Postpartum Doula support looks different for every family. The overall goal is to support and protect the physical, social, and psychological needs of the entire family. As your postpartum doula, I will start by helping you and your family create a Postpartum Care Plan. When care begins, my services might include (but are not limited to):
caring for baby while mom (and/or partner) sleeps or showers
breastfeeding and/or bottle-feeding education & support
assistance/education with newborn care & baby-soothing
emotional support (including watching for signs of Postpartum Depression/Anxiety)
helping the family establish healthy sleep habits
sibling support
light grocery shopping
meal/snack preparation
offering vetted resources and referrals
help with minor home organization
Why should you hire a Postpartum Doula?
The first days, weeks, and months with a new baby can be exhausting, difficult, and unnerving. Amidst the sleep deprivation, shifting hormones, recovery from birth, and figuring out how to meet the needs of this new little person, parents are still expected to somehow keep their household running. This can be incredibly overwhelming, especially in a culture where extended family often lives far away or is unable to help. The postpartum season can become even more stressful when there are challenges such as breastfeeding difficulties, Postpartum Mood & Anxiety Disorders, cesarean recovery, caring for twins/ multiples, caring for older siblings, single parenting, post-delivery complications, birth trauma, and more. As your Postpartum Doula, I will be there to lighten the load and be a trusted ally. I'll be a source of relief and assurance. I will support you and your family wholeheartedly, no matter your parenting choices. I'll become attuned to your family's needs, provide evidence-based information, and help you feel more confident in your role as a parent.
How much Postpartum Care do you need?
The amount of care a family needs or wants differs. When trying to decide how much postpartum support you need, here is some information to consider:
According to the World Health Organization, the first month following childbirth is a critical phase in the lives of mothers and newborn babies.
Many cultures have post-pregnancy recovery practices where a mother receives 1 to 2 months of special care, products, food, and services to help her recover from the significant life-altering experience of pregnancy and birth.
15-20% of American mothers experience postpartum depression following the birth of a child. Postpartum depression can start any time in the first 12 months after having a baby (or after having a miscarriage, a stillbirth, or an abortion), most often between three and four months after the baby is born.
The first week post-pregnancy is when the most intense healing takes place, but the entire first six weeks are very important. The postpartum period can last months or even years, with many women claiming it takes six to nine months before they feel somewhat back to their old selves.
Though breastfeeding is a biologically natural process, it doesn't always come easy. It generally takes about 2-6 weeks for moms and new babies to get the hang of it.
Postpartum Doula Packages:
Postpartum Doula services are typically purchased in blocks of hours, but can also be paid for on an hourly basis at the rate of $30/hr. The higher the hours of each package are, the more of an hourly discount you receive. (Savings are noted in each section.) There is a minimum purchase of 6 hours, and hours are generally used in blocks of 3 to 5 hours at a time.
*First Days*
This 10-hour package might be used during the first few days after a family brings their new baby home. It's a great way to ease the transition from being fully taken care of in the hospital or birth center to being sent home to manage this parenting thing all alone. Some families may want to use all 10 hours their first night home; some may want to spread them out over several days during that first week. (This package is not limited to your first week, and can be used anytime during the postpartum period.) Price: $290 (savings of $10)
*Basic*
This 25-hour package provides 2-3 weeks of postpartum care. This package works well for families wanting only a little bit of support in the beginning or those who have already had a week or two of family support. It includes a 1-hour prenatal home consult, plus 24 hours of daytime Postpartum care. Price: $700 (savings of $50)
*Deluxe*
This 50-hour package is recommended for most families. It gives you 3-6 weeks of postpartum support. This includes a 1-hour prenatal home consult, plus 49 hours of daytime postpartum care. Price: $1,350 (savings of $150)
*Premium*
This 100-hour package gives you 6-12 weeks of support. This is ideal for families who want daily support in the beginning and/or longer-term support. It's also perfect for women recovering from a Cesarean birth or families with twins/multiples. This package includes a 1-hour prenatal home consult, plus 99 hours of daytime postpartum care. Price: $2,600 (savings of $400)
Extra Services:
Preparing for the Postpartum Period:Private interactive class to learn about what to expect during the first 3-4 months after having a baby. Price: $75. Topics include:
Physical recovery - What’s going on in your body and what you can do to help ensure a good recovery
Normal emotional ups and downs, plus what postpartum depression and other mood & anxiety disorders look like
Newborn behavior and how to “read” your baby's cues
Basic overview on infant-feeding
Caring for a newborn, including some tips and “hacks”
How to help prevent maternal fatigue
What self care actually means
Why you need help at home during the first few weeks/months
Postpartum Care Planning Session: Private consult during pregnancy to help you create a personalized plan for the postpartum period, based on your past experiences, your values, your health history, your life situation, and your preferences. Price: $45
Postpartum Class and Planning consult combined: Price: $115
Postpartum Doula Payment Info:
*$145 non-refundable deposit due at signing of contract in order to reserve your spot on Geneva's calendar. *50% (includes deposit) to be paid before services begin. (Special circumstances may be considered.) *Remainder to be paid weekly or bi-weekly as services are provided. *Gift certificates are available and can be added to your Babylist registry.
