Postpartum Doula Services

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"Surround yourself with the support you and your newborn need to have a happy, nurturing postpartum experience."

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why do I need a postpartum doula?
In modern America, many new parents no longer have the help of other family members to assist them during the postpartum period. In some cases, new parents may have support from family and friends, but they are not familiar with current information about infant care. New parents today might feel that they have to “do it all” which is an unfortunate expectation, particularly when a new mom is recovering from childbirth, parents are exhausted from lack of sleep, and have other obligations to thier other children or workplace. Having a postpartum doula during this period after birth has been shown to increase confidence, decrease postpartum depression, and increase the likelihood of successful breastfeeding. Parents caring for their newborn need non-judgmental care and access to evidence-based information, given in a nurturing environment that allows them to feel the range of “normal” emotions after childbirth---joy, fear, uncertainty, and empowerment, just to name a few!

Do postpartum doulas work only with moms who have postpartum depression?
No, a postpartum doula works with any new or seasoned parent in the postpartum period, which is typically defined as the first 12 weeks after birth, but can be up to 6 months under some circumstances. Postpartum doulas are educated on the signs of postpartum depression and can offer support and resources to a parent who is having these symptoms.

I have one baby. Do you only work with parents of multiples?
No, a postpartum doula can work with any size family!  All parents deserve support during the postpartum period.

Do you accept insurance?
Insurance companies do not currently reimburse for postpartum doula services, although birth and postpartum professionals are continually advocating for this important legislation. However, parents are able to make payment or get reimbursement from their health savings accounts or flexible spending accounts.

What kind of training do you have?
I am a certified postpartum doula through DONA International, which means I completed training in newborn care, breastfeeding, postpartum mood disorders, as well as certification in CPR/First Aid. Additionally I completed a great deal of self-study on newborn and postpartum related topics, have a library of postpartum resources and recommendations from other healthcare and postpartum professionals. Continuing education is a requirement to remain certified through DONA International.  My education also includes a Master of Social Work, as well as an undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in Child Development and Family Relations.  This background gives me additional expertise in working with many kinds of family units and cultural backgrounds, as well as identifying and working with special situations and providing additional resources.