I can help with light housework and with any challenges you are facing with the care and feeding of your newborn. Postpartum services include a prenatal visit to discuss your plan for the postpartum period, to discuss your anticipated needs, and so that I may familiarize myself with your home.

I work with each client for a minimum of 12 hours total and a minimum of 4 hours a day. My hours are flexible in order to meet your unique needs and can be discussed beforehand but reassessed once your baby is born.

My fees are $18 per hour for daytime (9am - 5pm) and $23 per hour for overnight (10pm - 6am), if you live within 20 miles of Apex, North Carolina.

Please contact me to discuss my scheduling and to discuss fees if you live further from Apex. If you have financial concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me to discuss them.

Currently accepting clients for August 2010, October 2010 - December 2010.

References available upon request.

Download a Birth is Beautiful Postpartum Doula brochure:
Birth is Beautiful Brochure in PDF format

Please note: The above item requires the Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader which can be downloaded from the Adobe web site.

Frequently Asked Questions

NEW! Does insurance cover the services of a doula?
Doulas are now able to register for a national provider identification number (NPI) and doula services have recently been assigned an insurance code. I have my own NPI and can help you file a claim for reimbursement. I can't guarentee that my services will be covered but being able to file for reimbursement with an insurance code and NPI makes it much more likely that reimbursement will now be considered by your insurance company.

Why do I need postpartum support?
Many people nowadays do not have family close by to help them after their baby is born and are going through a time of major adjustment on their own. People all over the world have help during the first few weeks after a birth. In addition to helping you around the house so that you have time to bond with your baby, a doula brings with her on her visits a wealth of information, resources, and encouragement. A postpartum doula can talk to you about your birth, about caring for your newborn, and can help you with breastfeeding, if needed.

How does a postpartum doula differ from a baby nurse or nanny?
A postpartum doula does not have medical training as a baby nurse does. A postpartum doula also does not take over all of the care of the baby like a nanny would. The goal of the postpartum doula is to help the entire new family bond with their baby and identify their new rolls. That sometimes means teaching the new parents or siblings about baby care and breastfeeding, doing light housework so that the family can concentrate on bonding, being a companion to the mother, helping with meals and snacks so the family is all well-nourished, running errands for the family, or taking over some baby care while the parents nap or shower.

Will my baby sleep through the night or be on a schedule by the time we are finished working together?
Probably not. The most important thing I can help you do as new parents is to learn how to observe your newborn baby. By observing your baby and learning his or her unique cues, you will gain an understanding of how your baby communicates that he or she is hungry or sleepy. It's best for both your sanity and your baby if you can pick up on the cues your baby gives when he or she is just beginning to get hungry or sleepy, before your baby starts to cry. Newborn infants naturally eat small amounts very often. They also go through light and deep sleep cycles and sleep on and off during the day and night. After the first 3-4 months of life, it may be feasible to find ways to extend the amount of time between feedings and encourage the baby to sleep at certain times. But those things will come later and to do those things with any success, you have to know your baby well by practicing your observation skills early. The immediate postpartum period is about finding ways to work with your baby's natural cycles. It's also about keeping things simple and easy for you and not worrying about what your baby "should be" doing.

What training does a certified postpartum doula have?
As a postpartum doula certified through DONA International, a doula must complete training in breastfeeding, newborn care, the identification of postpartum mood disorders. The doula must also
complete hands-on training with families, infant and child CPR certification, a comprehensive reading list on postpartum topics, a complete list of local postpartum community resources, and must have a recommendation from a healthcare professional. To remain certified, a doula must complete18 hours of continuing education in the postpartum field every three years.