Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is postpartum care?
A: Postpartum care refers to the support and attention provided to a mother and her baby in the weeks and months following childbirth, or to a mother after a pregnancy loss. It addresses on the physical, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being of the mother, as well as the development and care of the newborn. The postpartum period has no specific end-date and people can seek care at any stage along the way.
Q: Why is postpartum care important?
A: Postpartum care is the foundation for lifelong health, connection, and resilience. It supports a mother’s physical recovery, emotional well-being, and bonding with her baby while shaping the child’s development. Quality care promotes secure attachment, reduces stress, and fosters emotional stability for the entire family. It also aids breastfeeding, balances hormones, and lowers the risk of postpartum depression. Postpartum care isn’t limited to the first year, it’s an ongoing journey of healing and growth that nurtures parents and strengthens families for generations.
Q: What services do postpartum practitioners offer?
A: Postpartum practitioners offer a variety of services to support physical recovery, emotional well-being, and newborn care. These services may include lactation support for breastfeeding challenges, pelvic floor therapy for post-birth recovery, and chiropractic care to address alignment and pain. They also provide counseling and trauma support for emotional healing, along with energy healing modalities like Reiki, sound healing, and womb work. In addition, infant care specialists offer guidance on newborn care and sleep, while grief and loss support, including bereavement doulas, help families navigate pregnancy loss and birth trauma.
Q: How soon after pregnancy should I seek postpartum care?
A: Postpartum support should begin as soon as possible, ideally within the first few days to weeks, but can be sought anytime after birth. Early support helps with physical recovery, breastfeeding, emotional adjustment, and bonding. It’s never too late to address issues like pelvic floor health or mental health concerns, ensuring a smoother transition into parenthood and long-term well-being. Starting postpartum support anytime after birth—whether weeks, months, or even years later—continues to offer profound benefits, addressing ongoing needs and supporting healing at any stage of the journey.
Q: What is the difference between a postpartum doula and a postpartum practitioner?
A: Postpartum doulas are one of the many types of postpartum practitioners. Postpartum doulas focus on the immediate time after a birth and cover a wide range of support depending on their specific experience. A postpartum practitioner is a general term for any practitioner who supports individuals in the time after a pregnancy has ended; this can include postpartum doulas, pelvic floor physical therapists, postpartum chefs, lactation consultants, etc.
Q: How do I choose the right postpartum practitioner for me?
A: When selecting a postpartum practitioner, consider their qualifications, experience, and areas of expertise. Read reviews or ask for recommendations from others. It’s important to find someone you feel comfortable with, who understands your unique needs, and who aligns with your values and preferences regarding postpartum care.
Q: How long does postpartum care typically last?
A: The duration of postpartum care varies depending on individual needs and circumstances. Generally, postpartum is defined as the first six weeks after childbirth. However, the word postpartum means “after birth” and has no specific end-point. Every person can have different postpartum care needs, in terms of intensity of support and duration.
Q: Are postpartum practitioners covered by insurance?
A: Insurance coverage for postpartum care varies depending on your insurance provider and the specific services provided. Some insurance plans may partially or fully cover postpartum care, while others may not. It is recommended to contact your insurance company to understand the details of your coverage and potential reimbursement options.
Q: Can postpartum practitioners provide virtual consultations?
A: Yes, many postpartum practitioners offer virtual consultations, especially for non-emergency concerns or follow-up appointments. Virtual visits can be conducted through video calls, phone calls, or messaging platforms. This allows for convenient access to postpartum support from the comfort of your home, particularly beneficial for mothers with limited mobility or who live in remote areas.
Q: How much does postpartum care cost?
A: The cost of postpartum care varies depending on factors such as the practitioner’s experience, location, and the specific services provided. It is advisable to inquire about the fees, packages/deals, sliding scales, or payment options available when contacting a postpartum practitioner.
Q: What does it mean to be a “featured listing” as part of the Premium Membership?
A: Featured listings will be shown on the home page and as a result will be more likely to be viewed. In addition, Premium Memberships are able to post events and courses.