Frequently Asked Questions
What is a postpartum doula?
A postpartum doula is someone that can provide evidence-based guidance while also giving support to someone who recently welcomed an infant into their home. This support is focused on mom and baby’s wellbeing physically and emotionally, in addition to essential needs being met. While I will support and guide the whole family on this new adventure, it is important to mother the mother and ensure she is feeling human. In the event that additional support may be needed, I will provide resources to help mom, baby, and the whole family to receive the care they need.
Who can use a postpartum doula?
In short, anyone! A postpartum doula can assist families that are:
First time families
Families with other children
Adoption/Foster parents of a newborn
Single parents
Pregnancy of multiples
Families with or without family/friend support
Families with a difficult birth
Families that may struggle with their mental health
Ect..
What is the difference between a postpartum doula and a nanny?
The difference between a postpartum doula and nanny is that a postpartum doula gives care to everyone in the family and to help support the family in their new life with a new baby in the home. My support is given with a member of the household always being present and I can give evidence-based information to ensure everyones safety and wellbeing. I have also received training in this area of postpartum where I have learned how to provide holistic assistance to the entire family, offering education on postpartum recovery and newborn care.
A nanny can also be helpful in a families postpartum care by being able to be alone in the home with the baby and takes care of all needs of the baby. Whereas a postpartum doula collaborates with everyone to try and reduce stress and allowing bonding time.
Do you accept insurance?
At this moment, I currently do not accept insurance, but hope so by Summer 2026. Stay tuned!
What does your meal prepping services look like?
This service will look different for each family based on meal sizes and needs. Any family that is interested in this service will fill out a preference sheet that lets me know likes, dislikes, allergies, ect..
This service will come at an additional cost or be added to your invoice unless noted in your package, that food cost is added to the final price.
When is the best time to hire a postpartum doula?
While it would be ideal to book before baby is born so that we can have a prenatal visit and discuss what you may want in your postpartum; but at times, life can escape us or your postpartum may not be going the way you wanted. Postpartum, otherwise known as the fourth trimester is equally as important to care for mom and baby as it is during pregnancy. If you are realizing that the postpartum experience is not going well, you can still reach out to a doula for support.
Contact me to schedule postpartum care at any point during your pregnancy or up to 6 weeks postpartum.
What areas do you service?
I currently provide services to all of Dutchess County, all of Putnam County, and parts of Westchester County. If you live outside those areas, feel free to inquire with me and see if I can travel to you.
Do you provide discounts or payment plans?
I do provide discounts to families that are
Single parents
Teen parents
Veterans
Families that are welcoming a baby following loss
Families that are going through housing insecurities
I can create a payment plan with you prior to signing a contract.
Inquire to learn about my discounted rates!
How do I schedule you?
The best way to get in touch with me is through email or through an inquiry through this website. The email is giana@sunshinerootsdoulacare.com
I look forward to hearing from you! Please allow up to 24 hours for a response.
Once we have made contact we can move to connecting through phone.
Does a postpartum doula provide medical support? Is a postpartum doula a lactation consultant?
No, a postpartum doula does not provide any sort of medical intervention, assistance. I will always refer you to speak with your or baby’s medical provider. Should you need assistance in finding a medical provider, I can give you resources.
A postpartum doula is not a licensed lactation consultant. But, a postpartum doula can support you in breastfeeding through guidance and support. This may look like guiding to get a better latch from parent or baby’s position or other techniques. Should we believe additional support is needed, I will refer you to a licensed lactation consultant.
What kind of training does a postpartum doula have?
While I have the experience from my own births/postpartum, I also have an associates degree in early childhood education, a bachelors in human development and a masters in school counseling. Additionally, I was an infant teacher in a childcare center for over a decade.
As a professional doula, I have taken a postpartum doula training course through DONA international and a lactation support course. I also take many opportunities to take additional courses to extend my learning.
Do you provide total care for the baby? How does a postpartum doula support the whole family?
As a postpartum doula, my goal is to help families to feel confident and to strengthen their ability to care for baby and themselves. In doing so, this may look like me caring for baby while you nap, eat, shower, meditate, engage with your other children or just be alone.
A postpartum doula is not only for mom but is for the whole family. I like to prioritize the whole family in having their own time whether that be siblings getting one on one time with parents or dad having time with his spouse. Through my work, I will assist support and guide you into indulging in self-care and bonding to aide you and your family in feeling human and connected.
I do provide sibling support by helping them with simple task while parents tend to baby, talking with them, depending on age I may bring books, toys or crafts to help them welcome their new sibling.