Lots of Questions about PP Doulas

[JMoore86]

Hello all,

It seems like there aren't many discussions about post partum doulas and I was wondering if you ladies would be able to answer some questions for me. Any help is much appreciated!

Do all post partum doulas charge by the hour? If not, how do they charge? By the number of visits or what? What amount do most pp doulas charge?-- a good range?

Do pp doulas have contracts? What would be included in that contract if they did?

If you are a pp doula, what is included in your service? I know the basics that are included but I guess different doulas offer different things, right? Also, if you are a pp doula, are you a certified lactation educator? Is that helpful? What other certifications would be beneficial to a pp doula?

I guess I'm just looking for any info. that isn't common knowledge about pp doulas.

Thanx in advance!!

Jenny

[birthisnatural]

I have never really seen a pp doula contract, but I think it would be similar to a labor doula's. I would include what you do and don't do, what they can expect out of you and you of them. I think most doula's around here charge by the hour, anywhere from 12-25/hr and I have heard of half day rates being about 75? Hope that helps a little

[jessa_bee]

Fees:
- Range from $20-$40/hour (it's quite possible that some doulas charge more than $40/hour), some doulas have a scale that includes higher rates for twins/multiples, and I know some doulas who charge by the night/job.

Contracts:
- Depends on the doula. The ones I've seen generally include information about what the doula does (i.e. helps with breastfeeding, general infant care, massage etc.), covers the types of housekeeping help they provide (i.e. dishes and laundry are OK but no windows or yard work), outlines the cancellation policy, explains the payment arrangements, addresses sleeping arrangements (e.g. a baby monitor if you're sleeping in a separate room at night), addresses errands and reimbursement for purchases made on your client's behalf, explains administering medications (for DONA doulas this one's a big NO), and sometimes includes info about the back-up doula.
- I did a quick Google search for post partum doula contract and found http://home.att.net/~doulasaz/page23.html and http://www.pathwaypartner.com/images/contract.pdf

Services
- Some doulas help to market themselves by also providing massage, infant massage, gourmet cooking, sleep training etc.

Personally, I think that it would be very helpful to be a Lactation Educator and plan to do my training in Nov.

Hope this helps!
Jess

[tlcdoula]

Do all post partum doulas charge by the hour? If not, how do they charge? By the number of visits or what? I charge by the hour.

What amount do most pp doulas charge?-- a good range?PP Doula fees vary by area just as doula services do. I charge $20 per hour, but will go down if necessary. I am more apt to go down in price if the family is committing to many hours and/or many weeks.

Do pp doulas have contracts? What would be included in that contract if they did? I use a contract. If you are interested in seeing mine pm me with your e-mail address and the next time I am at my office I will forward you a copy.

If you are a pp doula, what is included in your service? I know the basics that are included but I guess different doulas offer different things, right? Assistance with the transition into motherhood/being a family
Emotional and breastfeeding support
Teach/model newborn care
Household tasks/light housekeeping
Help with sibling transitions into being an older brother or sister
Someone who is there to "MOTHER" the mother


Also, if you are a pp doula, are you a certified lactation educator? Is that helpful? I am not, but I have breastfed 7 children for many, many years so I have lots of different experiences. If the mama needs more help then I can give I then refer her to a LC

What other certifications would be beneficial to a pp doula? I am also certified in the Happiest Baby on the Block and find that useful

[JMoore86]

Thanx ladies for all the info!!! Very helpful!

How did I completely miss that there was a PP Doula board???? I feel silly.

[ctowndoula]

I charge sliding scale $15-25/hour and have an agreement instead of contract (splitting hairs maybe? ).
I do have advanced training as a Breastfeeding Support Specialist (Lamaze) simply b/c I really didn't have problems with nursing so I needed that extra expereince with identifying problems. Now, I wouldn't try to solve the problems, but at least I can refer them more quickly b/c I know what is considered normal etc. And I got training on how to teach Breastfeeding Basics. Do I think you need it? No, but I do recommend some training in b/f.


Here's my agreement:
will be glad to help you with infant massage, bathing, feeding, comfort measures, safety issues and swaddling. I do baby holding, listening to mom, setting up/organizing baby's stuff, cutting baby's nails, help with baths, breastfeeding help, and help with pumping. I can also run simple errands, but will not pick up and transport other children.

I can help with other siblings as needed.

I will also be glad to do some light housework or cooking. This will consist of laundry (gathering, washing, drying, folding, putting away) and picking up objects off of the floor, emptying garbage, all-around straightening up, sweeping, wiping down bathrooms. I can sweep floors, spot mop in areas and dust. I can cook meals that are requested, provided client can supply written or verbal instructions on the preparation of the food. I can clean the kitchen including washing, drying and putting away dishes.

I do NOT diagnose medical conditions in the mother or the baby but will refer you to a health care provider when appropriate. I am not a lactation consultant but have breastfed my own children and have further breastfeeding experience. I will refer you to a lactation consultant as appropriate.

I do not do heavy housecleaning such as mopping, cleaning bathtubs or windows, or yard work.

[Amydoula]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMoore86 Hello all, It seems like there aren't many discussions about post partum doulas and I was wondering if you ladies would be able to answer some questions for me. Any help is much appreciated! Do all post partum doulas charge by the hour? If not, how do they charge? By the number of visits or what? What amount do most pp doulas charge?-- a good range? Do pp doulas have contracts? What would be included in that contract if they did? If you are a pp doula, what is included in your service? I know the basics that are included but I guess different doulas offer different things, right? Also, if you are a pp doula, are you a certified lactation educator? Is that helpful? What other certifications would be beneficial to a pp doula? I guess I'm just looking for any info. that isn't common knowledge about pp doulas. Thanx in advance!! Jenny

I charge by the hour, $15-25 per hour depending on distance traveled, and on financial needs.

I have a contract but I"m revamping it to better protect myself, so can't email it to you at this time.

I include all things listed on my website in my signature, I am a Certified Lactation Counselor through The Healthy Children's Project and have found it to be very very helpful in my practice. I am certified as a ppdoula through DONA.

[sacredma]

i charge by the hour, $25- 30 depending on the distance. i have a contract if anyone is interested i can send it to you. i did the cappa lactation educator training and i think it is really important to get some breastfeeding knowledge. i never had any problems with bf either, and in my work as a pp doula, i come across a lot of bf issues. so its helped me to learn about proper latch and positioning. i do mostly all the things everyone else said.

[ScootchsMom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sacredma i charge by the hour, $25- 30 depending on the distance. i have a contract if anyone is interested i can send it to you. i did the cappa lactation educator training and i think it is really important to get some breastfeeding knowledge. i never had any problems with bf either, and in my work as a pp doula, i come across a lot of bf issues. so its helped me to learn about proper latch and positioning. i do mostly all the things everyone else said.

Hey, can you send me a copy of the contract so I can check it out? PM me for my email address. Thanks.

Liz