Postpartum doula?

[wcl]

Has anyone here used a "postpartum doula" to help at home right after delivery? I just hired one for my daughter (one week postpartum), after researching what they do, and would like to hear your experiences, pro and con. If no one has used one, then maybe this will give you an idea.

These doulas--trained and certified by Doulas of North America (DONA)--apparently have a different orientation than baby nurses and RN's,who are often there only to care for the baby and "don't do family laundry" (etc.). Postpartum doulas are "family nurturers," trained to be sensitive to family needs at a time like this, not just the baby's needs, which they're also trained for (including infant CPR). As such, they do anything you need done around the house--laundry, cooking, shopping, light cleaning--as well as caring for your baby, helping you learn babycare and breast feeding, and especially making sure you yourself are well fed, have time to take a shower, sleep, and so on. Their backgrounds vary, but most seem to be mothers themselves, college educated, and doing this work because they love it and it fits into their own schedules.

Seems to me that the doula will do everything for my daughter that I myself would do--without the "baggage" of being a mom (meaning my daughter might resent some of my help, and I might not give it as sensitively). I'm hoping it works out to be a great support to her--but would love to hear your thoughts on this.

wcl

[mygirlmomma]

WCL -

I am a single parent PG with my 2nd. I have never heard of this type of Doula, but if you could tell me how to find out about them in my area, I would be forever grateful. (Utah) My mother is very elderly and unable to provide the kind of post-partum care that I would need after the baby is born. How does one find a post-partum doula?

[wcl]

Mygirlmomma,

On the Web, go to www.dona.org. That's Doulas of North America (DONA) International. When the site comes up, there should be something you can click on saying "Find a Doula." On that screen, there's a box in the left sidebar titled FIND A DOULA where they ask you to check the kind of doula you need (birth, postpartum, or all) and select a location. That will produce a list of certified doulas in your area, with their contact info.

But there are other ways to locate doulas, if you have time. Try to google "postpartum doula, Utah" (or maybe even your hometown). There may be doula agencies in your area that come up, or private doulas. The maternity department at a hospital in your area might have some names, or maybe even your OB. In New York there are some free baby and family magazines put out periodically that we can just pick up at OB offices, stationery stores, supermarkets--and in the back of these are listed various resources for expectant parents, sometimes with local doulas among them.

Give it a try....I hope you can come up with someone. Keep me posted!

wcl

[wcl]

Mygirlmomma,

I just went to the DONA site and tried your location, but I'm afraid no certified doulas came up for Utah. None at all! But DONA says on that first page that it has a list of uncertified doulas it can send you (if there are any in Utah). Maybe that's worth a try? Some people might just not have gotten around to getting their certification yet, but are waiting for it. Also, some doulas might have other certifications that would be acceptable to you--like an RN, for example. And you could try the other resources I mentioned, as well.

If you have no luck finding an actual doula, it's possible a local church, nursery school, or other family oriented place might be able to recommend someone in your neighborhood who does this kind of thing--someone trustworthy who is just very experienced with babies and willing to give you household help as well. Personal references are often the best and most reliable, anyway.

wcl

[mygirlmomma]

wcl -

Thank you so much for the information, and for checking the site for my area. I will definitely check with my local hospital, I know they offered labor doula's with my first PG, so they should be able to give me more information. I never knew anything about post-partum doula's and it would be so helpful for me to be able to have one. Again, thank you so much for the info and I will let you know what I find out.

[clementine]

Hi There -
Wow - You're an amazing MOM! what a perfect gift Yes, I will be hiring a doula for the first 2 weeks after I deliver from www.doulacare.com (the only offer post partum services) - I interviewed two and found one I LOVE - she's super - and does everything you mention below AND is a certified reflexology masseuse . I think the idea is to create an environment in which the new mom can TOTALLY relax - with no worries about cooking - cleaning etc.... also many are trained as lactation consultants.
Your daughter will be thrilled - again - this is a lovely and generous idea.

[Jenniferm]

Anyone know about how much they charge? Is it by the hour?

[clementine]

the link I posted below shows their rates.. Usually it's by the hour, with a set minimum # of hours...

[Jenniferm]

The doula care site? I think that is for ny only.

[clementine]

yes, I'm sure rates vary everywhere - so it wouldn't be possible to say accurately what they charge "per hour" since it would depend where someone lives