Congratulations on your upcoming journey into motherhood! As you prepare to welcome your new baby, it's essential to consider the support you'll need during the postpartum time, especially for first time parents. Looking back, I was clueless about the level of postpartum care a new mom needed.  It was not part of my birth plan.

After the birth of my daughter, I had no idea how hard everyday life would be.  I didn’t hear about how incredibly valuable a doula was until after a few friends of mine hired one.  In their words, “It’s a game changer!”  

In the bustling city of Los Angeles, finding the right assistance can be overwhelming for new mothers. 

That's why we're here to shed light on the invaluable role of postpartum doulas. These certified professionals provide not only physical support but emotional and practical care to new parents like you, ensuring a smoother transition into parenthood. 

In this blog post, we'll explore the numerous benefits of having a postpartum doula in your corner as well as provide resources to help you find the right partner for this very important time in your life.  

The Role of Postpartum Doula Support

From the moment your little one arrives, a postpartum doula can be your beacon of support, guiding you through the early days of motherhood. These dedicated professionals offer a wide range of services tailored to meet your unique needs, providing a compassionate and nurturing presence during this transformative time. 

With their wealth of experience, postpartum doulas offer practical support such as meal preparation, light housekeeping, baby laundry, bottle feeding, lightening your load and allowing you to focus on bonding with your new baby.

Emotional and Informational Support

Postpartum doulas are not just there to lend a helping hand; they also provide essential emotional and informational support. They understand that the postpartum period can be challenging and overwhelming, and they offer a compassionate ear to listen to your concerns, fears, and joys. 

These knowledgeable professionals can answer your questions, offer guidance on newborn care, breastfeeding, postpartum recovery, plus connect you with valuable resources and support groups. Their presence can help alleviate any anxieties you may have, empowering you to navigate the early days of motherhood with confidence.

Navigating the Los Angeles Postpartum Doula Scene

In the greater Los Angeles area, you'll find a vibrant community of postpartum doulas who are ready to support you every step of the way. Whether you reside in Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Santa Clarita, or beyond, there are dedicated professionals available to meet your needs. It's important to find a doula who aligns with your values and understands your unique preferences. 

Consider seeking referrals from friends, family members, or your healthcare provider. Additionally, reputable organizations like Doulas of North America (DONA) International can provide a list of certified doulas who have undergone thorough background checks and training.

Additional Resources to Help Find a Doula in Los Angeles

Here is a list of resources you can reference while you research for the postpartum support system you need.  

• Los Angeles Birth Partners - Culver City

  • Offers “Meet the Doulas Night”  every 2nd Wednesday of the month to virtually meet and greet with their doulas.  Click HERE to register

  • Prenatal and birthing classes available online.  

  • Free consultation available 

• LA Doula Care - Los Angeles

  • Offers a team of experts that are certified postpartum doulas and newborn care specialist.  

  • Free consultation available 

  • Additional services include infant sleep training and lactation support. 

• YELP 

  • Read reviews 

  • Filter your search by price, location, and services 

  • Showcases if the business is women owned or LGBQT friendly

• Hello Meela - National 

  • Read reviews on each doula 

  • Offers a wide range of service providers 

  • Easy to use “search by speciality” that includes pregnancies over 40, LGBTQ, and single parents.  

• Village Birth  - Pasadena 

  • Offers workshops and support groups

  • Offers a team of doulas, massage therapists, and even photographers 

  • Focuses on building community for new parents

• Uma Mother - Santa Monica 
• I had my own personal experience working with the founder Patti Quintero who was my pre-natal yoga teacher.  I highly recommend her online course “In Bloom.” 
• With a background in yoga, meditation, and healing arts she takes a holistic approach to both prenatal and postnatal care. 
• Offers online prenatal and postpartum yoga classes

Essential Questions to Ask When Hiring a Doula 

1. Are you certified? Hire a certified postpartum doula.  It is crucial to ensure that the doula you hire has received proper certification and training. Certification demonstrates their commitment to professionalism and adherence to industry standards.

