Ideally, you’ll have contracted with a postpartum doula before you have the baby. This will give you a chance to interview several postpartum doulas and a guarantee you’ll get the doula you want.
Most postpartum doulas charge an hourly rate anywhere from $10/hr to $30/hr depending on their level of expertise and the area of the country you live in. Many of them have contracts and some may have an hourly minimum.
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The information in this article is not medical advice. This information is not meant to treat, diagnose, prescribe or cure anything during your pregnancy, birth, or postpartum time. Always check with your care provider before following any advice from TheOnlyBabyStop.com.
Postpartum doulas arrive after you have the baby as opposed to a birth doula who arrives in labor. A postpartum doula is there to help a new family with errands, light housekeeping, breastfeeding questions, parenting issues, newborn baby care and sibling care. Some doulas will even stay up with the baby at night so the parents can get some sleep. She’ll be able to watch for signs of postpartum depression and help new moms with any questions about the changes to their body after having a baby. She’ll combine her extensive knowledge with actual help in the home.
A postpartum doula is a popular option for many couples after they have their baby to help with newborn baby care. But what exactly does she do?
This usually depends on the doula. In general, most postpartum doulas will only do light housekeeping such as loading dishwashers, folding laundry or watering plants. Few postpartum doulas will scrub toilets, wash windows, vacuum or dust and if you want something like this, you’ll probably have better results if you hire a maid. She also won’t mediate problems with you and your partner or you and family members.
One of the bonuses of hiring a postpartum doula is that you’ll get non-judgmental support which you may not get from family or friends. If you have questions or need information about caring for your baby or breastfeeding, a postpartum doula is also up-to-date on studies and the newest information.
Many postpartum doulas are certified through DONA or CAPPA. Others are simply parents or nannies who know what having a new baby is like and can help a new family with the transition. Some postpartum doulas are childbirth educators or birth doulas so they have training in breastfeeding and newborn care information. Some are even lactation consultants or breastfeeding professionals.