Fair question! There is a time and a place for a babysitter or a night nurse. However, for newly postpartum mamas and families, a postpartum doula can help the family holistically in addition to caring for your newborn. As a DONA International trained postpartum doula, I can help with the emotional, physical, and educational needs of all members of the family postpartum. I provide up-to-date, evidence-based information regarding all aspects of postpartum care, and can refer to professionals if more help is needed. So, in short, no!

Congratulations! Yes, you can absolutely benefit from a postpartum doula after adopting. You will be adjusting to life with a new little one, likely needing some extra sleep, help with household chores, learning about the newest recommendations for safe sleep, needing to bond, etc. So yes, a postpartum doula could be a great option for you and your growing family.

Yes, I am trained in infant/child CPR.

I don't subscribe to a certain philosophy regarding postpartum. My only goal is to ensure that the postpartum family feels nurtured, educated, and assisted with all of their postpartum needs. If there is a need that I cannot meet as a postpartum doula, I have many local resources I can connect families to. 

The services of a postpartum doula can be expensive. To help ensure that everyone who needs a postpartum doula can access one, I have decided to donate 10% of my time in my career to lower income families. If you have any questions about financial assistance, please contact me!

It's up to you! I can be at your home immediately after you get home from the hospital (or wherever you might be giving birth). Typically I ask that the prepaid packages be used within a certain timeframe (see the "Purchase a Package" page). Typically new families will be in need of postpartum care sometime within the first 12 weeks of the baby's life. But, ultimately, it's up to you and what your family needs

No, as a postpartum doula I cannot provide medical care. I can refer you to someone in the area that can assist you with your needs. I am, however, trained to know when there may be a potential medical emergency and who to contact when those circumstances arise. I can assist you in following your postpartum hospital discharge instructions and provide the latest information from the American Academy of Pediatrics as it relates to the care of your newborn. 

Everyone can benefit from a postpartum doula - even the family members! During a family/friend visit, I can work in the background so no one feels obligated to do dishes during the visit. It is so great that you will have so much support around you. I will never try to take the place of a family member. However, while family members and friends can help with watching the baby and household chores, I am trained with a wide variety of skills and have the most up-to-date educational information regarding the postpartum period for you and your newborn. This education and support can be extremely beneficial during a time when you will surely be getting a lot of advice from a lot of people. I can help you sort through the information and make the best choices for your family. 

I'm so glad your husband/partner will be home! Yes! A postpartum doula can help husbands/partners as well. Brand new dads have just as many questions as brand new moms, and dad is in need of some bonding time with the baby as well. I am able to educate dad, help me learn how to bond with his new baby, take over some of the household responsibilities, and give the gift of sleep to both mom and dad during this time. 

Reach out to me using the contact information below! I'd love to answer any and every question you might have!