FAQs
What is a Postpartum Doula?
A postpartum doula provides evidenced-based information and hands-on assistance on things such as infant feeding, emotional and physical recovery from birth, mother-baby bonding, infant soothing, and basic newborn care. (American.pregnancy.org)
How is a postpartum doula different from a newborn nanny?
A newborn nanny’s role would focus solely on caring for the baby, whereas my role focuses on meeting the needs of the whole family and educating the family on all things Postpartum and Newborn. With a postpartum doula, you get expert newborn and postpartum care from a trained postpartum professional, and in my case, a former Mother/Baby & Pediatric nurse. Though it is not my primary role, I also help with household duties (laundry, dishes, household organization, tidying, meal prep) to help parents feel less overwhelmed and help days go more smoothly so you can focus on bonding with your baby. I can provide as much or as little newborn care as you need, while also tending to mom’s physical and emotional recovery from birth, assisting with feeding, household duties, and helping the entire family feel more adjusted during this transition.
Who can use a postpartum doula?
I serve all types of families, including but not limited to:
new first-time parents
parents without family support
breastfeeding mothers
parents with postpartum depression/anxiety
special needs babies
families fostering or adopting a newborn
multiples
premature babies
single parents
mothers recovering from c sections
families with older siblings
difficult deliveries
What happens on a typical visit?
At the start of each visit I will address any immediate needs you have, then sit down with parents to assess their priorities and goals for the day and any current concerns. My care for each day will be custom-made based on your priorities. What are your greatest needs today? What do you feel most overwhelmed about and want to address while I am here? It may be taking a nap, a shower, assistance with breastfeeding, tidying up the house or needing a listening ear. You may feel overwhelmed and stressed in a variety of areas after having a baby, and I am here to provide relief and support in those areas, with loving care and evidence based information.
When is the best time to hire a postpartum doula?
A postpartum doula typically works with a family within the first three months following birth. You can schedule postpartum doula services in advance before your baby arrives, or anytime following the birth of your baby. Often new parents do not realize they need extra help and support until after their baby arrives and they find themselves struggling in those first few days and weeks. A postpartum doula can help you adjust during this challenging and exciting time. You can reach out to schedule my services anytime before birth, or within 3 months after birth.
Do you provide birth support as well?
I do not offer birth doula services, only postpartum services. If you are seeking to hire a birth doula I can refer you to some wonderful experienced birth doula colleagues.
Do you provide medical care/medical advice as an RN?
Although I am an RN and have an active nursing license, providing medical care/advice is not within the scope of a doula. I have chosen to shift roles from RN work to doula work, which means I provide physical, informational and emotional support, rather than medical support. This includes assisting with postpartum comfort measures following your OB’s guidelines, providing information and newborn care guidance following your pediatrician’s guidelines/American Academy of Pediatrics, and recognizing abnormal postpartum and newborn conditions and referring you to a medical provider in those situations. My medical background and years of experience working with postpartum mothers and newborns gives me a broad knowledge base, helps me recognize potential medical issues, and know when to refer you to the appropriate medical provider should any problems arise.
Do you provide total care for the baby?
My ultimate goal as a postpartum doula is always to empower parents to gain confidence in their new roles and in caring for their baby and each other, promoting bonding as a family. I am happy to provide as much newborn care as you need so you can rest, focus on self care, or spend time with another child.
What kind of training do postpartum doulas have?
Doulas become certified through independent organizations. I am a certified postpartum doula through CAPPA (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association). https://cappa.net
https://cappa.net/cappamember/katie-jarratt
CAPPA is an international certification organization for Doulas, Childbirth Educators, and Lactation Educators. Doula experience is built family by family, and on the job training is an ongoing process.
Do you offer overnight postpartum doula care?
Although overnight care is a service that some doulas provide, I only offer daytime services at this time but can refer you to other doulas who may offer overnight services.
What areas do you serve?
I am located in Duluth, GA and serve the following Atlanta areas/counties: Gwinnett, Fulton, Dekalb, parts of Cobb & Forsyth, within a 30 minute radius of Duluth.