Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a postpartum doula and a birth doula?

A birth doula provides support to birthing people and their partner through pregnancy, labor and delivery by providing education about the birthing process, assisting with the creation of a birth plan, and providing comfort measures through the labor and delivery process. Many birth doulas provide one postpartum visit to their clients soon after birth, but otherwise their services typically end once the baby is born.

A postpartum doula focuses on supporting the birthing person and their family after the baby is born. Their priority is helping the new parents adjust to life with a newborn. This includes emotional support, help with feeding and newborn care basics, education on recovery, postpartum, and early parenting topics, light household tasks, and providing additional relevant resources.

When should I book a postpartum doula?

Ideally in your first or second trimester.

The earlier you reach me, the more likely I am to have availability around your due date. I always account for the fact that your baby may arrive earlier or later than your projected due date.

It also gives us time for your prenatal planning session (1-2 hours, at your home, with your partner) so you’re prepared as can be before baby arrives.

Found me after birth? No problem, just reach out. My support is most impactful in the first 6-8 weeks postpartum, and while previously contracted clients take scheduling priority, I can often find time slots here and there to squeeze last-minute clients in.

How much does postpartum doula support cost, and what’s included?

My support is offered in packages: 4 visits for $600, or 8 visits for $1100, with each visit running 2-3 hours.

Need more support once your contract visits have ended?
Additional visits can be added for $150 each, pending my schedule at the time.

When is payment due?

A 50% deposit at signing holds your spot on my schedule (I always account for the fact that your baby may arrive earlier or later than your projected due date). The remaining 50% is due within 48 hours of our first visit. Planning-session-only clients pay in full at booking.

What areas do you serve?

I primarily work with families in Richmond city and Henrico, and I’m happy to travel up to 30 minutes from my home base in the Northside of Richmond. A bit further may be possible with an added travel fee, so reach out even if you’re just outside that range.

Do you do overnight shifts?

No, I don’t offer overnight care. I’m happy to recommend some wonderful local doulas who do.

Do you screen for postpartum mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs)?

Yes. I screen each client in the first few weeks postpartum, and again at the end of our time together. I’m trained to recognize signs of PMADs (during screening, and just during our usual conversations together) and will always point you toward a trusted, qualified care provider if I think their services will benefit you at any point. I have a list of local referrals that specialize in maternal mental health and am happy to send that to you at any time whether you’re a client of mine or not.

Do you take care of the baby during your visits?

My focus is caring for you, so you grow confident caring for your baby. That said, I’ll gladly hold/feed/change baby while you shower, rest, or spend one-on-one time with an older sibling. If you need more regular childcare, I can offer you local resources to help with your search.

Is there anything in particular that you do NOT do?

Yes. I do not administer medication, make medical or mental health diagnoses, provide transportation, handle sibling care beyond bonding time, do deep cleaning, clean litter boxes, conduct non-urgent errands, or grocery shop (though I can help build a list or pick up an order you’ve placed).

Isn’t this what my family members and friends are for?

They’re still essential, and a doula complements them rather than replaces them. I offer unbiased, evidence-based support as a professional specializing in postpartum, and I can help you set kind yet firm boundaries with well-meaning loved ones so you actually get the rest you need.