Frequently Asked Questions:
A postpartum doula provides evidenced-based information on things such as infant feeding, emotional and physical recovery from birth, birthing person-baby bonding, infant soothing, and basic newborn care.
The postpartum doula offers many services to clients, but the main goals are to nurture the entire family as they transition into life with a newborn. This would include doing things to help parents feel more confident in their roles, sharing education on family adjustment, and tending to the unique needs of the birthing parent.
Some of the duties include:
Help with the emotional and physical recovery after birth
Infant care while the parent rests
Light housekeeping, (dishes, sweeping, dusting, bottle/pump sanitation)
Running errands
Assistance with newborn care such as diapering, bathing, feeding and comforting
Light meal preparation
Baby soothing techniques
Breastfeeding support
Referrals to local resources such as parenting classes, pediatricians, lactation support and support groups
Research shows that birthing people, moms, dads, and babies have an easier time with this transition if a good support team is in place. Postpartum doulas reduce the risk of Sudden Death Infant Syndrome (SIDS), postpartum mental health issues while decreasing recovery time for the birthing person.
Research shows that birthing people, moms, dads, and babies have an easier time with this transition if a good support team is in place. Postpartum doulas reduce the risk of Sudden Death Infant Syndrome (SIDS), postpartum mental health issues while decreasing recovery time for the birthing person.
I am currently a candidate for my postpartum doula certification through DONA International.
The schedule can look however the doula and family decide will work best for them. An example of a 6 week schedule at 60 hours could look like:
Week 1 - 3 days of care (4-hour shift)
Week 2 - 3 days
Week 3 - 3 days
Week 4 - 2 days
Week 5 - 2-3 days
Week 6 - 1-2 days of care
I am located in greater Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Yes! I take Medicaid and most private insurance.