Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. How much can I expect to pay for care?

A. In-home postpartum care starts at $70 per hour (additional fees apply for multiples, travel/bridge tolls and parking). While I do not accept insurance, some clients have found that their company sponsored FSAs or programs like Carrot will reimburse for postpartum care, so be sure to look into that option. Also I’m affiliated with Be Her Village that allows you to register for services like childbirth education classes, lactation consultants and doula support.

Q. How many hours of support will I need?

A. Every family is different, and your birth will likely inform the level of care you will need, but I recommend families begin with a minimum of 8-12 hours a week for at least 4 weeks. Consistency is key, especially in the beginning to ensure feeding is well established, baby is reaching or exceeding birth weight, and mom is able to focus on rest and recovery during the first few weeks of the postpartum period.

Q. Do you do overnights?

A. While getting sleep is critical to parents’ mental health and physical recovery, I cherish daytime support to work alongside parents as they develop new skills in order to promote maximum self-determination and confidence.  We will focus much of our time together establishing healthy feeding and sleep habits throughout the day, which will lead to longer stretches of sleep for both baby and parents at night. As my mentor says, “yeah, it’s great to get a few hours of uninterrupted sleep at night, but if the days are a hot mess, no one is winning!” If you are in need of overnight support, I can share my list of Bay Area overnight doulas with you.

Q. When should I hire a postpartum doula?

A. Ideally we will connect at least a month before the birth of your baby so that we have an opportunity to discuss your intentions and expectations as parents and to build a relationship before you return home with baby. Many clients enjoy having me in their home as they return from the hospital/birth center to ensure their home is baby-ready: sleep spaces are safely established, changing and nursing stations are set up, and the home is properly stocked with food and baby essentials. For second-time parents, having a doula in the home to help ease the transition for older siblings (and pets) can be incredibly beneficial as well. While I typically book out 4-6 months in advance, fear not, if my schedule permits, last minute bookings are sometimes a possibility!

Q. Following the pandemic, how can you safely support our family?

A. I am vaccinated and boosted, and ask the same of my clients. I will always wear a mask in your home, and it is your choice to wear one or not. Together we will navigate the ever changing landscape, including testing after exposures or suspected illness, virtual support if necessary, and we can make adjustments to our schedule and contract as needed.

Q. Can a postpartum doula help if I had a cesarean?

A.  Yes, in fact all the more reason to hire a doula! Following a major abdominal surgery of a cesarean birth, recovery can often be more difficult and drawn out (think no heavy lifting for 6 weeks), and can present different challenges to address like response to pain meds, incision care, alternative breastfeeding positions, possible delay in milk supply, and the emotional recovery with a possibly unexpected birth outcome. 

Q. Do you support adoptive families?

A. Yes, I can absolutely help support new families of all types, including adoption and surrogacy, and families expecting their second baby and beyond.  

Q. Will you cook for us?

A. One of my primary roles as a doula is caring for mama in her physical recovery. One of the ways I do this is by encouraging hydration throughout the day (think consuming your weight in onces of water everyday) and providing light snacks that are easy to eat while feeding (nutrient dense snacks and lots of fresh fruits and veggies). I can also assist in preparing warm soups and stews to promote healing, replenish energy and boost lactation. What I lack in personal cooking skills I make up for in resources, and highly recommend my clients have meal trains created for them by their friends and family, and prepare in advance by ordering the amazingly delicious and nutritious meals prepared by Kitchen Doula or Milky Oat in the Bay Area. My clients will receive at 10% discount with MTTAMMAMAS code at checkout.