Frequently Asked Questions
are you also a birth doula?
As a dedicated postpartum doula, I focus exclusively on helping families once their baby arrives. We are fortunate to have many fantastic birth doulas in the St. Louis area. Feel free to contact me for a personalized recommendation for a birth doula.
what happens during an in-person postpartum shift?
Each shift is designed around your needs and priorities for that visit. One day that could mean helping with feeding questions and taking care of your baby so you can get some rest. On another visit, it may mean stocking your freezer with healthy meals so you can enjoy time with your baby and not worry about cooking. For a third shift, we may focus on organizing clothes and diapers as your baby outgrows one size and moves into another. Shifts take place in a family’s home, though I am also happy to run errands or accompany you to an appointment. You can read more about what shifts can look like here.
how long will you work with our family?
My services are designed to be utilized during your “fourth trimester” or first three months after birth. I have worked with families for as little as one day and for others for several months. You are never locked into a specific number of hours so you can schedule however many shifts you need.
when do shifts begin?
This is also up to you. I recommend that we schedule one first shift before your baby arrives to talk through your feeding plans, baby care, make sure your house is ready, and do some postpartum planning. Once your baby arrives, most families like me to come within the early days after you come home from the hospital. Or, if you’d like some time to settle in first, I can start later.
when should we hire you?
To offer families a high level of dedicated support, I work with only a few families at a time. Reaching out as early as possible in your pregnancy/adoption/surrogacy process will increase the likelihood of my availability for in-person support, but please contact me at any point you need assistance and we can discuss options. I can almost always add clients for virtual and texting support, but contacting me as early as possible helps us build our relationship prior to your baby’s arrival.
My family lives nearby. I don’t need a doula, do I?
Relatives are a tremendous support to growing families. My role is not to replace a helpful family member, but rather to provide additional assistance to allow you and your relatives to bond with your new baby. I offer unbiased support and will fully embrace your own parenting choices. Also, safety guidelines and general parenting recommendations are always changing, and I can provide research-based, up-to-date answers to your questions. You can read more about this topic in this blog post!
how do we start?
I am so pleased that you are considering how doula support could benefit your family. As a first step, let’s have a conversation to discuss your needs. We can talk through any questions and figure out support that makes sense for you. Please complete a contact form and I will reach out as quickly as possible. I look forward to hearing more about your family!
what sort of training do you have?
I completed my training and certification as a Postpartum Doula through DONA International. I am also a Certified Lactation Counselor through the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice. I have completed the Open Door: Beyond Inclusion LGBTQ+ Professional Training Program through the Family Equality Council. Finally, I have in-depth training from Postpartum Support International and Heartland PMAD Consultants on supporting parents experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety.
