Choosing a Postpartum Doula & Postpartum Care Plan That Suits Your Family

Congratulations on the arrival (or the expectant arrival) of your new baby! As you navigate this new journey, it’s essential you assure you have the right support in place during the postpartum period. We, as a society, tend to place immense value on the preparation of “stuff” before a baby is born. Think: an ENORMOUS amount of clothes (albeit, very cute), top of the line cribs, endless gadgets, seats, and toys. Often, we forget to consider the needs of the new parents and how important it is to provide them with the support they need during this transformative, yet fragile time of life. Hiring a postpartum doula takes the stress of wondering who will care for YOU during this season off your plate.

Postpartum doulas are trained professionals who provide physical, emotional, and informational support to caregivers in the weeks, months, and yes, even years following the birth of a baby. But how do you best select who to hire and how much postpartum care you’ll need? Here’s a guide to help you make this important decision:

Define Your Family’s Needs

Start by assessing your family’s unique needs and preferences. Consider factors such as your parenting philosophies, cultural background, support network, and any specific goals you have in mind for your postpartum.

Review Doula’s Experience & Specialization

Evaluate the doula’s work experience by reading reviews or asking for referrals from previous clients. Is it important to you that your doula specialize in a particular area, such as breastfeeding support, perinatal nutrition, postpartum mood disorders, or infant care techniques? Write a list of what’s important to you, and ensure that your doula meets those qualifications, and aligns with your specific needs.

Trust Your Instincts

Ultimately, trust your instincts when selecting a postpartum doula for your family. As women, we are really good at getting a “vibe” upon meeting someone. Does your doula make you feel comfortable, supported, and confident in their ability to provide the care and guidance you need during postpartum? Always go with your gut!

As a postpartum doula, it is my job to ensure that clients feel I am able to provide value and support in the way they need during their fourth trimester. As a certified postpartum doula, lactation educator, and perinatal nutritionist, my mission is to help caregivers feel optimally nourished, well rested, and well informed so they feel empowered to make decisions that serve their family best. Do you think we’d be a good fit? If so, click below to learn more about my services!

How Much Care Do I Need?

The amount of postpartum doula care you choose to book can be dependent on several factors, including the availability of your own personal support system, budget, and your individual needs.

Consider the level of support you have from family and friends and what they’ll realistically be able to provide you with. If you have limited support or family that lives further away, you may want to take that into consideration.

Also consider your anticipated recovery time and what that may look like. If you know you are having a c-section, you may want to add additional assistance in the early weeks of postpartum to help tend to household tasks and infant care that may be difficult during this time.

Consider your parenting experience. If you are a first time parent, or you or your partner have limited experience in caring for a newborn, you may benefit from more hands on support from a postpartum doula. We can provide guidance on newborn care and soothing techniques better than google can!

Factor in your budget. Considering your budget is an important aspect of planning for postpartum. I highly suggest looking into doulas who have payment plan options, sliding scale payments, or can help you add doula support to your baby registry. All of these methods will help you offset the cost of postpartum care, so it’s less of a stress during the fourth trimester. As a postpartum doula, I have all of these payment options available to my family’s. Click here to chat with me on how I can help you budget your postpartum care.

I hope this information helps you select the right postpartum doula care for your family. By defining your needs, seeking recommendations, and evaluating compatibility, you can find a doula who provides the support and guidance you need during this transformative time. Remember to trust your instincts, communicate your needs, and create a customized care plan to best suit your family. Investing in postpartum doula care is an investment in your well-being as a new parent- which is well worth it. With the right doula and doula support plan, you can embark on your postpartum journey with confidence and empowerment.

Written by: Marisa Gaudet, owner of Mother Nurture Postpartum LLC