Post-partum doula?

Haley.Beth

I was talking to my midwife about placenta encapsulation as a part of my attempt to ward of the PPD I had with dd. She was totally willing to help me out, but she also suggested the services of a postpartum doula. She gave me a couple names to talk to, but I need to look at our budget first. It actually sounds like a good idea, someone to help me with breastfeeding (something else I had problems with before), nutrition, staying sane (I'll have an 18 month old and dh will have to go back to work immediately), etc. 

Have any of you ladies used a postpartum doula before? Thoughts? Advice? Do you think it would be worth it for me to look into and save up money for? 

tokenhoser

If you don't have other support, I can see it being very useful.

I have a great mom and MIL that will help with DS and household stuff, and access to plenty of breastfeeding support via the homecare nurses (they visit 2-3 x after we come home) and local breastfeeding center.

If you don't have family nearby, or if your family stresses you out, then I would try hard to find the money to buy some support. It's the same reasoning of why I prioritize my birth doula over anything else I could buy for the baby - I know it's what I need, so the money is worth it. Yes, we could do without, but I don't want to.

rayandbrit

If you have the money for it, I would definitely get one. My friend & I had our second children at the same time, neither of us have family that lives in state, she had a postpartum doula & I did not. She actually hired hers to help her through 6 weeks & I remember thinking, I have to remember this for next baby!

The Doula brought such a calm to the house. She helped with cooking, light cleaning (pertaining to baby) and all of the things you mentioned above. In the research I have done thus far, it seems that there is some range as far as services go & pricing. DH & I are paying OOP for this pregnancy,  and I plan on hiring a labor Doula, so we'll see if we have the funds for the extra help when we get a little closer.

My personal feeling is that most Mom's don't get near enough help & support in those weeks after baby is born, so I give a big thumbs up to hiring it if possible/needed. As a side note, my Midwife mentioned that some of her patients use Ladies who are still in school, or the process of getting certified, and they do not charge for their services. I'm not sure if that's something you're comfortable with, but it may be worth looking into?

mlrafiki

I'm an FTM and so don't have prior experience, but we're definitely taking advantage of the postpartum doula services offered by our doula group. The main reason is that our family does not live nearby, and we don't want them all flying into town immediately, either (we've asked them to wait two weeks, and thankfully, they've agreed). Another reason, however, is that there are no infant care classes available to us (weird, right?) in our area, so we're going to be pretty serious NOOBs and will need to extra help. From what I've heard, the main help that the postpartum doula offers is with breastfeeding and just generally keeping a calm tone around the house. I know that ours will run errands, cook meals, or watch older children in addition to any hands-on care needed for Mama and Baby.

Personally, I'd spring for it if you can afford it! 

Celyn

FYI - there are a number of cases of insurance covering postpartum doulas.  It might be worth inquiring about.  FSA funds can also be used.