You can afford a Doula!

You've researched, done the pro/con list, and discussed with your partner. You think a doula would make a great addition to your birth team. Deciding on a doula may be easy for the heart and brain…but what about the budget?

One of the number one reasons we hear for families not choosing a doula is the ability to pay for services, even though they would love to have one. With that in mind, we thought we would gather a list of ideas to help you troubleshoot adding an OB doula to your birth team.

Use your Flex Spending Account (FSA)/Health Savings Account (HSA)

Double check with the company providing your FSA or HSA, but doula services are commonly covered. We are equipped to take your FSA/HSA cards and provide you with documentation for reimbursement or proof of payment, if needed.

Insurance Reimbursements

Some insurance companies consider doula services a qualified item. Check with yours, and if covered, we can give you paperwork to help you file for reimbursement.

Health Sharing Ministry Reimbursement

Are you a part of a health sharing ministry? Some may help with doula care. For instance, Samaritan Ministries will reimburse doula expenses up to $500.

Tax Return

Many clients use their tax return to help pay for a doula. If you are waiting on this option, be sure to let us know so we can make sure there is a space saved for you on the calendar!

Set up a Payment Plan

We are always willing to work with families on paying out services. Just ask and let us get you started on a plan that works for you! The sooner the better to spread the payments and make it more affordable throughout your pregnancy.

Doula Registry

We have gift plans available, no matter if someone is contributing $5, $50, or $500. Family members and friends can give you the gift of CLT Doula’s support before, during, and after arrival. This makes a great baby shower gift, as well!

Baby in a box? Yes!

Charlotte Doulas is excited to bring this Finnish tradition to NC! 

Baby Box University has partnered with Charlotte Doulas, LLC to bring FREE baby boxes to the Charlotte area. Stay tuned for more details about pick up locations as we prepare for our first shipment. For more information about joining the wait list, please email Samantha at samantha@cltdoula. 

Stay tuned to our Facebook Page for updates. 

We look forward to getting these boxes into the hands of every new parent in the Charlotte region. 

What does your Doula do while you sleep?

Written by Elizabeth Loughlin, Newborn Care Specialist, Postpartum Doula, Infant Sleep Specialist

Coffee. Coffee. Cofffffeeeee. 

Most parents of newborns need coffee like they need oxygen because of the sleepless nights taking care of their newest addition. What if I told you that you could actually get that sleep that you so desperately need, and not give away your life savings to the barista who likely has your order ready upon your arrival at your favorite coffee shop?  (Sleep? What’s that?!) 

Our Postpartum Overnight Doulas can remind you about that precious moment that your head hits the pillow and you drift off to dreamland for a couple hours (or even a whole night!) of uninterrupted sleep, all while your sweet baby’s needs are taken care of.  

So what exactly does a Postpartum Overnight Doula do?   

When we come for an overnight shift, our main goal is to make sure you are getting the rest you need to be able to function the next day. Happy parents and healthy babies are our primary focus as your doula. 

If you are exclusively breast feeding, your Overnight Doula will bring your baby to you when it is time to nurse, and get the baby when you are finished. You get to drift back off to sleep while your doula (aka Fairy Godmother) will burp, change, and swaddle and soothe your baby. If you are bottle-feeding, your doula will take care of everything and you can get the whole night off if that’s what you need! Once your baby is happy and sleeping, your doula will wash, fold or put away baby’s clothes, clean bottles, and even prepare some easy-to-grab snacks for you for the next day.  

But will I be paying someone to sleep? 

Do we rest? Yes.

Do we sleep peacefully in your guest bed? No.

We are professionals and take our jobs very seriously. Our job is to support your family, and when we are working overnight shifts, our utmost concern is to make sure that the needs of both parents and baby are taken care of. You can rest assured (pun intended!) that your doula is not being paid to sleep in your house. There are moments when the baby is sleeping peacefully, we have already put away the laundry, cleaned up the sink and prepared you some delicious protein muffins for the morning that we will take a moment to sit down and close our eyes. As long as the baby doesn’t need us, we believe that resting for a few minutes makes our commute home after 8 overnight hours that much safer for everyone on the road.  

We are here to support you, the family. We are not your guests. We are here to serve and support you. We are here to take care of you and your baby and to allow you to get rest and whatever support you may need.  

“Rest and self-care are so important. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.” – Eleanor Brownn

Are you ready for a good night’s sleep?! Charlotte Doulas can make that happen!  

Need to have vs. Nice to have items

Bringing home your baby is a stressful event in most parent's lives. Preparing for this can also be stressful. We've done a bit of the leg work for you and created two lists to help.

