FAQs
What is a Postpartum Doula?
A postpartum doula is a trained professional support person who 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 support 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 family stress and creates smoother daily routines, allowing families to focus on bonding with their newborn. I tailor 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
vaginal or c-section birth recoveries
families with older siblings
parents lacking extended 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 births/postpartum complications
What happens on a typical visit?
At the beginning of each visit, I will 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 your priority is taking a nap and a shower, breastfeeding assistance, household help, or simply having a compassionate listener, I am there to be whatever you need that day. 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 book postpartum doula services in advance anytime during pregnancy, or even after your baby is born. Often new parents may not recognize their need for additional help until after baby arrives and the early days start to become overwhelming… help is just a phone call away! Contact me to schedule postpartum doula care anytime before delivery or within the first three months postpartum.
Do you provide birth support as well?
My practice focuses exclusively on postpartum care, so I do not offer birth doula services. If you’re looking for support during labor and birth, I would be happy to connect you with one of my trusted and 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 providing 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 solid understanding of potential health concerns, ensuring you receive timely referrals to appropriate medical providers whenever needed.
Can you care for my baby while I rest or take time for myself?
Absolutely! I’m happy to provide attentive newborn care while you rest, recharge, practice self care, or spend meaningful time with your other children or partner.
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.