H is for Hype

Postpartum doulas...what is all the HYPE about??

The general understanding of what a postpartum doula does is widely misunderstood among the population. We are certain that if more people knew exactly what a postpartum doula does, more people would utilize them. The myths range from "Postpartum doulas are only really needed when you have postpartum depression," to "Postpartum doulas aren't much different than a nanny, and a nanny is cheaper." We are here to tell you this is completely false! Anyone can benefit from a postpartum doula, and we are capable of understanding and executing so much more than a nanny, which is why our rates may typically appear a bit higher.

Don't believe us? Let's look at a story from one of our past clients...

"I was in the midst of a massive move across the country for my husband's job. I didn't know anyone in New York, and was not particularly happy about the move. All of that emotion, plus trying to care for a six month old and a three year old felt almost impossible. It was then mentioned to me, that I should look into a postpartum doula in the area. I thought this would be out of question, as postpartum doulas seem to only be for the first six weeks, but another doula explained to me that this is not the case, and postpartum doulas can serve as long as they're needed. I started to feel a little less self conscious, and interviewed many postpartum doulas in the area. Many of them seemed to not have time or scheduling capability. Then I found Nikita. She was warm from the start, and even reached out via phone and email, which was perfect as this introvert doesn't often like to answer the phone! Upon emailing back and forth, she started to get me excited about the area, telling me of all the resources there were. I just knew I had found my match! 

Upon meeting Nikita in person at her first shift, I was exhausted, but also needed a friend. She balanced this perfectly. I remember one of the first things she said to me was "What can we try to do for you right now? And I completely understand that your needs may change minute to minute." It made me feel not so crazy and isolated. She was professional, but also warm, which made a huge difference to me as she would be left alone with my children while I was resting. I was shocked to wake up from an hour nap to find that she never once needed to come and ask me anything, she just did it all on her own. It almost felt weird to be in peace that long, but she handled everything! 

When she came over, my three year old often wanted her attention, and while she did have her fun with him, she realized that I needed the most support. Nikita worked with us in our household with almost nothing in it, as our household goods had not arrived yet. She improvised by prepping meals for us in the crock pot and even brainstormed with me to find a healthy meal plan, as I was trying to transition to whole 30. I could tell this was far more than a job to her, she often went home and researched better ways she could support us. Even my husband was impressed, and so relieved when she came over for night shifts. He would get a full night's sleep, and Nikita would bring my baby to me only when he needed to nurse, then take him to the other room to put him back to sleep. She respected everything we wanted to implement as far as our parenting decisions and never tried to sway us otherwise. 

Nikita was right that my support looked different every day. Sometimes it was needing to rest. Sometimes I needed her to help with meal prep and make things I could grab throughout the week because otherwise, I just wouldn't eat until I was starving. Sometimes, I just needed a friend to sit with me over coffee and make me not feel like the shell of a person I was at that time. And her bubbly personality was exactly what I needed! However, she knew when to cut me off and suggest rest as well. 

When Nikita left our family, we were self sufficient. I was able to devote a few hours a week to meal planning as she had done for us, and we even thrived enough to join a gym and start taking care of ourselves because we had been left so recharged at home. I learned it is never too late to hire a postpartum doula, and there never has to be a reason. But I'm so grateful for the time we did hire one, and would not hesitate to do it again or suggest it to any of my friends! Thanks Nikita!"