The immediate postpartum period is arguably one of the most difficult adjustment periods of parenthood. Between the lack of sleep and the new tiny human(s) in your life that need constant care, the first few weeks or months after birth can be utterly exhausting; not to mention all of the hormone changes that frequently cause discomfort and difficulty for the person who gave birth. All of that is what makes postpartum doula support so valuable.
What does postpartum doula support look like?
- Postpartum doula support includes, but is not limited to: infant care, sibling care, infant feeding support, postpartum recovery support, errands, light housekeeping (e.g., laundry, washing bottles, loading dishwasher, vacuuming), and meal preparation.
- Postpartum doulas also provide you a compassionate listening ear to talk about how you and your family are doing as you adjust to your new life with your newest family member.
- Also, postpartum doulas are able to provide you with limitless resources and referrals to help you navigate your postpartum period.
- Support can be provided during daytime hours or overnight to allow you and your family to catch up on valuable rest. It can also be provided through a live-in situation, as requested.
What training do postpartum doulas receive?
Like birth doulas, postpartum doulas are not actually state or federally regulated, so a specific training isn’t required in order for someone to become a postpartum doula. There are many trainings and certifications available, however, to those who do choose to participate in them.
At Utah Valley Doulas, all of our doulas are required to be professionally trained and certified because we strongly believe that such an intimate and important work should be properly trained for. Our doulas are also required to obtain and maintain current CPR and First Aid certification.
How much does postpartum doula support cost?
Just as training and certification of postpartum doulas varies, so does the cost to hire a postpartum doula. Postpartum doula support is typically paid for by the hour, though some doulas do offer package pricing. At Utah Valley Doulas, the price for postpartum doula support ranges anywhere from $30-$42 per hour, depending on the type of support you would like and how many hours of support that you would like to invest in.
Like with birth doula support, postpartum doula care can typically be paid for with an HSA or FSA if that’s something that you have. It can also be very helpful to ask for contributions to your postpartum doula fund from friends and family in lieu or in addition to those typical baby shower gifts.
If you or your partner is pregnant and you are anxious about what to expect during the postpartum period, or if you are already in the postpartum period and could really use some support, consider hiring a postpartum doula to help you get the absolute best start to your new life with your little one(s)!
