FAQs - Night Support
You likely have a lot of questions about how this all works. From payment to logistics, we've got the answers for you here. We support your family with whatever choices feel right for you. 0% judgement. 100% commitment.
Confident. Supported. Informed.
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How long are typical nighttime shifts? How many nights a week do people typically book?
Typically, night shifts are 8 hours, from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. However, we are able to extend hours in some circumstances, to up to 11 hours per night.
The number of nights per week, really depends on your needs. We can provide as little as one or two nights a week or seven nights. If you are thinking you’d like over 3 nights per week, we would connect you with 2 or more doulas to support you.
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How do payments work?
50% of your package price is payable upon signing – unless you’d prefer to pay for the entire package at once, which is fine too. From the start of your sessions, we require payment weekly or after every 4 shifts, whichever comes first.
Payment by e-transfer is preferable but we can also accept payment via credit card upon request. HST will NOT be added to your invoice, as nighttime support is considered childcare.
We do require arrangements for parking to be made, on your end. If you do not have parking available (driveway or visitor parking) we will bill for any parking fees.
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What is your refund policy?
Unless there are extenuating circumstances (ie: a loss or Covid-19 restrictions), we are not able to offer refunds. Covid-19 has increased our ability to be flexible. In the past 18 months we have had to rejig support offerings, for some families. Luckily, because nighttime support is considered childcare, we have been able to offer relatively consistent services through the pandemic.
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What happens once I sign on with you?
Once you’ve chosen a package and submitted your first payment, we’ll ask you to complete e-intake and consent forms. If your baby is already born, you’ll then select the dates for your first visits. If your baby is yet to be born, we will chat through the scheduling process. Essentially, you’ll let us know as soon as your baby is born and we’ll get your nights scheduled!
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What do you do during the night?
We will start each session by checking in on how your doing and run through how the night will unfold. Every family has unique needs and we will support you with whatever yours are. Typically we offer the following:
Bring baby to you to feed or feed baby via bottle. We can offer feeding tips, if you’d like.
Change diapers and soothe baby back to sleep, while you get some sleep.
Tend to any of your baby’s needs.
Sometimes small chores can be completed - but baby takes priority.
Answer any night time questions!
You’ll wake up refreshed and at ease. Baby will be well cared for. We’ll wrap up in the morning, and repeat!
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Do you help with feeding?
Yes! However you are choosing to feed your baby, we are here to help. We can offer breastfeeding and/or bottle feeding tips, when we bring your baby to you. We can also feed your baby by bottle during the night, if this is how you’re choosing to feed your baby. We can also help with burping and arm you with some great techniques.
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Will you require a sleeping surface?
Thanks for asking! While we are working and supporting your baby, we do ask that you provide a bed, mattress or couch, near your baby’s crib or bassinet.
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Do you sleep train?
We do not offer sleeping training but we do support your baby’s unique sleep needs. Newborns and young babies are very in tune with their bodies and wake for a reason. We trust babies to tell us what they need. If you are looking for infant sleep support in the future, please get in touch.
For babies between the ages of 0-6 months, our holistic sleep coaching will focus on Sleep Education, Sleep Hygiene and Sleep Shaping. Our Holistic Sleep Coaching, focused on making changes, is available for babies 6 months plus, following current infant mental health practices.
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Who should I communicate with to reschedule dates or offer any feedback?
We do offer a couple models of care. Kate will be your primary contact and she will set you up with your night doula(s). For some of our night doulas, payment will be processed through Kate and others take care of payment on their end - we will clearly communicate this with you once you’re set up with your doula.
Once you are set up with your doula or doulas, communication will primarily be through them. Kate is always available for any questions and she always welcomes feedback.
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Do you support twins overnight?
Absolutely! We love working with twins. We do charge a higher fee for multiples - we add on $60/night.
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Do you offer daytime support or any other services?
We offer a wide range of birth and postpartum services. We provide:
Birth Doula Support
Postpartum Doula Support
Lactation Consultancy and Breast/feeding Support
Infant Sleep Education
Prenatal and Postpartum yoga and movement