Frequently Asked Questions

“What made you want to become a doula?”

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I love helping others and am truly passionate about contributing to the greater good with small acts of kindness every day. My heart is in this work. In high school I learned how much I loved working with kids and their families. When I received consistent praise for my abilities, I committed to nannying for a livelihood. Nineteen years and many episodes of "One Born Every Minute" and "A Baby Story" later, I am pursuing something that has been on my mind since childhood. Through my own therapeutic work and reproductive journey, I knew I had much more to offer than just childcare.

 

I have always been fascinated by the human body and its capabilities during conception, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Newborn and child development have always been at the forefront of my mind and something I love witnessing as a nanny and aunt. I have been a lifelong learner in these topics. I also love encouraging birthing folx to be empowered and confident in their choices and experiences instead of feeling embarrassment, shame, inferiority, or fear.

 

So, here I am: mindful, present, and full of hope for the futures of new families and children everywhere. Here’s to lifelong learning and growing together to create a kinder, more compassionate, and inclusive world.

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“What is a postpartum doula?”

 

According to Ancient Greek writings, a “doula” is defined as a servant of the people. Some might regard them as guardian angels or any nurturing source that is associated with a higher power. For others, they are pure gifts and lifesavers.

A postpartum doula is someone who provides families with information and support concerning both baby and the parent. They are there to guide, hold space, acknowledge, validate, listen, and help with the postpartum period up to twelve weeks after birth. More than anything, a doula is there for the sole focus of the physical and mental wellbeing of the family during those crucial first months with a new baby. Postpartum doulas take care of you so you can best care for your baby. Most importantly, a postpartum doula is not there to judge or tell you exactly what to do. They are there to gently guide you to make empowered and embodied decisions that are the best ones for you. A doula is a neutral and objective party when the noise of advice and recommendations from others is too much.

Everyone can benefit from a postpartum doula, and everyone deserves the care they provide. They can be the difference between surviving and thriving during the postpartum period and beyond.

 

“What is the scope of your services?”

 

Postpartum doulas assist with a vast array of services to lessen stress levels and bring calm to the chaos:

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• Lactation support

• Bottle feeding support

• Bonding support

• Developmental support pertaining to your baby’s needs

• Safe sleep

• Baby holding and wearing

• How to bathe a baby

• Hold the baby while a client is showering, sleeping, or incorporating gentle movement appropriate to where they are in their recovery

• Just “hanging out” when a client craves presence without expectation and a desire to slow down

• Entertain older children when more baby 1:1 is needed

• Care for the baby when older children need more 1:1 support

• Support taking baby on outings or to clinical appointments

• Serving as a gatekeeper and ensuring boundaries around visitors are enforced and maintained

• Meal train facilitation and maintenance 

• Processing your birth story

• Helping with post-birth comfort and recovery measures

• Laundry

• Dishes

• Bottle preparation

• Preparing light meals and snacks

• Keeping track of hydration

 

“Is there anything a postpartum doula doesn’t do?”

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• Anything clinical. Simply put, postpartum doulas are not clinical treatment providers and do not hold degrees in nursing or medicine. We do not diagnose and treat, nor do we offer medical advice, and we do not examine any stitches, wounds, bruising, etc. We do not manage or administer medication or tend to other chronic health conditions.

• Housekeeping services. Postpartum doulas are happy to tidy up and organize spaces as well as do dishes and laundry as needed, but we do not deep clean, vacuum, mop, dust, clean windows, etc.

• Babysit. We are here to support the family in physical, emotional, and developmental ways. Babysitting takes away from offering our expertise and defeats the purpose of having a postpartum doula.

• Pet care. We love furry friends and appreciate how they are regarded as children, but our assistance is primarily for family and baby. Please ask if you need a referral to a pet sitter or dog walker.  

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“Do postpartum doulas provide overnight care?”

 

Personally, I do not provide overnight care. If this is something you need, I am happy to provide referrals.

 

“If I have physical and/or mental health struggles during postpartum, do you have additional resources I can look into for help?”

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Absolutely! My resource list ranges from referrals to nannies and house cleaners to lactation specialists, pediatricians, physical therapists, mental health therapists, and everything in between! I am here to support you and advocate for any care you and your baby might need during and after the postpartum period.

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“In case of an emergency or illness, do you have any backup doulas?”

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Yes! I am constantly networking to find the best doula care possible and build rapports with those who I feel most comfortable referring to my clients. I will never recommend anyone who I would not utilize myself or who does not provide the same standard of excellent care.

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"Are there any home environments that you do not consider helping?"

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I only work in smoke-free homes, homes without aggressive pets, and homes free of hate speech and discrimination. Please note: any household with physical, sexual, verbal, and/or emotional abuse of me or any family member will be reported and considered an immediate termination of contract without a refund.

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"What is your sickness policy?"

 

If I have a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, the shift will be cancelled. Likewise, if you or one of your family members presents with any of the aforementioned symptoms, I will not report to your home. I will return once fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication and/or 48 hours after gastrointestinal symptoms have subsided. I take germs extremely seriously and even more so when a newborn is involved. In case of cold symptoms (congestion, sneezing, etc.), it is at the client's discretion as to whether or not they would like me to come. Either way, a KN95 mask will be worn and every precaution will be taken to reduce the risk of transmitting illness. 

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​"Do you offer birth doula care services as well?"

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I provide birth doula services upon request. This service is reserved exclusively for birthing persons who prefer to have the same doula throughout their perinatal journey and have already committed to my postpartum doula services. You can learn more here.

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"Do you accept insurance?"

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Unfortunately, postpartum care has not yet been recognized by insurance companies as a necessity and is usually not covered. Please reach out to your insurance representative to inquire about postpartum service coverage. I am happy to provide a superbill upon request if you plan on submitting for out-of-network benefits.

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“What forms of payment do you accept?”

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I accept personal checks, Zelle, Venmo, and Paypal. A 50% deposit is due at the time of booking, with the remaining 50% due at the beginning of your birth month.​