What does a postpartum doula do?
Probably first and foremost, they help with breastfeeding. They also nurture the mother so she can better nurture the baby. In addition they perform other tasks such as cooking, cleaning, giving baby care tips, demonstrating baby baths, swaddling techniques, advice on sleeping issues for mom and baby, go with mom on first car trip to the store alone with baby, special help with postpartum depressed moms, practical help with multiple births, errands, helps mom get through the circumcision (“briss” at home for Jewish boys) setting up the nursery and much more, depending on individual situations. Cost A mother can sometimes get insurance coverage for postpartum doula work if her doctor writes a “prescription” for it. He might be more likely to do so if she is having any problems such as baby’s health complications or mother’s lactation problems. Doulas across the nation charge an average of $20 per hour. Some doulas work on a sliding scale. Personally, I sometimes do pro-bono work if a mo
