Whenever I meet someone new and tell them that I am a postpartum doula and explain what a postpartum doula does, they usually say something along the lines of, "Boy, I could have really used you!" or "I wish I could have afforded that."
And, when I'm working with pregnant women in prenatal yoga, I often hear "I really wish I could afford to hire you for when my baby is here". With a little planning, you can!
I passionately believe that every new mom needs help. We no longer live in a society where the women of the village come help you after your baby is born. The reality is that now we need to hire postpartum doulas. New moms need to feel supported and taken care of. New moms need rest and healthy snacks and meals. New moms need help with breastfeeding and laundry. It is impossible to do it all, all by yourself.
So, here are my tips for the three best ways to afford postpartum doula care:
1. While you're pregnant, set aside some money each month to be put towards postpartum doula care. It can be $25 or $100 per month, whatever you can make happen. For instance, take whatever you used to spend each month on sushi, lunch meat and wine and save that for hiring postpartum doula support once your baby is here. Think back to your wedding and how much time, effort and money you put into making that a special day/weekend/time. The birth of your baby and YOU deserve that same attention now!
2. Register for it! Your friends and family really do want to give you a gift that you need and will use, so give them the opportunity to provide you with quality postpartum support. This also ensures that you don't end up with four wipes warmers or gear that you will never use. Include a link to my website on your registry or in your shower invite. Please contact me if you'd like some cards specifically designed to pop into your shower invitations. Loved ones can purchase gift certificates for you right on my website.
3. Call your health insurance provider. Many of my clients have had success with getting postpartum doula care and lactation support reimbursed by their insurance companies and even their Flex Spending Accounts. Call yours now to see what they will cover. If they do not, write a letter with details about why you especially need support (c-section, multiples, no family around, health condition etc.) Also, see if your health care provider will provide you a prescription for postpartum doula support.
Call me today to set up a free prenatal consultation so we can discuss your particular postpartum needs and ways we can work together to make it affordable.
Darcy Sauers is a certified postpartum doula, certified lactation counselor and the owner of Dover Doula (www.doverdoula.com) in the Seacoast, NH area. She is passionately committed to helping ALL new moms find the support, resources and information they need. Please do not hesitate to contact Darcy with any questions at darcy @ doverdoula.com or 603-988-5945. For more information on breastfeeding, the postpartum period, prenatal yoga or local resources and events for new moms, follow her on Facebook.
