There are two kinds of doulas: Labor Doulas and Postpartum Doulas. A previous article in the newsletter did an excellent job of discussing what a Labor Doula does and the advantages of using one. Now I would like to briefly discuss Postpartum Doulas, which also serve a vital role.

Postpartum doulas go into the home and help for the first few weeks with breast feeding, newborn care and instruction, mother care, offer resources and give general family and household support.

Benefits

The following are some of the advantages gained by the use of postpartum doulas:

What Does a Postpartum Doula Do?

Probably first and foremost, they help with breastfeeding. They also nurture the mother so she can better nurture the baby.

In addition they perform other tasks such as cooking, cleaning, giving baby care tips, demonstrating baby baths, swaddling techniques, advice on sleeping issues for mom and baby, go with mom on first car trip to the store alone with baby, special help with postpartum depressed moms, practical help with multiple births, errands, helps mom get through the circumcision ("briss" at home for Jewish boys) setting up the nursery and much more, depending on individual situations.

Cost

A mother can sometimes get insurance coverage for postpartum doula work if her doctor writes a "prescription" for it. He might be more likely to do so if she is having any problems such as baby's health complications or mother's lactation problems.

Doulas across the nation charge an average of $20 per hour. Some doulas work on a sliding scale. Personally, I sometimes do pro-bono work if a mom needs help but can't pay. A mother can keep us for one visit only or for months on end.

It's hard to compare cost of a postpartum doula with a labor doula because labor doulas charge a flat fee and postpartum doulas charge by the hour.

But mothers will pay $20 per hour for a housekeeper or $70 for a massage, so the cost of a doula should be considered in its proper perspective, especially in light of all the benefits listed above. Also she can get an apprentice or novice doula for $15 per hour. Often grandmothers or coworkers will buy a gift certificate for a postpartum doula's services.

My Personal Experiences

I have founded the OAPD (Oregon Association of Postpartum Doulas) to encourage doulas here to go through the field work and education necessary for certification, so they can put "CPD" after their names, rather than go by the seat of their pants and call themselves doulas without training and practice without knowledge.

I believe this is the only state that has it's own certification organization. It's a little easier and less expensive for doulas who cannot afford the international organization, CAPPA (see below).

Personally, I have worked with over 500 families in Portland, OR and have helped new mothers with twins, preemies, first, second, and third babies. I have worked with mothers who were MD's, single moms, fertility babies, older moms and teen moms.

Sometimes I have been involved with moms who need the benefit of teamwork between her OB, pediatrician, hospital lactation consultant and myself, particularly if we are working with an infant who is failing to thrive or her breast milk supply is drying up and needs to be increased while protecting her baby.

Often much emotional support is needed for mom in such cases. I also teach newborn care classes in my community for other doulas and expectant parents, and teach postpartum doula training workshops in other cities.

For more information:

The Tender Gift: Breastfeeding by Dana Raphael
Mothering the New Mother by Sally Placksin
After the Baby's Birth...A Woman's Way to Wellness by Robin Lim

Vicky York, IBCLC, CPD has been postpartum doula for 10 years and has worked with over 500 families in the Portland Oregon area. She is also a lactation consultant. Email: Vmyork@peoplepc.com

CAPPA (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association) is an organization that certifies trains and supports labor doulas, postpartum doulas, childbirth educators and lactation educators.

Membership with CAPPA includes a free web site listing for all members as well as marketing/promo info, a free annual conference and a free quarterly newsletter. There are also scholarships for those who are eligible. The CAPPA website offers a list of postpartum and labor doulas, childbirth educators and lactation educators internationally in addition to training workshops for aspiring doulas.

CAPPA is having an annual free conference Nov. 3-4, 2001 in Birmingham, AL at The University of Alabama.

For referrals or information call 1-888-548-367 or go to www.childbirthprofessional.com

DONA (Doulas of North America) 7th International Conference July 26th-29th

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Four Points Sheraton. Early-Bird Registration by June 9th. Also offered: Doula Training, Doula Teacher Training, and Pre-Conference Seminar -- Bereavement and the Doula. Speakers include Phillip Hall, Katherine Shister Harrod, Barbara Harper, John Kennell, Marshall Klaus, Phyllis Klaus, Jack Newman, Penny Simkin, Leona Van deVusse. Friday night on the town. Register on their website www.dona.org