Q&A With Salish Sea Doula Services
Are you familiar with Doula services?
Doulas can be such a valuable part of
your birth and postpartum team.
This week, we’re sitting down with
Michaela Leier, owner of Salish Sea Doula Services and postpartum doula in the Seattle area. She helps explain what a
postpartum doula does and what
benefit they can provide for your family.
Hello,
My name is Michaela and I am the owner of Salish Sea Doula Services LLC, I am a trained Postpartum Doula serving the greater Seattle/Tacoma area. I live on Fox Island with my husband, our two golden retrievers and we are expecting our first baby in May 2021!
What is a Postpartum Doula?
As defined by CAPPA, “Postpartum Doulas are knowledgeable professionals who assist families during the critical period immediately after the birth of their baby. They “mother the mother” and offer physical, emotional and informational support to the family as well as practical help.”
As a Postpartum Doula I offer a wide range of support after the birth of a new baby. I can help with things like breastfeeding support, postpartum healing measures, meal preparation, baby care, household duties and much more.
What is the difference between a Birth Doula and Postpartum Doula?
Both Birth and Postpartum Doulas are trained professionals that work under the role of a “doula”. A Birth Doulas role is to support the birthing person during the birth of a baby; they provide continuous physical and educational support during labor and up to a few hours after. After baby is born the Birth Doulas role is finished, that’s where the Postpartum Doula steps in. A Postpartum Doula provides support in the coming days, weeks and months after the baby is born. They provide support in your own home and work during the day and night. These services do go well hand in hand and some birth doulas are also trained in postpartum work, though that is not a requirement.
What is the difference between a night nanny, Newborn Care Specialist (NCS) and a Postpartum Doula?
As a Postpartum Doula my main goal is to support the entire family after the birth of a new baby. Whereas a night nanny job is solely infant care, a Postpartum Doula goes beyond that and supports every family member, with a focus on the mother. Most night nannies have no formal training and as the name implies only work at night. During their shift the night nanny will sleep while baby is sleeping and does not provide any extra household duties, education, breastfeeding support or meal preparation.
A Newborn Care Specialist (NCS) is someone trained to provide specialty newborn care in the first few months after baby is born. Their focus is also the infants and they do not provide any extra support around the house or to other family members.
A common difference between the three is that a night nanny and NCS’s job is solely to care for the infant whereas a Postpartum Doula cares for the whole family, focuses on education, support and household help.
How long do Postpartum Doulas typically work with each family?
Length of service varies based on each client’s need, but are typically anywhere from 2 – 12 weeks. Some families choose to have support for the first couple of weeks after bringing baby home, while others wait until their partner goes back to work or family support leaves town. My day shifts are a minimum of 4 hours a day and my night shifts are a minimum of 6 hours, though people tend to book for 8 hours. I work with each specific family to find a schedule that will best suit their needs and budget.
When should I engage a Postpartum Doula/how early should I reach out?
It is never too early or too late to reach out to a Postpartum Doula. Many of my clients book my services prenatally while others wait until after baby is born. One thing to consider is how early a doula’s schedule will fill up. Ideally, reaching out three to four months in advance is plenty of notice if you are worried about availability. A Postpartum Doula will assist you in finding a schedule that will fit your needs. Most Postpartum Doulas require a signed contract and retainer fee to book their services in advance, this will apply to your overall total.
If you have already given birth and realizing you need support, do not fret! Most Postpartum Doulas are able to work in last minute requests or will refer you to someone who is available. A great resource for finding Postpartum Doulas and their current availability is through DoulaMatch.net, or asking your local nanny agency, Midwife, OBGYN, Chiropractor or Birth Doula for any recommendations.
How much do your services cost?
Many families find great value in Postpartum Doula care, even one visit can make a big difference in your postpartum recovery. My services and prices are listed on my website HERE (insert link please - https://www.salishseadoula.com/pricing-services). I work with families to find a schedule that will best fit each budget to make sure each family gets the care they deserve. I also offer gift cards and encourage families to add Postpartum Doula care to their baby registry!
What does a typical day or night look like with you?
A typical day varies based on each client and their specific needs. I start the day by arriving to your home, washing my hands and discussing your goals for the day. Each day looks a little different, we may go over some breastfeeding questions, chat about infant care, or maybe your goal for the day is to nap! Either way I will clean up around the home, wash and fold the laundry, wash the dishes and can even prepare some meals and snacks for you.
A typical night looks very similar however you will be sleeping. If you are breastfeeding I will bring baby to you when he or she is ready to eat and also bring you some snacks and water. While the baby is sleeping I still do some light household help and can prepare meals for you. I will also take notes throughout the night on how baby is sleeping and write down any tips or tricks to go over with you in the morning.
If any of this sounds interesting or beneficial to your family or if you have any additional questions, please reach out!
I would love to work with your family.
Michaela Leier, Postpartum Doula
Salish Sea Doula Services LLC
(206) 718-5191