Need to Have and Nice to Have

Need to Have

Clothes
Buy a couple of side-tie or side-snap T-shirts to put on the baby until the umbilical cord separates. After that, dress your little one in his "working" outfit, the onesie. Buy at least 6 -- more if you don't want to launder as often -- because your baby will likely wear two or more every day. Have a half-dozen pairs of socks on hand, too, to keep his little feet warm.

Sleepers and Nightgowns
About 6 stretchy sleepers that will cover your baby from neck to feet, with snaps in the leg area for changings. 
Nightgowns with cotton mittens are also good pajamas. The little mittens will help prevent Baby from scratching herself. Sleep sacks are good for cold nights -- one will see you through the first few weeks.

Diapers and Wipes
You should have two packages of disposable diapers or enough cloth diapers for two days on hand at all times. Make sure to purchase the right size, to avoid leakage. Use a natural diaper cream when necessary, avoiding those made from petroleum products. 
Disposable wipes are handy for diaper changes and for messes away from home. Keep a good-size pack near your changing area and a travel pack in the diaper bag. 

Grooming Gear
Baby wash/shampoo is formulated for a newborn's delicate skin.
Keeping baby's nails short will prevent him from scratching himself and you. Use blunt nail clippers made especially for baby's soft little nails.
If your newborn has hair, purchase a fine-toothed baby comb to gently style his hair after bathing.

The Medicine Cabinet
Keep a bottle of infant acetaminophen drops for treating fevers with a doctor's recommendation.
Make sure you have a nasal aspirator for stuffy noses since newborns can't breathe easily through their mouths.
To help track temperatures for the doctor, have a digital baby thermometer on hand.

Rest Your Head
Have a safe place for baby to sleep. The BabyBox University has great videos discussing safe sleep. Contact us for more information on a FREE Baby Box.

Diaper Bag
You do not need a fancy bag, but a bag with lots of sections or pockets will help you organize your life while out and about with your baby. You will always need diapers, wipes, a change of clothes and food. (If you aren't breastfeeding.) 

Car Seat
Most hospitals will not let you leave without this crucial item. Contact us if you need help locating a car seat check. 

Nice to Have

This list could go on for eternity, but we've narrowed it down to the things we really love the most. 

Baby Carrier
There are many available on the market and tons to choose from. We love the Moby style wrap for newborns. Be sure to follow all recommendations for safe carrying practices. You can always visit a local Baby Wearing group to try on all types of carriers and even borrow them for the month. The local Charlotte Chapter can be found

Stroller
Sometimes it is easier to go for walks while you are recovering with a stroller. We love baby carriers but also love the convenience of the stroller. 

Diaper Pail
Diapers stink. These are made to lock in the scent and keep your house fresh. We love the Diaper Genie because of its ease of use and durability. Any one will do the trick.

Changing Station
A dedicated changing table or pack and play with changing area is a great place to keep everything you need at your fingertips. Keeping this area stocked with diapers, wipes and diaper cream will make changing baby a breeze.

Microwave Steamer Bags
These are great for quick sterilization of bottles, pacifiers, small teethers, and pumping supplies. We've used these and they are durable and convenient.

Swaddle Blankets
We would probably put this in the Need to Have section, too. We love these Aden + Anais swaddle blankets. They have the right amount of stretch and can be used for a play space on the floor, a nursing cover up, a sun shade, or a swaddle blanket. 

This list is by no means comprehensive, but we hope it gives you a great starting place. We offer private and group Newborn Preparation Classes that will prepare you to feel confident when you bring home your little one. Contact us at info@cltdoula.com for class schedules. 

Snack prepping for one-handed energy boosts

This week, we're sharing a tip from our newest Infant Care Specialist, Elizabeth. She's great at setting up the fridge for new families and making snack time easy for families with multiple children. She has a pro strategy on some items to keep stocked that are versatile enough to eat for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and, of course, they're great right out of the fridge or pantry.

Pantry:
Tub of plain almonds
Tub of walnuts
Handful of sunflower seeds
Home made trail mix full of nuts & seeds
Dried apricots
Dried prunes – which are low GI & very rich in fiber

Refrigerator:
Tub of berries e.g. raspberries, blackberries
An apple, pear or peach
Half a grapefruit for a sit down snack
A good handful of cherries
3 or 4 plums
Fruit salad of strawberry, kiwi & grape
Sliced veggies - carrots, zucchini, etc.
Hard boiled eggs 

Be sure to stock your fridge and pantry with some of these snack items before baby comes.

For your others needs, we are always available to help with your shopping or food prep while you get some much needed rest with your new baby. Just send us an email, call us, or reach out on social media to see what we can do to help make your family happy and healthy!