FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Postpartum Doula support questions

What is a Postpartum doula?

A: A Postpartum Doula is a knowledgeable, calm, well rested professional that walks into the families bubble and helps to navigate life with their newborn.  The daunting task of those first few weeks, months is a learning curve as each baby is so different. It may even be their 2nd or third baby which doesn’t lesson, if fact increases the need for help.  Caring for a newborn 24/7 can cause some parents to feel frustrated and at a loss.  Hiring a Postpartum Doula will give them a chance to get a routine going, healing started and the tools for the longevity of being a parent.

What are the benefits of having a doula?

A:Having a Doula not only helps with the healing process of the Mother but also gives a huge support to her partner.  Some partners are already sleep deprived from the length of labor, stress of providing support and emotion from the birth.  Now they are needed even more so when arriving home, the list to do seems endless.  Some of the most crucial first weeks involves the  Mothers needs to heal from birth and labor as well as needs help in all aspects of taking care of the newborn, staying hydrated, feed themselves and decompressing from the experience of birth itself.  A Doula is an extension of their arms (Both Mother and Partner) during this period to help both catch their breaths and start a healing rhythm.

What does “light” housework mean?

A. During night shifts it means folding laundry or other quiet chores. Depending on the house set up, I usually wait to wash bottles and pumps in the morning. During day shifts, there is more time and allowance for noise .

What services are not included in doula support?

A: Deep cleaning or house work other than for the baby. There are always exceptions based on the benefits on helping the Mother to heal. I am very conscious that sometimes sheets need to be changed or clean up/organization may be important for the Mother to be able to rest.

When should I hire a postpartum doula?

A. Ideally a Postpartum doula would be interviewed and prepped to join you at the house after having your newborn. The healing process needs to start right away. For many however, the feeling of wanting to see if they can manage on their own or feel they have enough help, tend to hire a Postpartum Doula after the first few weeks of giving birth.

How does the doula know what to do to help me?

A: Although all babies are different, a Doula has experience and a bag full of tricks to try. Sleep deprivation is the main source of frustration for the parents and a Doula knows how to work with the parents to make sure they start to feel more rested.

What if I plan bottle feed?

A: A Doula can help you with all feeding basics and may even be lactation certified. No matter what works best for Mom and baby, the doula will guide them through the process.

How is a postpartum doula different than a nanny?

A. A postpartum doula is more of an infant specialist with the exception of also taking care of Mom. Helping Mom with her recovery and health after going through childbirth. It is a much more encompassing caregiving. Also a Postpartum Doula can be hired for short term help and packages are much more flexible.

Does a Doula also give support to the spouse or partner?

A. Yes, definitely. It is not uncommon for the person not giving birth but being the support system for the entire experience to be completely depleted after childbirth. A Postpartum Doula is a huge part of giving relief and a place of encouragement for the huge changes in daily life. It is also incredibly healing to have a non judgmental ear to hear the experiences and emotional journey that had taken place.

What are the minimum hours I need for a shift?

A. Night shifts are a minimum of 6 hours and day shifts can be as short as 4 hours. A combination of a day and then a couple night shifts is my personal recommendation and that creates a good bond and understanding of what is needed during the night shifts.

How do I schedule my hours?

A. Reach out on the “Contact Me” page and I will work with you to create a personal package that works best.

NIGHTTIME SUPPORT QUESTIONS

What does a night Postpartum Doula do?

A. Upon arrival I will take 15 minutes to set up (babies sleeping area, clean bottles and or pumps, etc). Send Mom off to get ready for bed and set up a timing for the evening feeds. If possible give Mom a massage before bed. Then my only interaction is to bring the infant in for feeding (if breast feeding) or take pumped milk /formula bottle and feed myself. In the morning I will hand over the infant to one of the parents, do a small clean up from the night and make sure to update parents on the nights events.

What are my hours for nighttime support?

A. Different times work for different families and I am very flexible with that. I find that most commentary choose 10pm-7am. But that is just one example of what seems to create a well rested team in the morning!

Does the doula sleep when with us?

A. When the baby is just days old, there usually is no time for rest and if ever I do get some quiet time, I read my book on my phone. However, after a month or two, hour naps can be taken. There is always the option to have assured “awake” nights and I have no problem with that at all.

How does the doula support me overnight if I am breastfeeding?

A: In the beginning the baby usually needs to nurse every 2 to 3 hours. I can bring in the baby to nurse and then pick them up when finished to do the burping/changing and re-settling. If the parent prefers to pump every two hours to make sure enough milk is coming in, I will bring the clean pumping equipment and then collect it for the next feed by bottle. As the baby gets a few weeks older, I can substitute a bottle of breast milk for a feed and the Mother can enjoy a good 4 hour stretch of sleep. A mother usually gets 7 hours of sleep on a night shift.

How long is overnight care available for?

A. Overnight care can continue as long as the client desires. I suggest renewing the contract monthly if they are not sure and every 3 months if they already know they would like at least 6 months of care.

What if the Postpartum Doula becomes ill or there is a personal emergency?

A. As I am apart of the Doula Care Collective, and the Sonoma County Doula’s, I am able to reach out for backup support in most cases. These are professionals who know how to come in and adjust quickly if filling in for another Doula.