Frequently Asked Questions
Please feel free to e-mail
me if you have any questions other
than the ones listed below:
1. How long does a post partum doula work with a family?
A postpartum doula usually meets with the family a month
or two before the delivery of the baby. They have a phone interview, then
an interview in person, at the
home of the perspective client. If there is a “match”, meaning the
client and the doula feel they can work together well, the doula will begin working
as soon as the babies arrive home. Most doulas work Monday- Friday, however some
work exclusively at night from 10 p.m.-6 a.m. Each contract is designed to fulfill
the needs of that individual family, so hours and times vary, however most doulas
work with each family for at least 6 weeks.
2. What is the difference between a postpartum doula
and a baby nurse?
A post partum doula is there to support the entire family
during the transition after the birth of their newborn. A baby nurse is
there solely
for the newborn
and does not provide support for the mother or the rest of
the family. Doulas treat families as a unit.
3. How can I find a doula in my area?
Well, if you're looking in the Austin or San Marcos
area, you've found one! Click here for more
information on our rates and services. I suggest that you
might also contact a Lactation Consultant, your
Obstetrician, Midwives,
La Leche League or Doulas
of North America, or visit your
local Maternity store and see if they have any references
for postpartum doulas in your area.
4. What specific kinds of services does a postpartum doula
offer?
Doulas offer routine newborn care and education for
the mother in bathing, cord care, diapering,
calming techniques, swaddling, newborn
nutrition
and development. They help new mom’s interpret their babies’ cues,
basically helping their clients understand
their newborns. Postpartum doulas also take care of household tasks
as listed above, and they often accompany
their clients to pediatrician appointments.
5. Do doulas help mothers deal with post partum depression?
Doulas are not therapists or psychologists, however
doulas do help create a safe environment
for our mothers to be open regarding
their struggles during
the postpartum period. When women
have a caring, loving person that is supporting them continuously through
this
sometimes stressful
time
in their life it tends
to lessen the intensity of the problems
that most women face that are alone. In my practice I rarely see women
suffer
from postpartum
depression if they
have a postpartum doula caring for
them. By mothering
the mother, doulas make sure that
the mothers feel nurtured and cared for, as well
as making sure
they are eating properly and getting
enough sleep which is one of the biggest challenges for new parents.
6. How much
does postpartum doula care cost?
On a national average fees are approximately $20-30 an
hour. This is somewhat based on the experience and expertise of each
doula. Night
care usually costs about $25-35 per hour.
7. What are the benefits of having a postpartum doula?
There are many and I will just list a few:
- Increased chance of successful breastfeeding
- less chance of maternal postpartum depression
- less maternal exhaustion and frustration
- greater understanding of newborn emotional and physical needs and behavior.
