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Q: How long does a family need a doula and what kind of care is offered? A: ABC Doula Service cares for families in the first several weeks postpartum (up to 12 weeks) and we teach them new skills around feeding, soothing, bathing, and adjusting to new family life. This can take one or two visits, a couple weeks, or a variable schedule for the entire 12 weeks. Many families use our service more intensely for the first few weeks, and then taper off until we are there only once a week or so. I would say that an average family would have the doula there 3-4 times a week for the first week, 2-3 times a week for the next, and end up having us serve them 1-2 per week for the remaining weeks we are needed. Ultimately, how much service we providce depends on each family’s needs, the level of extended family/friends and neighbors support, and how their recovery time is going. For those with a lot of other support, we offer expertise on feeding and sleep issues, and teaching parents a lot of new baby care for just the first few days. For those who have minimal support, we also add practical help like meal preparation, laundry, nursery organization and errand running for a longer time. Each family determines their needs, and we are flexible to adjust to your needs specifically. Currently we charge $25 per hour with a 3 or 4 hr min depending on the family’s location and the doula’s travel time to them. We also offer overnight support if desired, for the same rate but with an 8 hr min. We have had the pleasure of working with over 400 families with singletons, twins, or triplets, providing both daytime and overnight care, and feel it is a priviledge to care for families during this sacred time. Kimberly Bepler http://www.mothersource.org/askanexpert/61/