> Do I really need a postpartum infant care doula?

Many new parents proudly declare, “I got this covered.” But with the benefit of hindsight, many quickly realize that those critical first few months would have been much more enjoyable for themselves, the family, and the baby had more support been engaged—particularly if important careers are at stake or for busy, engaged lives in general. Other clients are recovering from C-sections, difficult pregnancies or deliveries, or emotional adoption journeys. Remember, infants need several hours of care during the night! During the first several nights at home with your newborn, a trusted, experienced postpartum infant care doula allows much-needed rest, support and recovery for the family as they begin to adjust to their new situation. Bringing a newborn home can be emotionally challenging for every member of the family.

Imagine being able to sleep through the night while a Lighthouse Doula cares for your infant, gently facilitates longer sleeping intervals and ultimately supports your infant's ability to sleep through the night within several months.

Imagine a well-adjusted baby able to self-soothe and a well-transitioned family prepared for their new lives together! Lighthouse Doulas can provide extremely valuable education and guidance based on training and experience in newborn care, helping clients sift through the often-contradictory information on best infant care practices.

> What are the duties of a postpartum infant care doula?

While there may be some flexibility in what a doula offers based on experience, training and desire, we typically fulfill some basic infant care duties. Lighthouse Doulas is happy to discuss specific needs further with clients, particularly as they relate to household duties beyond the nursery as doulas typically focus more on family and infant care.

• Bathing (sponge/full)
• Diapering
• Dressing and swaddling
• Umbilical cord and circumcision care
• Assisting with bottle feeding and burping
• Settling a baby to sleep
• Offering lactation support
• Maintaining, cleaning and sterilizing bottles
• Nurturing interactions with the baby
• Establishing an optimal sleep/wake schedule and ideal eating routines
• Soothing and addressing infant discomfort
• Doing baby’s laundry (diapers, clothing, bedding)
• Organizing, stocking and tidying the nursery
• Educating and guiding parents on newborn care, particularly sleeping and feeding
• Keeping a detailed log of baby’s activities, habits and care

> What does Elite Certification mean?

We strongly promote doulas who have ProDoula Elite Level Certifications or similar training. ProDoula’s standardized curriculum, training, competency exam and fieldwork experience are the gold standard in postpartum and infant care doula training. Our clients know that they have hired a certified doula who has been thoroughly vetted and found to be one of the best.

> What type of support and guidance does a postpartum and infant care doula provide?

Whether parents are first-timers or experienced, single parents or longtime partners, a Lighthouse Doula can assist in educating and guiding in best practices in newborn care. Most of our clients are highly motivated professionals, ambitiously undertaking everything they set their minds to, including parenting. As they embark upon child rearing, they begin to see many techniques and conflicting advice online, in magazines, in books, and from friends.

A doula applies knowledge and experience to guide eager parents in what we have found to be most helpful in an infant’s first three months. This may include lactation support for mom and baby, noting and marking key postpartum milestones, assisting the transition for baby and family, suggestions about feeding or baby care, frequent communication about an infant’s activities and behaviors, and addressing issues of concern by offering evidence-based, helpful solutions regarding an infant’s development, needs, and care. Ultimately, a doula provides unbiased reassurance, gentle support, and helpful information to scaffold confident, capable parents.

> If I have chosen to breastfeed/chestfeed, how does this work at night with a postpartum infant care doula?

Your Lighthouse Doula will either bottle feed with your milk or bring the baby to you for feedings during the night and then care for the infant post-feeding with burping, diapering if needed, and resettling -- allowing you (and baby) to get back to sleep.

> Can a postpartum infant care doula be engaged to assist before the baby comes home?

Yes! In fact, several Lighthouse Doulas are also Elite Certified birth doulas. We love continuing prenatal, labor and delivery relationships into the fourth trimester; by then, we’re basically best friends! In addition to physical, mental, and emotional prenatal and labor support, your birth doula can help you with a list of basic supplies you will need; equipping, stocking and arranging the nursery; and helpful resources to address your most pressing prenatal questions. We maintain stellar relationships with West Michigan Midwives, Spectrum, Mercy and Metro OB-GYNs and nursing staff; for this reason, we are mindful about operating in scope at all times, allowing your provider to be solely in charge of all medical care for you and your baby.

> Will my Lighthouse Doula do housework, cook, or care for pets?

Lighthouse Doulas typically do not perform housework, cook, or care for pets. We will do baby laundry, clean bottles and breastfeeding supplies, and keep the nursery tidy and stocked. Should a client express a specific need for duties beyond the typical during our in-depth interview, Lighthouse Doulas will do our best to accommodate the request for an additional fee.

> Will my Lighthouse Doula provide sibling care?

Lighthouse Doulas are typically only charged with care for the newborn, but will assist in a family’s adjustment to the new addition. However, should a client express a specific need for sibling care during our in-depth interview, Lighthouse Doulas will do our best to accommodate the request for an additional fee.

> Can you provide a doula who is experienced with multiples?

We love multiples! Lighthouse Doulas will provide one of our certified doulas who has had training and experience with multiples.

> What about special needs babies?

Lighthouse Doulas employ RN and LPN doulas who are able to assist the medical needs of infants who may have experienced premature births, medically complicated births, or genetic disorders. This more acute care can be stepped down to a non-licensed doula should the client desire and where appropriate.

> When will my postpartum doula start?

Ideally, your postpartum doula will start the day you come home from the hospital to begin caring for you and the newborn and to transition into the “fourth trimester.”

