Every family and every postpartum experience is different. This page answers some of the most common questions about how I work, what’s included, and what to expect. I also address the questions most first-time parents ask the most.
If you don’t see your question here, or just want to talk through things directly, I’m always happy to connect.
Questions for First-Time Parents
A postpartum doula supports you after your baby is born. I come to your home—usually overnight—to help with newborn care, feeding support, sleep, emotional support, and anything else that makes your early weeks easier. I’m a guiding light who will empower you as first-time parent. I’m your steady, informed, judgment-free support system.
If you want a formal definition, see DONA International’s overview of doulas.
Because birth is just the beginning. Once you’re home, you’re recovering physically, figuring out how to feed your baby, getting almost no sleep, and managing a total life reset. A postpartum doula helps you rest, feel more confident, and avoid burnout in those early weeks. No one is designed to do postpartum alone, especially not first-time parents!
If you’re struggling emotionally, you can explore support resources from Postpartum Support International (PSI).
A night nurse typically focuses only on the baby. A postpartum doula supports the whole family: baby care, emotional support, feeding help, light household tasks, and helping you find a rhythm. I don’t just “watch the baby.” I help you adjust and thrive.
Yes. I offer hands-on support with breastfeeding, pumping, and bottle-feeding. Whether you want to nurse, bottle-feed, combo-feed, or aren’t sure yet, I’ll help you find what works for you.
For additional breastfeeding information, see La Leche League International’s breastfeeding resources.
Ideally during pregnancy, as soon as you know you want one! This gives us time to connect, make a plan, and reserve your support window. I only take a limited number of clients to stay available when you need me.
That’s expected! Your retainer covers my on-call availability around your estimated due time, so whether baby arrives early or late, we’ll adjust together.
Most families I work with choose 4–8 weeks of overnight care. The first week is part of the initial package, and from there we adjust based on how you’re doing—some people want a few extra nights, others prefer steady care for a full month or more.
When I arrive, we’ll have a little conference to talk about the day, get your questions about baby, your body, and feeding answered, and make a feeding plan for the night. After you go to bed, I care for your baby so you can sleep—feeding, soothing, changing, tracking patterns. I also help clean and set up bottles or pumps, prep for the next day, and answer questions if you wake up needing guidance. You get real rest and peace of mind.
I follow safe, evidence-based newborn care practices, including AAP safe sleep guidance (via HealthyChildren.org).
Nope. There’s no one right way. I’ll offer options, evidence-based info, and experience, but you make the calls. My job is to support your parenting style, not replace it.
For a broad overview of postpartum recovery and care, see ACOG’s postpartum care FAQ.
Not really. A nanny steps in to provide daily childcare long-term. A postpartum doula is short-term, flexible, and focused on supporting you, not just watching your baby. I’m an expert in postpartum and newborn care, specifically!
Rates & Services Questions
The cost of hiring a postpartum doula varies depending on the level and duration of support you choose. At Olivia Cares, hourly rates start at $35, with most families booking 4–8 weeks of care. Support can include daytime or overnight visits, customized to your family’s needs. Packages are flexible and designed to grow with you—whether you need a couple nights a week or more consistent coverage during the early postpartum period. For first-time parents, it can be difficult to know how much time you might need. I’m flexible, so let’s have a conversation.
For current rates and details, visit the Rates & Services page.
The retainer guarantees I’ll be on-call during your birth window, no matter when the baby arrives. We’ll stay in close contact and adjust timing as needed.
You’re welcome to continue care at an hourly rate. Some families book more nights right away; others wait to see what support they need. There’s no pressure either way.
Yes. Most families do! If I have availability, you can add more nights at your own pace. Some families taper down gradually.
No. You can spread them out however works best for your family. Some parents want support every night in the beginning; others prefer to alternate.
I focus primarily on overnight support. If you’re looking for daytime help, I have a wide network of trusted colleagues in the area I can refer.
Yes. After the first 7 nights, you can extend care on an hourly basis, and we’ll discuss your desired schedule during our consult!
I work with families in the greater Richmond area of Virginia, including Henrico and Chesterfield. If you’re unsure whether you’re in range, just ask.
Most families book 4 to 8 weeks of support. Some want steady help every night for the first month, others prefer a lighter, tapering schedule. We’ll make a plan that meets your needs and we can change it as we go.
I offer personalized postpartum support, including:
Overnight infant care (feeding, soothing, diapering, sleep support)
Feeding guidance—breast, bottle, pumping, or combo
Emotional check-ins during a major transition
Light household help—bottle washing, baby laundry, tidying
Registry and product advice
A prenatal planning visit to prepare your space and routine
Consult – A free phone/Zoom call to discuss your needs and see if we’re a good fit.
Planning – If we proceed, we finalize paperwork, a questionnaire, and schedule a prenatal meeting.
Prenatal Visit – We meet at home before birth to prep your setup (feeding plan, supplies, support systems).
Birth Support – I stay on-call via text/phone when you go into labor, answer questions and can pop in to hospital for a check-in, as well, if requested.
Postpartum Care – Overnight support begins once baby is home.
Ongoing Care – We’ll meet regularly and taper as your baby’s sleep and your confidence grow
Free consult by phone or Zoom
Retainer ($2,065 singleton / $3,000 twins): covers the first 7 nights, prenatal planning, product help, and unlimited text/email support.
Hourly rate ($35/hr singleton / $52/hr twins) billed weekly by email for any additional nights
Yes—they don’t have to be consecutive. You choose nights based on when support would benefit you most, within the first two weeks home.
If you’re overwhelmed, you’re not behind
If you’re a first-time parent and this all feels like a lot, that’s normal. The early postpartum weeks can feel intense, messy, and unfamiliar—even when everything is “going fine.” My role is to bring calm to the chaos: practical overnight support, steady reassurance, and evidence-based guidance without judgment or pressure. You don’t need to have a perfect plan. You just need support that helps you rest, recover, and feel more confident one night at a time.