Frequently Asked Questions

  • A postpartum doula provides guidance and support to families, offering physical, emotional, informational, and hands-on assistance to new parents and their families, usually during the first 3 months after birth (which is often referred to as the “fourth trimester”). Support may continue beyond the first three months if desired by family.

    • I will text you when I'm on my way to check for any specific preferences and let you know when to expect me. Once I arrive, I enter your home in the way you choose (quietly if the baby is sleeping, or avoiding or helping with pets, if needed, to maintain calm). I can also help with tasks like taking out the garbage, bringing in deliveries, or picking up groceries upon arrival.

    • Upon entering, I will remove my shoes, wear clean indoor shoes, and wash my hands. Then I’ll check in with you to see how you’re doing, how baby (s) is doing, and see what you feel like you need the most support around that day. It can be any and everything.

    • If you have an infant (s) receiving care in the NICU, I can help you to put in place support to help with the intense emotional & physical journey of your baby being in the hospital, as well as lots of support to help for a successful transition for baby to home from the hospital.

  • Truly, this is where the magic happens, because it will be whatever you decide feels best each visit. Some examples include, but are not at all limited to:

    • Chestfeeding or breastfeeding support around latch, comfort, questions about how to tell if baby is getting enough, discussion of referrals if that is something you’re interested in.

    • Sleep (yours & baby’s, and how can we support and maximize it)

    • Your physical comfort & recovery after birth (how are you doing with it, what do you feel you need to feel even better)

    • Emotional check-in; how are you feeling right now? Sleep deprivation, hormonal shifts, changing patterns & rhythms-what is helping and what would you like to be different?

    • Real talk about ANYTHING you want to chat or ask questions about (ex: is this amount of bleeding normal, why do my chest/boobs look like or feel like this, is this baby poop supposed to look like this, am I crying too much, will I sleep again, is it normal for baby to be doing….)-nothing is off limits, and crying, laughing, cursing, and talking openly are always honored:)

    • Do you want the dishes cleaned, a load of laundry done, some baby clothes put away, diapers restocked-what small tasks would make it so you can rest more?

    • Do you just want a nap, or a shower/bath, or time with your older child? I’ll care for baby while you do whatever feels good and easeful for you. Or maybe your older child/children need some extra TLC (that’s my specialty;) while you get some solo time with your infant-I’ve got you covered!

    • Strategies to continue to maximize your rest, recovery, and healing.

  • We’ll start with a free 30-minute phone, video or in-person conversation (whichever feels most comfortable to you) to talk through your postpartum needs and answer any questions you may have. If it feels like a good fit, we’ll schedule an intake, which is usually 90 minutes, to discuss your anticipated postpartum needs in more detail and review contract/payment. Then, I’ll look very forward to supporting you and your family after the arrival of your baby (s).

  • I am unable to accept insurance. However, if cost is a barrier, please reach out and we can discuss possible sliding scale or payment plans.

    Ofrezco un descuento a las familias de habla hispana.

    Also, feel free to reach out for support accessing low-cost or free resources during your pregnancy and postpartum.

  • You may reach me anytime via the contact page on this website. You may also call or text me directly at (206) 715-7661 or email me at laura@safespacedoula.com. I am always happy to answer any questions or chat, and aim to respond quickly—usually within 24 hours.

    Puede contactarme en cualquier momento a través de la página de contacto de este sitio web. También puede llamarme o enviarme un mensaje de texto directamente al (206) 715-7661, o enviarme un correo electrónico a laura@safespacedoula.com. Siempre será un placer responder a sus preguntas o conversar, y procuro responder con rapidez —generalmente en un plazo de 24 horas.