FAQ

What does a Postpartum doula do?  

The word doula is Greek, and means “To mother the mother”.   As a doula I care for families with  a new baby whether it be through adoption, surrogacy or more traditional means.  I also care for those who don’t have a baby at all but still need that mothering support.  The presence of appropriate, non-judgmental support can decrease the risk of depression, improve breastfeeding success, improve bonding, and help to increase the connection of parental relationships and other familial relationships as well.  

Doulas provide: 

Infant Care

• Expert newborn care

• Bottle feeding support

• Breastfeeding support

• Cloth diapering and diaper hygiene solutions

• Multiples support

• Sibling support

Emotional support

• Coping skills

• Family bonding

• Postpartum health

• Processing the birth experience

• Writing your birth story

• Grief and Loss support

• Night and sleep support

• Adoption support

• Surrogacy support

• Accompaniment to errands or Drs appointments

Parenting education

• Family adjustment 

• Assistance with sibling and family adjustment

• Referrals to appropriate professionals and support groups

• Postpartum Nutrition

Household organizing

• Light housekeeping

• Personalized, home cooked meals

• A stocked pantry 

• Errand running

• Preparing for baby 

Wait, did you say you work with families that don’t have babies?

I do!  I believe we are all deserving of the non-judgmental, supportive, educational, practical mothering care that a doula provides.  While not traditionally doula care, I am delighted to provide the same sort of support (minus the baby stuff) to those needing it.  For example, a client had shoulder surgery that meant they’d be on their own and unable to work or drive for many months.  

I provided: 

• Support for the household (we’ve organized everything in it!)

• Emotional support 

• Companionship

• Assistance with personal care

• Light housekeeping

• Keeping the fridge and pantry stocked with delicious nutritious foods

• Driving to appointments and fun stuff, too.

• Pet care

And more.  

How much does doula care cost?

I offer care at $65 per hour with a 4 hour per visit minimum.  

What sorts of schedules do you offer?

I provide care for a minimum of 4 hours per visit. A morning visit may be from 8AM-Noon, for example.  Most clients contract with me to provide the care they’ll need for the first four months, imagine  knowing when help is coming and when that next nap will be!  A typical contract will be for anywhere from 4-16 weeks long, with 3-5 visits per week.

I am  occasionally able to provide one time care on an as available basis.  

Do you offer overnight care?

I do not offer overnight care at this time.  I highly recommend  Liz and Amy at Seattle Night Doulas

Do you offer birth doula services?  

 I do not currently offer birth doula services, though I am happy to provide services to help you prepare for your birth, whether it be at home, birthing center, or hospital.

Do you take care of the baby while I leave the house? 

I am happy to be one of the first people you trust to provide expert newborn care while you run an errand, get your hair done, go on a date with your partner, or just simply take an uninterrupted 3 hour nap!  

Do you provide care for older children in the home?

Depending on the situation, I will be happy to spend some time with your older child while you get some much needed one-on-one time with your baby or do necessary things that are so much easier to do without… help ;) I am not offering nanny services at this time, and am happy to assist you in finding resources to find excellent childcare.  I do not currently offer birth doula services, though I am happy to provide services to help you prepare for a birth, home birth, or bringing home baby.

What is your Covid-19 policy?

I follow all guidelines set out by the CDC.  I am fully vaccinated and boosted, and only work with families where eligible members are as well to provide the most protection for our loved ones.  I wear masks, and do regular testing.  I do not require my clients to wear masks in their home while I provide care but to provide continuous care to all of my clients I very much appreciate all precautions being taken.   

Do you have more questions?  Please contact me!