Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect during a typical visit with a Postpartum Doula?
Just like you, every postpartum experience is unique and personal. As your doula, I will make it a priority to address your individual needs so you can spend this valuable time getting to know, snuggle, and love your new little one.
For the sake of a general answer I will say a typical visit with a client will involve discussing mother and baby's overall state (are both sleeping well? are both eating well?), tidying up, making some snacks or a meal (or two), maybe playing with an older sibling or caring for the new baby while the parent(s) have quality time with the older child(ren), and doing a load or two of laundry and/or dishes. The priority for the day may be the mother getting some sleep or having some personal time in the tub (or BOTH!), or the big event of the day may be mom or dad taking baby out for their very first buggy ride around the block.
What you can expect is to be heard and cared for however you may need.
Our baby arrived via adoption, can we still benefit from a Postpartum Doula?
ABSOLUTELY! As a new family with a new baby (or babies) you are 100% applicable for the education and support a Postpartum Doula can offer. This journey comes with its own unique challenges and emotional weights, when interviewing for a Postpartum Doula may I suggest inquiring about their experience supporting adoptive families, while not necessary, it may be helpful to receive support from someone who may be able to direct you to specific community resources and is familiar with the ups and downs of the adoption journey.
My mother-in-law is staying with us the first month after delivery. I feel like we're going to need more help than she can offer but I'm concerned there may be a clash. How often do doulas work along side visiting family members?
It is not uncommon for Postpartum Doulas to provide care and support along side visiting family and friends and generational sensitivity is covered in most doula trainings.
As a Postpartum Doula I welcome the support and wisdom of family members, especially grandparents, and strive to nurture a community of care atmosphere. I am not there to take over, I am not there to correct care methodologies, I am present to support and care for the new mother and family and grandparents are a part of that. Yes, infant care methodologies have changed drastically in the past 20+ years, and they are continuing to change. It is with honor and respect and evidence based information that I have, in the past, been able to work along side grandparents in caring for and nurturing a new family.
My baby is 5months old, can I still have a Postpartum Doula?
YES!
While "postpartum" generally implies the first 3 months following birth, often referred to as the "fourth trimester", some will argue that the postpartum period is 12 months, and even others 18 years. While a nanny or babysitter can care for your child while you care for you a Postpartum Doula is present to care for YOU and that is unique; and VERY important.
Does insurance cover postpartum doula care?
Unfortunately, no. Some insurances may offer a "flex spending account" from which you may be able to request reimbursement, you will need to ask your insurance provider if this is an option. Rest assured the doula community is working hard to be recognized and covered by all insurance providers.
Is it possible to give a Postpartum Doula's time as a gift to an expecting mother or new mother?
Yes! What a wonderful gift! A word of caution, having someone in one's home, especially after the welcoming of a new baby, is a very personal thing and your giftee may not be open to the idea of a random stranger entering their home. May I recommend gifting the services of a doula collective from which a doula may be selected or surprising the giftee with an afternoon out at a "meet the doula" event at which they will be able to meet several and choose.
Just like you, every postpartum experience is unique and personal. As your doula, I will make it a priority to address your individual needs so you can spend this valuable time getting to know, snuggle, and love your new little one.
For the sake of a general answer I will say a typical visit with a client will involve discussing mother and baby's overall state (are both sleeping well? are both eating well?), tidying up, making some snacks or a meal (or two), maybe playing with an older sibling or caring for the new baby while the parent(s) have quality time with the older child(ren), and doing a load or two of laundry and/or dishes. The priority for the day may be the mother getting some sleep or having some personal time in the tub (or BOTH!), or the big event of the day may be mom or dad taking baby out for their very first buggy ride around the block.
What you can expect is to be heard and cared for however you may need.
Our baby arrived via adoption, can we still benefit from a Postpartum Doula?
ABSOLUTELY! As a new family with a new baby (or babies) you are 100% applicable for the education and support a Postpartum Doula can offer. This journey comes with its own unique challenges and emotional weights, when interviewing for a Postpartum Doula may I suggest inquiring about their experience supporting adoptive families, while not necessary, it may be helpful to receive support from someone who may be able to direct you to specific community resources and is familiar with the ups and downs of the adoption journey.
My mother-in-law is staying with us the first month after delivery. I feel like we're going to need more help than she can offer but I'm concerned there may be a clash. How often do doulas work along side visiting family members?
It is not uncommon for Postpartum Doulas to provide care and support along side visiting family and friends and generational sensitivity is covered in most doula trainings.
As a Postpartum Doula I welcome the support and wisdom of family members, especially grandparents, and strive to nurture a community of care atmosphere. I am not there to take over, I am not there to correct care methodologies, I am present to support and care for the new mother and family and grandparents are a part of that. Yes, infant care methodologies have changed drastically in the past 20+ years, and they are continuing to change. It is with honor and respect and evidence based information that I have, in the past, been able to work along side grandparents in caring for and nurturing a new family.
My baby is 5months old, can I still have a Postpartum Doula?
YES!
While "postpartum" generally implies the first 3 months following birth, often referred to as the "fourth trimester", some will argue that the postpartum period is 12 months, and even others 18 years. While a nanny or babysitter can care for your child while you care for you a Postpartum Doula is present to care for YOU and that is unique; and VERY important.
Does insurance cover postpartum doula care?
Unfortunately, no. Some insurances may offer a "flex spending account" from which you may be able to request reimbursement, you will need to ask your insurance provider if this is an option. Rest assured the doula community is working hard to be recognized and covered by all insurance providers.
Is it possible to give a Postpartum Doula's time as a gift to an expecting mother or new mother?
Yes! What a wonderful gift! A word of caution, having someone in one's home, especially after the welcoming of a new baby, is a very personal thing and your giftee may not be open to the idea of a random stranger entering their home. May I recommend gifting the services of a doula collective from which a doula may be selected or surprising the giftee with an afternoon out at a "meet the doula" event at which they will be able to meet several and choose.
All questions are welcome.
Please feel free to ask by emailing me at
Celina@DayOneDoula.com
or filling out the contact form found here.
Please feel free to ask by emailing me at
Celina@DayOneDoula.com
or filling out the contact form found here.