A labor doula supports a woman and her partner during pregnancy, birth and the early hours of parenting. The doula is by the mother's side during her labor and/or shortly after she gives birth, focused solely on the mother and her partner. In labor, she is there to support, affirm and educate. She helps the laboring couple stay connected to their birth and assists the partner in supporting the mother. She provides knowledge, comfort measures and breathing techniques as well as suggestions for position changes to ease the discomfort of labor. The doula also provides educational information to help expectant parents communicate their expectations more effectively to their caregivers. (©ProDoula 2016)
Labor doulas are statistically proven to improve outcomes:
31% decrease in the use of Pitocin
28% decrease in the risk of C-section
12% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth
9% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief
14% decrease in the risk of newborns being admitted to a special care nursery
34% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience
A Postpartum Doula is trained to care for the entire family. They are trained in all aspects of infant care, soothing, feeding, and sleep. In addition to this, they are trained in parental adjustment, sibling adjustment, and to recognize parental needs. Generally, the Postpartum Doula assists in more of a teaching and nurturing role, allowing parents to adjust to having a baby at their own pace and with confidence. Teaching may include the ins and outs of breastfeeding, pump schedule, and infant care such as bathing/caring for diaper rash, etc.
A Newborn Care Specialist is trained in all aspects of care for the newborn/infant. They generally take overall care of the baby, most often overnight, whereas the Postpartum Doula will take over newborn care only at parents’ request so that they can nap/run an errand/shower.
We recommend booking as far in advance as possible to guarantee availability, but can also provide services to last minute clients.
Anywhere from 2 to 12 weeks is typical, though some families do as few as a couple of overnights while others utilize 12 weeks of full-time help.
We have Doulas to cover you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether you would like to have someone come during the day to answer your questions, give you a break, and take care of some of your daily tasks, or at night so that you can get more sleep. We typically recommend 4 hours during the day, or 8 hours at night to get the most benefit from your Postpartum Doula. How many times per week your Doula comes is up to you. We recommend more help up front; then tapering off. To discuss your individual needs, please contact us for your free consultation.
Our rates vary based on the location, training, certification, and experience of each Doula. Upon first contact we will discuss your needs and preferences to determine which type of Doula would be best for you. We will also work with you to determine how many hours you would like if you are unsure. We will then have a doula contact you to set up your free consultation. postpartum Doulas/NCS rates typically run between $28-$60/hour and Birth Doula Rates are a flat rate anywhere from $600-$3,000.
We understand how important it is to protect babies and new parents from illness, as well as to protect our own families. Our team members are remaining very mindful of the safety precautions and hygiene measures that need to be taken in order to do this. We are recommending that doulas and families continue to practice social distancing, wash hands regularly, avoid touching your face, and use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when entering or leaving a room or cannot wash hands. We are also recommending that doulas and families regularly disinfect the surfaces in your homes. You may choose to ask your doula to wear a mask when directly interacting with you or your baby. In addition, some of our doulas have been able to receive the Covid-19 vaccination. This is currently dependent upon where the doula lives. We do have protocols put into place that we can discuss on the consult.
Wondering what is the perfect gift for your friend for their baby shower? Maybe you don’t want to get yet ANOTHER baby blanket. Nothing says that you want to help more than the gift of care, support, hot meals,and assistance with diapers/bottles/laundry. Give your favorite parents-to-be the gift or more sleep, more confidence, and more time to relax and bond with their new baby.