FAQs

How long does a woman typically engage a postpartum doula?

This depends entirely on the needs of the individual.  A postpartum doula is typically engaged from between 2-6 weeks.

Remember that it is not a sign of strength to be able to "do it alone."  New mothers were not meant to be alone during the postpartum weeks.  It is a sign of wisdom to gather support for this most significant period in your life so that your new child can be welcomed into an environment where his mother is calm, rested, and supported.

How long does a postpartum doula spend with a new mom each day?

Again, this depends entirely upon the needs of the mother.  Many women schedule a four-hour visit, 3-5 times per week.

My husband has two weeks of paternity leave.  With his support, would not a postpartum doula be unnecessary?

Do not underestimate the impact of sleep deprivation on both parents, nor the learning curve for both father and mother.  Having an extra set of experienced hands to reassure, teach, and support can make all the difference in the transition the whole family makes.

What if this is my fourth baby?  I already know how to breastfeed and care for my baby--why would I need a postpartum doula?

Actually, I have never met a mother of three who was not thrilled at the idea of a postpartum doula!  An experienced mother knows firsthand the difference postpartum support makes, and how much she wants it!

None of my friends ever had a postpartum doula--why would I need one?

Ask any of your friends who have had a baby if they would have liked to have had a postpartum doula!  Chances are, the reason they did not have one is that they did not realize this type of support is available.  Your friends who are mothers will tell you exactly why you would need one!  Ask them!

What do you offer for multiples?

The transition into parenthood can be even more challenging for a family welcoming multiples into their lives.  In addition to the usual physical and emotional support (doubly needed!), the postpartum doula can help the new mom discover strategies to make her life easier with her new little ones.  The doula can also help the new parents find resources especially for parents of multiples.

We have not budgeted for this expense--how could we justify it?

The presence of good postpartum support can make all the difference in a mother's physical recovery, emotional state, and success with breastfeeding.  The best response to this question was one I heard from a set of grandparents who were paying for a postpartum doula for their daughter:  "We put aside money for our child's college education years in advance--but is not this postpartum period, and the experience the child has in these first months, just as important?"

Friends and family who want to help, but are unable to offer postpartum support themselves, are often very grateful for the opportunity to hire a postpartum doula to go in their place.  Also, consider registering with our Gift Registry. 

Be sure to submit to your insurance.  Many insurance plans will cover part or all of postpartum doula services, and we can provide sample letters of appeal and sample letters of authorization from your OB/midwife to help in this process.

Does insurance cover the services of a postpartum doula?

Many insurance plans will cover part or all of postpartum doula services.  We can provide sample letters of authorization from your OB/midwife to help in this process.