FAQs - Postpartum 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.
⃝
Do you have a backup arrangement with another doula in case you're not free when I go into labour? Why did you choose them? Can I meet them? How often have you had to use them?
Yes! Having a back up doula in place, is vital to our support. Calling on a back up doula is rare but it has happened - life is unpredictable and this is why we have you covered. Most of the time, if we need to attend a birth or something else comes up and we can’t be at our session, we will be able to reschedule.
Generally, our back up doulas are doulas on the team. However, sometimes we do contract back up doulas outside of the team. Any back up doula will share similar doula philosophies and training - we know that we can count on them for support.
We always ensure that you have your back up doulas contact information, if you need to reach them. You do not ever have to exchange money with your back up doula, as we have contracted them to be a backup for you. We can always set up a phone or video call with your back up doula, prenatally - this is often a comfort to families - just let us know!
⃝
How do payments work?
50% of your package price is payable upon signing – unless you’d prefer to pay for the entire thing at once, which is fine too. The remainder will be due by the start of your first visit.
Payment by e-transfer is preferable but we can also accept payment via credit card upon request. HST will be added to your invoice.
⃝
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, by moving to online support or offering extra postpartum support in lieu of birth support.
⃝
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. Then you’ll select the dates for your prenatal visits, and text and email support begins immediately.
⃝
Do you offer additional services?
Yes! We offer private pre- or post-natal yoga and pilates (by request), private childbirth education, birth support, infant sleep education, babywearing education, breastfeeding education and lactation consultancy, in addition to birth and postpartum support.
That said, we do share a lot of knowledge related to these areas as part of our doula support packages.
For example, we always discuss – and provide practical strategies related to infant sleep at postnatal appointments, and breast/feeding support and babywearing education is always available to existing clients postpartum.
⃝
Do you have any other clients due near the time I’m due?
All the doulas on our team only take on a select number of families per month and we do our best to ensure that due dates are spread out. That said, nobody knows when a baby will arrive!
We ask that you do your absolute best (we will too!) to communicate with us in advance, to set up your day time schedule with us.
⃝
How do you feel about formula and bottle feeding?
So long as you’re informed, we support whatever feels right for you. We have personal and professional experience with a wide range of feeding methods, and we are able to support you in whatever feeding method you're currently using. We are also able to offer a range of tips to help you achieve any goals that you might have i.e. exclusively breastfeeding, fully bottle feeding, weaning, using a bottle, pumping etc.
At the end of the day, how you feel about feeding your baby will depend less on what method you use than on whether you felt informed and supported in your decisions. So that’s what we aim to provide for you, no matter what your preferences.
⃝
What is your accessibility like for between visit questions? What hours are you available? What is your preferred method of communication?
Once you sign on with us, we’ll further discuss when and how to get in touch. But in a nutshell, we’re available between the hours of 9am and 9pm every day for text and email support. These times may vary based on the doula you’re working with, so please talk it through with them.
Phone calls can be scheduled on an as-needed basis.
⃝
How would you work with my partner to make sure they are supported and that they feel like they are supporting me?
The bottom line is that we are not – in any way – here to replace the partner or any family members; rather we are there to guide and support you all.
We are here to answer your partner's and family member's questions too and share parenting tips with them, so that they can fully engage with and support you and your baby.
⃝
Are you ok with pets?
Thanks for asking! We always like to know if we’re entering a home with pets. The majority of our team are allergy free and feel comfortable with dogs & cats - snakes on the other hand…
⃝
What exactly will our visits look like?
Postnatal visits are catered to your needs. We always include a check in chat, as a way to debrief and catch up on how parenting is going.
We can also offer practical help such as:
Offering tips and answering questions on infant care, breastfeeding and feeding, babywearing, and infant sleep.
Offering tips and answering non-medical questions regarding your own health, healing and well being.
Watching your baby while you take a nap.
Offering some breathing and light movement options for helping you to feel better and more connected to your body again.
We do not:
Drive family members anywhere.
Do any heavy cleaning.
Babysit children (unless this is agreed upon in the contract).
Provide any medical care or medical advice.