

Are you certified?

Yes, I earned my CPD (certified postpartum doula) certification through CAPPA.

Are you vaccinated?

Yes, I am current on all vaccines and boosters, including COVID-19 and flu.