Frequently Asked Questions
This is a tricky one! While birth and postpartum are inherently unpredictable, I find that parents often have a good sense ahead of time regarding what they will need, so one answer is to trust yourself when considering this question. When postpartum doula services are scheduled before the baby is born, I think parents benefit from peace of mind in knowing that support will be there when they need it.
If you are thinking of me as a fill-in for when you don’t have other help, I will be a good help, but keep in mind that I support the whole family. I find that parents get the most value from my services when they have me engaged somewhat even when family is visiting, or both parents are off of work. I can come less often when other help is available, but I provide a unique support during those times as well.
Finally, each postpartum experience will only happen once. Your whole family deserves for it to be as well supported and positive as possible. I’ll always remember what one mother said to me as we made our postpartum plan while she was pregnant: “I can’t imagine looking back and saying ‘I wish I hadn’t had so much help.’”
I do not offer overnight postpartum doula care. I can suggest compatible doulas who are available for overnights, and have often worked successfully as a day/night team with another doula for families who want more extended coverage. My daytime presence also allows time for parents to catch up on sleep while I am there.
As a birth and postpartum doula I have supported families with a number of breastfeeding challenges. Sometimes I can assist with resolving the concerns myself, when the issue is improving a painful latch, sleepy baby, learning to use your breast-pump or introducing bottles.
Other times, I support the families to get appropriate additional help and implement a plan, such as when the baby has a tongue tie or other physical challenge to breastfeeding, there is a low milk supply or when mother prefers not to breastfeed or is unable to.
While I think that the most important factor in choosing your doula is whether you think we have a good connection and are a good fit, if it helps, I’m also happy to share with you about my experiences. I have experience with a wide range of birth and postpartum situations.
As a postpartum doula, I have supported families adopting newborns. Particular concerns included accessing breastmilk for the baby, healthy bottle feeding, bonding through infant massage and babywearing, and limiting visitors.
As a birth and postpartum doula, I have supported families before and after surgical births, both planned and unplanned.
I have supported families using infant formula, whether as a temporary supplement or as the food of choice. I will support you with whatever feeding plan you decide is best for you and your baby.
I welcome all families and respect that you are experiencing the universal aspects of parenting as well as benefits and challenges unique to gay or lesbian parents.
I have supported a number of families with high-risk pregnancies, either from the outset or when there is a sudden change.
I have supported a number of families who used IVF or other fertility treatments to conceive. I am knowledgeable about the possible implications of IVF for pregnancies and postpartum and will support your decisions without judgement.
I have supported many families with twins as a postpartum doula, and as a birth doula, I have supported at both vaginal and surgical twin births. I love supporting families with the unique joys and challenges of parenting multiples.
I am happy to support families of any religion and have experience working as a postpartum doula in Muslim, Jewish, Catholic and Protestant households, as well as with families who aren’t particularly religious.
I have supported a number of single parents and think you deserve tons of respect and support!
Although I love your children and it’s hard to say goodbye, I have learned that I just don’t have the availability parents are looking for when they need childcare later. However, while working with you as a doula I do assist families in their search for loving, reliable childcare providers.
