FAQs
What is a Postpartum Doula?
A postpartum doula offers evidence-based guidance and practical support for infant feeding, emotional and physical postpartum recovery, mother-infant bonding, soothing techniques, and essential newborn care.
How is a postpartum doula different from a newborn nanny/newborn care specialist, or night nurse?
Postpartum doulas specialize in comprehensive support that goes beyond just caring for the baby. Unlike caregivers who focus solely on newborn care, postpartum doulas provide holistic assistance to the entire family, offering education on postpartum recovery and newborn care. With a postpartum doula—especially one with a background as a former Mother/Baby and Pediatric nurse—you receive expert guidance in newborn care and maternal recovery. In addition to infant care, postpartum doulas assist with household tasks such as laundry, dishwashing, meal preparation, tidying, and household organization. This support helps reduce parental stress and creates a smoother daily routine, allowing families to focus on bonding with their newborn. I tailor my newborn care to your family’s specific needs while also prioritizing the mother’s physical and emotional healing, feeding support, and overall family adjustment during the postpartum transition.
Who can use a postpartum doula?
I serve all types of families, including but not limited to:
first-time parents
families with older siblings
parents without family support
breastfeeding mothers
parents with postpartum depression/anxiety
special needs babies
families fostering or adopting a newborn
multiples
premature babies
single parents
mothers recovering from c-sections
difficult deliveries
What happens on a typical visit?
At the beginning of each visit, I will promptly address any immediate needs you have. Then, I will collaborate with you to identify your priorities, goals, and any concerns for the day. Your care plan will be tailored specifically to your current needs. What are your most pressing needs today? What areas feel most overwhelming that you'd like support with during my visit? Whether it’s taking a restful nap, enjoying a shower, receiving breastfeeding assistance, tidying up your home, or simply having a compassionate listener, I am here to provide personalized support. New parenthood can bring stress and overwhelm in many forms, and my role is to offer relief and guidance through nurturing care and evidence-based information.
When is the best time to hire a postpartum doula?
A postpartum doula provides essential support to families during the critical first three months after childbirth. You can hire postpartum doula services anytime during pregnancy or after your baby is born. Many new parents don’t recognize their need for additional help until the baby arrives and the early days become overwhelming. A postpartum doula offers compassionate guidance and practical assistance to help you navigate this transformative and sometimes challenging period. Contact me to schedule postpartum doula care anytime before delivery or within three months postpartum.
Do you provide birth support as well?
I do not offer birth doula services, only postpartum services. If you are seeking to hire a birth doula I can refer you to some wonderful experienced birth doula colleagues.
Do you provide medical care/medical advice as an RN?
While I am a licensed Registered Nurse (RN), my role as a doula focuses exclusively on providing physical, informational, and emotional support rather than delivering medical care or advice. I focus on assisting new families with postpartum comfort measures in alignment with your OB’s recommendations. I offer guidance on newborn care consistent with your pediatrician’s advice and the American Academy of Pediatrics standards. Additionally, I am trained to identify abnormal postpartum or newborn conditions and will promptly refer you to a qualified medical professional when necessary. My extensive nursing background and years of experience supporting postpartum mothers and newborns equip me with a deep understanding of potential health concerns, ensuring you receive timely referrals to appropriate medical providers whenever needed.
Do you provide total care for the baby?
As a dedicated postpartum doula, my primary mission is to empower parents with confidence in their new roles while nurturing strong family bonds through attentive care for both baby and each other. I am happy to offer comprehensive newborn care when needed, allowing you to rest, prioritize self-care, or engage quality time with your other children.
What kind of training do postpartum doulas have?
Doulas earn their certification through reputable independent organizations. I am a certified postpartum doula through CAPPA (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association), a globally recognized certification body for Doulas, Childbirth Educators, and Lactation Educators. Professional experience as a doula is developed family by family, with continuous on-the-job training enhancing skills and expertise.
Do you offer overnight postpartum doula care?
While some doulas offer overnight care, I currently provide only daytime support. However, I am happy to connect you with trusted doulas who specialize in overnight postpartum care.
What areas do you serve?
I am located in Duluth, GA and serve the following Atlanta areas/counties: Gwinnett, Fulton, Dekalb, parts of Cobb & Forsyth, within a 30 minute radius of Duluth.