2. How long does a postpartum doula spend with a family?
Doula support can last anywhere from one or two visits to more than three months.

3. What hours can I expect a doula to work with my family?
I work in 3-5 hour shifts depending upon the needs of your family.  I can come anywhere from 1 up to 5 days per week for as long as you continue to need doula care.

4. What is the difference between a postpartum doula and a baby nurse?
The role of a postpartum doula is to help a woman through her postpartum period and to nurture the family. Unlike a baby nurse, a doula’s focus is not solely on the baby, but on fostering independence for the entire family. The doula is as available to the father and older children as to the mother and the baby. Treating the family as a unit that is connected and always changing enables doulas to do their job: nurture the family.

5. What is a postpartum doula’s goal?
The goal of a doula is to nurture the parents into their new roles. As they experience success and their knowledge and self-confidence grow, their needs for professional support should diminish.

6. What kind of training should I expect my doula to have?                                                                                                                           Doulas are not required to have any kind of formal training, they are not licensed by the state as are nurses, doctors,etc.  Therefore it is very important to ask your doula about her training, background and certification process.  I am certified by DONA International as a Postpartum Doula and by the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice as a Lactation Counselor.  The requirements for these certifications can be found on their websites: www.dona.org and www.healthychildren.cc  I am required to re-certify for both certifications every 3 years via Continuing Education Units.  I am also required to adhere by the DONA Code of Ethics and the DONA Standards of Practice (copies of these documents can be found by clicking on the links).

7. How does a doula nurture the parents into their roles?                                                                                                                           Self-confidence has a tremendous impact on a person’s ability to approach any task, and parenting is no different. DONA International doulas are taught to always consider parents’ feelings and always build confidence whenever possible. Doulas accomplish this through praise, acceptance and a non-judgmental approach. In addition, the doula will teach parents strategies and skills that will improve their ability to bond with their babies. A calm baby who is growing well will help parents to feel more confident in their skills.

8. Do doulas help mothers to deal with postpartum depression?
Unlike therapists or psychiatrists, doulas do not treat postpartum depression. However, they will help by creating a safe place for the mother emotionally. The doula will provide a cushioning effect by accepting the mother within each stage that she passes through. They relieve some of the pressure on the new mother by helping her move into her new responsibilities gradually. By mothering the mother, doulas maks sure that the mother feels nurtured and cared for, as well as making sure she is eating well and getting enough sleep. In addition, DONA International certified postpartum doulas are trained to help clients prepare themselves for parenthood, maximizing support and rest. These doulas will help their clients to screen themselves for PPMDs and will make referrals to appropriate clinicians or support groups as needed.

9. Do doulas teach a particular parenting approach?
No. DONA International doulas are educated to support a mothers’ parenting approach. Doulas are good listeners and encourage mothers to develop their own philosophies.

10. How do postpartum doulas work with a mother’s partner?
A doula respects the partner’s role and input, and teaches concrete skills that will help the partner nurture the baby and mother. The doula will share evidence-based information with the partner that shows how his or her role in the early weeks will have a dramatic positive effect on the family.

11.  Are there certain things that Postpartum Doulas do NOT do?                                                                                                              Yes.  Postpartum Doulas do not provide medical care, we are not trained medical care providers. I do not do any heavy cleaning, although I am happy to do the household chores listed on the front page. I do not take over fulltime care of the infant as my focus is on family care, although I am happy to watch the baby or older children so that the parents can take a nap, eat a meal,etc.  and I do not drive clients anywhere in my own car but am happy to accompany the family on outings.  I carry Liability Insurance and it does not cover me to do the driving.  

Parts of this have been adapted from: Nurturing the Family: The Guide for Postpartum Doulas 
by Jacqueline Kelleher (Xlibris Corporation, 2002)