How long can a postpartum doula work with a family?
It is most usual to have a postpartum doula work in your home for a 4-8 hour shift a couple days per week. The usual postpartum period is 6 weeks but a doula can come in anytime from helping in the hospital after a cesarean birth, with a premature infant or if the family needs support for any number of other reasons. There have been postpartum doulas that have continued working with families for up to two years. Some families require a lot of support (premature babies or multiples) and there is sometimes a need to hire around the clock help. Around the clock care would involve multiple postpartum doulas and could be planned with a team. Some families require one short visit and they feel that they can do the rest on their own.