2. What services do you offer? Different doulas may have varying areas of expertise and services. Discuss your specific needs and preferences to ensure the doula can provide the support you require, whether it's breastfeeding assistance, newborn care guidance, or emotional support.

3. What is your availability? Clarify the doula's availability and schedule to ensure they can accommodate your needs during the postpartum period. Discuss their availability during the day, evening, or overnight, depending on when you anticipate needing the most assistance.

4. Can you provide references? Request references from previous clients to gain insight into their experiences with the doula. Speaking with others who have worked with the doula can provide valuable feedback and help you gauge their professionalism and effectiveness.

5. How do you approach newborn care and breastfeeding support? Ask the doula about their approach to newborn care and breastfeeding support. Ensure their philosophy aligns with your preferences and values, whether you plan to breastfeed exclusively, use formula, or incorporate a combination.

6. What is your fee structure? Discuss the doula's fees and payment arrangements to ensure they fit within your budget. Some doulas may offer package deals or flexible payment plans. It's also worth inquiring if they accept insurance or if doula services are covered under your healthcare plan.

7. Do you have any additional training or expertise? Some doulas may have additional training or certifications in specific areas, such as lactation consulting, babywearing, or postpartum mental health. If these aspects are important to you, inquire about the doula's qualifications in these areas.

8. How do you handle emergencies or unforeseen circumstances? It's essential to understand how the doula handles unexpected situations, such as when they are unavailable due to illness or personal emergencies. Ask about their backup plans and whether they have a network of trusted colleagues who can step in if needed.

How much does a doula cost in Los Angeles?

The average rate for a Doula in Los Angeles is $30-$60 per hour.  Check with your insurance company to see if Doula services are covered.   You may also be able to use your Flexible Spending Account or FSA.  

If you are on a budget, consider what hours you really need the support.  Perhaps hire a night doula to help with late-night feeds while you and your husband get some needed rest.  Maybe it’s 4 hours in the late afternoon to help with meal prep? 

Work with your doula to create a schedule that works with your needs, schedule, and budget.  

How EasyJug Enhances Postpartum Comfort 

EasyJug 2.2 liter water bottle with a long straw.  The 47-inch straw makes it easier for moms to hydrate during childbirth and beyond.  We encourage mothers to pack it in their hospital bag so that it's available during delivery and post-delivery when it may hurt the most to sit up.  

Here is a testimonial from our doula partner Cynthia Shockley from Mighty Mama Wellness in Minnesota who wrote,

"EasyJug was perfect for her tub birth! The jug could sit on the floor and I could just hold the straw to her lips while still keeping my other hand on a cold towel on her neck or holding her hand.  It holds so much water we never needed to refill it! So great!"

If you're breastfeeding, you may notice that you have insane thirst! Oxytocin released in breastfeeding triggers you to be thirsty. It's your body's way of ensuring you drink enough water to produce breast milk.

Drinking water while you breastfeed can be challenging, and EasyJug is here to make it simpler and more convenient. Our hands-free hydration system ensures you stay hydrated without the need to hold a water bottle, allowing you to hydrate in comfort while you focus on your baby.  EasyJug can help you hydrate in any nursing position, even lying down.  

With EasyJug, you can prioritize your hydration, preventing issues like fatigue, constipation and headaches while promoting your overall well-being.

Conclusion 

The postpartum period is a transformative time that requires ample support, especially for new families. Los Angeles offers a rich network of postpartum doulas who can provide the emotional, physical, and practical assistance you need during this journey. 

Their compassionate care and expertise will guide you through the early days of motherhood, ensuring a smoother transition for you and your new family. 

If I were to do it all over again, I would hire a doula.  My husband and I are in our 40s without our parents nearby to help us. We now have a 2 year old daughter who is going to need just as much attention as our newborn.  Having an extra set of hands to help out around the house with light cleaning, food preparation, and lactation support will be incredibly helpful.  

Remember to prioritize your own well-being, including staying hydrated while breastfeeding, and consider the innovative EasyJug as a valuable tool to make this process easier.