Post partum doula?

spinsoffresonance

Has anyone used a postpartum doula? Do you think it's worth it? I'm thinking I'm going to need hired help a few hours a day 3 times a week for the first few weeks after LO2 is born. I'll have an 18m old DD, no family around to help, DH will be at work and I'll be recovering from a c-section. I don't feel like I can do it all alone. I think I'll need help cooking lunch/dinner, keeping up with very basic housekeeping and entertaining DD1 for 3-6w PP. not sure, however, if it's worth splurging for a post partum doula (min $30/hour) or a regular babysitter (around $15/hour). What do you think?

gutsysneakers

FTM here - so literally no experience of my own with birth or having my own child, but have you thought about hiring a summer nanny? Depending on where you live, you could find a college/grad student (who may even be seeking a degree in early childhood development) who could entertain your daughter and even help out with basic housework/cooking? 

cnbean

I think it would be a good idea. I can't imagine trying to take care of 2 kids and recover from a c-section without any help at all. As for the doula vs. babysitter, I'd say it might depend on what you want them to primarily do. A babysitter probably is going to be less willing to cook or clean up. I would think that the doula would be willing to provide much more comprehensive help than babysitters. But that just might be the sitters I've dealt with! 

Kageer

I think it is smart to have some help! Find out what the pp doula can do. I think it might be nice to have her because she will be tuned into your needs too and you will need a little TLC as well. Maybe as you continue to recover you can switch to more a babysitter/mother's helper type person to help with cooking, laundry or whatever.

dragossoul84

My suggestion would be make meals in advance and freeze them then have DH throw them in the oven when he gets home and go for a baby sitter. You can normally get some one that will do light house keeping and save some money

spinsoffresonance

Thanks for all the suggestions. I think I need to meet some candidates to get a better understanding of what a PP doula offers. And also talk with some babysitters and housekeepers and college students looking for part time work. I totally plan on freezing some meals too but my freezer won't hold much more than a week's worth of food.

hatrats

If you don't want to pay for a doula, instead of asking for a 'babysitter' specifically, maybe try asking around for what you are really needing - someone to assist with your child and housework.  That way they won't feel like the housework part is extra.  It would just be part of the job they signed up for.  I bet you could find a college student or something willing to do this for $15/hr.

MissLadyTay

I would hire a mother's helper instead of a doula, just to save money. Plus, a doula is going to be more focused on you and the baby, when what you really need help with is the toddler and the house, right? I know I can handle the newborn if I have a RCS. It's the toddler I'm worried about.

drgeli

I had a post partum doula for 5 hours a day for 1 week after my twins were born since they were my first kids and I felt I needed a "coach" to answer my day to day questions. Since you're going to be a second time mom, and not necessarily need guidance, you are likely better off having a babysitter / part-time nanny that is also willing to help with housework. It will be half the price and you can spend the money on more hours instead, or you can use some of that "saved" money on a weekly or bi-weekly cleaning lady for deep cleaning. That's my general plan, and I'm hoping it all comes together.