Why a Postpartum Doula?

Life doesn't stop for new and expanding families. While spending time with your new baby is your number one priority, your household, errands, and other children still need attention. A postpartum doula can help you balance your responsibilities by completing the tasks for which you might not have the time or energy.

Every family has a slightly different role for their postpartum doula. For example, some families like to have the doula present for a morning and/or afternoon every week to take care of baby and some household tasks while mom or dad runs errands or do chores. Some families prefer to have their doula present to make dinner and provide child care for their other children while mom and dad take care of baby. Some families like to have a doula present to help them learn how to care for their baby or for support with breastfeeding. Your family's needs may be different still, but there are some aspects of having a postpartum doula which do not vary much.

A doula usually works with your family for at least a half-day (4 hours) and no more than 3 times a week unless there are special circumstances. While a doula is present to help you, she is not a nanny and is not full-time. Most families are comfortable existing without their doula by the time their baby is 3-4 months old, although some families may need help up to 6 months. Rites of Passage Doula Services cannot assist families after the baby is 6 months old due to insurance limitations. A postpartum doula's goal is to work herself out of a job by helping your family into a situation where you feel comfortable without her. If you are looking for long-term help after 6 months, we can help refer you to a nanny agency.

For more information, please download this brochure outlining how Rites of Passage Doula Services can help you.