What is a doula?
A doula is a trained and certified professional who provides physical, emotional and informational support to a parent before, during and after childbirth to help them achieve the healthiest and most satisfying experience possible. The word doula comes from ancient Greek and literally means “someone who serves”.
How much does a postpartum doula cost?
I think the better question is: how much is a postpartum doula worth? I guarantee that if you ask this question to any new parent who hired us to work with their family they would say: every penny they spent! I feel strongly that this service is so valuable and helpful, and I am confident that you will not regret the investment you make for the expert support we provide.
Postpartum doula care is a great thing to talk about when family or friends ask what they can get for you or what you still need for the baby. Making a financial contribution toward you having professional postpartum support is much more useful than another onesie or muslin blanket (although perhaps less adorable). You can give my business email (midcoastvillagedoula@gmail.com) to anyone wanting to contact me about contributing toward a gift package for you, or they can purchase a gift certificate directly from this website.
Another possibility is budgeting for this service ahead of time. For example, if $25 were set aside each week during a pregnancy, it would pay for almost 8 postpartum support visits at home! Your confidence and comfort through life’s greatest transition is absolutely worth that and more, right?
What packages are available?
1 visit ~ $175
4 visits ~ $630
Discounts available for payment by cash/check.
Overnight support can be used as 2 visits, or by the hour at $35/hr with a 10 hour minimum
Breastfeeding Support Initial Visit $180; Follow up $140; Virtual $100
Postpartum support visits are typically 4 hours, and ideally are used within the first three months after the birth of the baby. Payment can be cash, check, Venmo, Apple Pay, PayPal, or credit card. I can provide a bill and a receipt and some families have been able to be reimbursed by their insurance company or use money from their HSA to pay for the service.
How many support visits will I need?
This really varies based on what support you already have available. Generally the first two weeks are the most intense when it comes to adjusting to broken sleep, caring for your newborn, and getting more comfortable with breastfeeding and making sure your baby is able to get back up to their birth weight.
Most families find having 1-3 visits a week in the first two weeks to be very helpful. After that it really depends on how things are going. Sometimes a visit a week for a few weeks is good for a breastfeeding check in, mental health check in, opportunity to discuss any questions that have come up, and help with housework and food prep.
I also highly encourage having some visits scheduled for when your partner returns to work. Many women find that transition to be even more difficult than coming home from the hospital, so knowing you have professional support lined up can be a big reassurance.
That being said we are very flexible with scheduling. If you have paid a deposit on your chosen package you are guaranteed two visits a week in our schedule, and we can plan them week-to-week based on how things are going. Most families find 4 hours is the perfect amount of time to have help with a feed, be able to nap or shower, get the house organized and talk about anything that is on their mind. All packages include unlimited text and email support until the contract is complete.