So…you’ve finally considered hiring a doula and perhaps, you’ve enjoyed their company so much that you want to keep them for as long as possible; or maybe you’re simply looking into hiring one and you’re wondering for how long you can keep them around. Either way, now you’re probably thinking: how long can I keep my doula with me?

A Doula Throughout All The Stages

There are actually different types of doulas: birth or labor, antepartum, and postpartum.

A birth or labor doula can help and provide care during labor. In most cases and ideally, expecting moms hiring a doula on their seventh month of pregnancy to get acquainted and discuss birth plans. There are some, though, that recommend getting a doula as early as possible into your pregnancy stage so you can have enough time to screening applicants, getting to know your doula, and discussing birth plans.

An antepartum doula is tasked with providing support to a more delicate condition of pregnancy, and they are usually with the mom before giving birth. Because of the sensitivity and complications, an antepartum doula may help with daily household tasks so the mother can be well-rested up until her due date.

A postpartum doula deals with providing physical, educational, and emotional support to mothers with newborns. They assist in nursing, bathing, diapering, and feeding as the new mom copes and transitions with the changes. They typically stay for at least three months. Depending on the needs of the family, it may take as short as a week, or possibly longer than three months.

It is important to note that each type of doulas has different certifications; some may only specialize in one while there are some who may specialize in various types.

Pre-Labor Doula

Ooh, Doula-la! Having a doula prior to labor certainly sounds helpful. Ideally, an expecting mom meets with a doula in her second or trimester, while there are others who are on the search during the early onset of pregnancy. Believe it or not, there are even some moms who hire a doula literally just some days before their little bun is due for delivery. The challenge, however, will be the availability of doulas.

Labor Doula

The labor doula provides continuous care for the mom during the entire labor process by providing hands-on care and comforts up until the baby is safely delivered. More often than not, they also do around one or two follow-up visits to check on the well-being status of the mother and baby, as well as breastfeeding progress.

Postpartum Doulas

Regardless of how many children you have given birth to, a mom who had just given birth still needs time to transition and recover from childbirth. Postpartum doulas have additional training that specializes in helping moms adjust and cope with their new normal, as well as spotting any signs of postpartum depression. They are usually present for the first 3 months, although the frequency may increase or decrease, as it greatly varies on the needs of the family. There are doulas who report on a daily basis, some are hourly or weekly.

Depending on what you have agreed on, the postpartum doula will leave as soon as you and your family have successfully found your footing right after the birth.

Post-Postpartum Doulas

So you and your family are all settled down with your routine with the newest (and cutest!) addition in your family, and now, it’s time for your postpartum doula to leave; she thinks she has achieved her goal for you and your family to feel more empowered!. So what happens next?

Once the postpartum doula leaves, it may be another adjustment, she had become a part of your routine for quite a while after all. So does the doula really just disappear out of your lives? Not exactly. There are doulas that check in on their family even after they have left. That just goes to show how dedicated and passionate doulas are with their profession.

How Doulas of the Valley Helps Mothers and Families in Arizona

Doulas of the Valley is proud to cater to and support families in Scottsdale, Arizona, and other parts of the Arizona areas. With our hands-on expertise, our doulas have helped spread and raise awareness and knowledge about pregnancy, labor, and most especially, postpartum depression, since most people are still learning more about it.

We stay true to our word when it comes to our commitment to assisting you on your journey as you go through the motions of childbirth, and even providing the best postpartum care we can offer as you transition in easing your newborn in your everyday life.

Most families have formed an unforgettable connection with our doulas, feeling cared for and supported during the most crucial and memorable moment of their lives, and that’s what we at Doulas of the Valley hope to keep on doing for as long as we can.