Why hire a Postpartum Doula

Postpartum Doulas are trained and experienced professionals who provide support, an understanding ear, and loving care to the newborn mother. All postpartum mothers need to feel the presence of someone who can provide effective, loving support- this is a priority, not a luxury.

Services may include light housekeeping, childcare for older siblings, feeding assistance, infant care, and, in some cases, physical care for mothers recovering from a difficult delivery or cesarean section.

Parents will typically interview and hire a doula before the birth of their baby (especially if they are also using a doula for the birth itself). Online sites, such as findadoula.com, doulamatch.net, Meela.com, and Bornbir.com, to name a few, can help you find a good fit. Also, recommendations from healthcare providers and other parents can be helpful.

The length of time a postpartum doula works with a family depends on the needs of each family. Those seeking daytime support to help transition through the newborn period might have a doula who makes up to five visits. Some families hire an overnight doula to help navigate the demands of new sleep routines (or a lack of sleep). In overnight situations, a doula often stays on for a longer period and visits one or two nights per week.

Typically, fees a Postpartum Doula may charge are based on the type of care a family requires. These fees can range from $30 and $60 an hour or are presented in a flat-rate package. Some doulas may provide a sliding scale for families who can’t afford full fees, and sometimes newly certified doulas or doulas-in-training may be more flexible in their fees to

gain experience.