Frequently asked questions:

The literal translation of the word doula is “servant.”  As your doula, I would provide emotional and physical postpartum support to enhance your bonding experience as you arrive home with your baby.

As a Postpartum Doula, I am a knowledgeable professional  who will assist your  family during the critical period immediately after the birth of your  baby(s). I “mother the mother” and offer physical, emotional, informational support, as well practical help to your family. As a postpartum doula I can support your family during the day or evening. I am there to nurture your family, and provide comfort and much needed rest.

The transition of welcoming a new baby(s) into your family can be both physically and mentally draining, especially due to sleep deprivation and uncertainty about the care of your newborn. Therefore, there are many advantages to hiring a postpartum doula including:

• Increased breastfeeding success
• Decreased chance of postpartum depression
• Decreased infant and maternal health complications due to informed care
• Decreased maternal exhaustion, frustration, and apprehension
• Increased and earlier bonding with newborn
• Happier baby due to a greater

understanding of your infant’s emotional and physical needs and behavior.

The scope and practice of a postpartum doula changes from doula to doula. When choosing a doula you should make sure they will meet your needs and expectations. I can offer the following:

• Lactation support
• Infant feeding
• Help you initiate a routine with your baby(s)
• Emotional support
• Newborn care instruction
• Meal preparation
• Formula preparation
• Cord & circumcision Care
• Shopping & errand running
• Laundry ( baby & family )

All families can benefit from using overnight services  to get those few extra hours of sleep. Even for first time mothers, experienced mothers who already have other children … it is very hard to function with your other children when you haven’t received a good night’s sleep. Almost all parents, even those who have family help, usually need some type of overnight assistance from outside sources.

The cost for doula services is dependent on many factors and is individually set by each doula. Price should not be your deciding factor when selecting a doula. Compassionate and competent support through the “fourth trimester”  is truly priceless. Most of us live in the real world and we know cost is a factor during most of our decision making processes. If you really have a financial need, let the doula you are interested in know.  Some insurance flex plans may reimburse for doula services.

I  provide services to  Ventura, Oxnard, Camarillo, Ojai, Oak View, Carpinteria and Santa Barbara.