If you don’t see your question answered here, please feel free to contact Mile High Doulas directly! We are here to get you the answers that you need.
Do you offer free consultation?
Yes! When you contact us, we will connect you with a vetted partner doula who has availability for your expected due date and meets your needs. Then, you can check out our bios and decide which doula might be the best fit for your family. Next, you will schedule a free call to further discuss your needs with those doulas so you can ask any questions, and figure out what postpartum support might look like for you. If you have any additional questions, you can email info@milehighdoulas.com, and one of our owners will reach out within 24 hours.
What does a Postpartum doula do?
A postpartum doula is a trained professional who provides physical, emotional, and informational support to families during the postpartum period. This is a critical time for parents as they adjust to life with a newborn and recover from the physical and emotional demands of bringing new life into the world. A postpartum doula offers practical assistance with tasks such as feeding, diapering, and household chores, as well as emotional support and guidance on infant care. They also provide evidence-based information and resources to help parents make informed decisions about their child’s well-being. Additionally, postpartum doulas offer a listening ear and non-judgmental support during this vulnerable time. Helping families navigate the challenges and joys of early parenthood.
Do you support births?
The majority of our partners specialize in postpartum care, but we do work closely with many birth doulas and birth professionals. We would be happy to provide you with referrals that fit your needs.
When should you book a postpartum doula?
There is no wrong time to book a doula. Whether you plan to book in your first trimester, or you have been home with your new addition(s) for a few weeks, please reach out! We will do our best to find you support when you need it. That said, our doulas schedule out the majority of their time months in advance, so booking early is always best!
How does overnight support work?
When a doulas comes to support you overnight we have a few goals in mind: helping you (and baby!!) get sleep, establish good sleep habits for baby, and do whatever we can to ease your daytime burden- laundry, prepping meals and small household tasks. Schedules vary from family to family but doulas are happy to be there when it works best for you. As a team, you establish a feeding plan for the night that may include bringing the baby into nurse, assisting with pumping, and offering bottles so both parents can get some rest. Once a plan is in place, both parents can then head to bed and we will take over the rest, caring for you, your baby and your home.
What is the typical duration of postpartum support for most families?
On average families will schedule a doula anywhere from 6-12 weeks. This will vary from family to family based on individual needs and budget. We are happy to find you support for any amount of time, whether it is just a night or two or many months!!
Are you an agency?
No, we are not an agency. We are a collective group of independent doulas who each provide doula services as sole proprietors (including the Owners of Mile High Doulas), often working together to support families. Mile High Doulas works as an administrative group who does the back-end work to connect families to potential vetted doulas! There are times when you may be working with more than one doula, and the collective model allows all partner doulas to communicate as a team. The doulas who we refer to also back up for each other in the event of illness, emergency or travel. One of the main benefits of not being an agency is that the cost to families is lower – Mile High Doulas does not charge a percentage to either families or doulas! All certified doulas can be approved for Carrot and Progyny services, which is something doulas working with agencies are not always approved for.
Do doulas take insurance or can I pay with an HSA account?
For now, postpartum doulas cannot accept insurance directly. Most HSA accounts do allow for child care reimbursements which can include postpartum doulas. Many employers are also now offering postpartum support benefits as well, such as Carrot and Prodgyny. Because we are not an agency, many of our partner doulas are approved for both Carrot and Progyny services and are more than happy to chat with you about how this works.
What is a Night Nanny or Night Nurse? What makes a Postpartum Doula different?
Generally, a night nanny requires no specialized or additional training to be able to provide an overnight care service. Night Nurses are often either licensed nurses providing out-of-hospital care, or a colloquial term for Newborn Care Specialists (NCS). While a Night Nurse or NCS usually does have specialized training and certification, their focus is solely on baby care and does not focus on supporting the mother (parents) or family unit as a whole. They often will not perform household tasks that are unrelated to infant care.
Can a doula help with Postpartum Depression and Anxiety?
Yes, a doula can offer practical support in everyday life by ensuring both parents get adequate sleep, helping with household chores, and preparing healthy meals and snacks. We also provide emotional support and a listening ear, drawing from our own experiences as moms, wives, and caregivers to empathize with what you’re going through. If a mother requires additional support options, we have an extensive referral network and will promptly assist in finding the appropriate mental health support.
What does the process of hiring a doula look like?
Mile High Doulas will refer you to available doulas that we have vetted and partner with. You are connected to them when you can then interview and do any due diligence you desire! Once you decide on your doula (or doulas) you would like to support your family, you will solidify details with that doula, be directed to sign a contract directly with that doula, and then pay a the contract fee to Mile High Doulas for the referral. Paying that fee formally holds the space in your doulas schedule for your family. Your doula will remain in close contact with you approaching your expected due date to answer any questions that pop up along the way.