> How does Lighthouse Doulas of West Michigan work?

Lighthouse Doulas screens all postpartum doulas, infant feeding specialists, birth doulas and certified sleep consultants for placement in client homes. Lighthouse Doulas directly employs the caregivers (working as independent contractors for us) and pays their salaries. We do not charge a placement, retainer or application fee, only hourly, daily or weekly rates. Our rates reflect the amount that we are paying our caregivers in addition to administrative fees for our detailed screening process, background checks, professional development provided and coordination of care—all of the things that simplify finding relief for our clients.

> What qualifications are required for your doulas?

• They must demonstrate qualities of reliability, trustworthiness, honesty, a love of children, professionalism, and a good work ethic.
• They must demonstrate the required training and experience for their level of care (RN/LPN, Certified Postpartum Infant Care Doula, Certified Labor Doula, Certified Infant Feeding Specialist, Certified Infant Sleep Consultant ).
• They must be a minimum of 21 years of age.
• They must provide two forms of personal identification.
• They must provide current Infant CPR & First Aid certification.
• They must provide an updated resume with experience and qualifications.
• They must provide three excellent work references and two personal references.
• They must be authorized to work in the U.S. (verified Social Security number).
• They must be a willing to undergo various background checks (national and international background checks, National Sex Offender Registry check, Child Abuse Registry check, DMV check).
• They must be able to read, write, and speak English fluently.
• They must be a non-smoker.
• They must engage in a face-to-face interview.
• They must successfully complete our Ethics & Procedures Training.
• They must show proof of updated TDAP, annual flu shot and TB test within the last four years.

> How do you screen your Lighthouse Doulas?

In addition to the above qualifications that we require, the most critical parts of the Lighthouse Doulas hiring process are the application, the reference checks, and face-to-face interview. Our extensive, detailed questions on the application and in the personal interview address personality, presentation, job preferences and skill sets. We address many areas within the application and interview process such as the following:

• Work history, experience, and training
• Skills and preferred job duties
• Lifestyle, hobbies, interests, health habits, health issues
• Preferred household environment
• Future goals, strengths, and weaknesses
• Ideal work environment
• Family life
• Professionalism, conduct, attitude, personality and demeanor
• Assessment of how the doula would handle real life situations regarding singles/multiples care, sleeping / eating scheduling, frequent spitting up, colic and reflux, bathing, swaddling, sleep training, child development, infant safety, breastfeeding support, soothing crying babies and communication with clients

In talking with references, we address areas like punctuality, professionalism, attitude, any issues that arose and how they were addressed, reliability, newborn care and client communication.

> How does the client process work?

Lighthouse Doulas is in the matchmaking business, and our clients’ satisfaction with their doula is critical to our business. Therefore, in addition to our in-depth screening process for doulas, we have a detailed process to ensure our families receive a doula who reflects their lifestyle, personalities, and individual needs. This may take anywhere from a few days to up to week. Here’s how the Lighthouse Doulas process works for families:

• Lighthouse Doulas conducts an in-depth, in-person home/ Zoom visit with you and your family when possible to understand client needs, service levels, lifestyle, preferences, and expectations.
• Based on client budget and care needs, Lighthouse Doulas will recommend the most appropriate care plan.
• Based on family interviews, Lighthouse Doulas will present a few potential caregivers we feel may be a good fit in terms of personality, experience and availability. Clients may review the candidate’s file at any time.
• Lighthouse Doulas will offer a Risk-Free Trial of an Overnight Doula Experience after the family interview, if desired.
• We will schedule interviews with the client and caregivers, in person if possible, or via Zoom, if necessary.
• The client will make a selection and engage our services by signing a Services Agreement that outlines job expectations, responsibilities, fees, and terms of employment.

> For what duration do I need a postpartum doula? What schedule and hours?

Lighthouse Doulas meet the unique needs of clients. Typically the duration for a postpartum doula is up to three months (the “fourth trimester”) as this allows time for ideal scheduling, sleep training, and transitions to take place as well as to instill critical parent confidence.

We find that the ability to sleep at night is one of the most important things to our clients, so overnight infant care doulas tend to be in the highest demand. However, some of our clients require a daytime or live-in doula. Ultimately, a doula creates the opportunity for an enjoyable fourth trimester rather than a time that the family needs to just trudge through.

> How far in advance do I need to schedule my Lighthouse Doula?

It is best to schedule your postpartum infant care doula as soon as your doctor confirms your due date, ideally three to seven months ahead of your EDD, especially for overnight contracts. We recommend booking as soon as possible as schedules fill up quickly. However, we will make every effort to fulfill last-minute needs.

> What if my baby comes early or late?

You don’t need to worry about when your baby arrives. Lighthouse Doulas are careful to reserve schedules within approximately a 4-week window of two weeks prior to your EDD and two weeks after your EDD. We are also fortunate to have several highly qualified backup doulas on call in the event that births overlapped. This is very rare, but we are prepared for when it happens.

> What if I have just delivered and now want a doula?

Lighthouse Doulas will do our best to arrange for your last-minute request. This will likely involve expeditious placement.

> Do I need to provide a private room for the doula?

We ask that clients provide a couch or bed for an overnight doula. A private guest room with a baby monitor is nice, but not necessary. Live-in doulas will need a private room with a baby monitor.

> Do I need to provide meals for the doula?

You are not required to provide meals for a day or night doula; however, making a space available for the doula to prepare/eat meals is highly suggested. Snacks and drinks are optional. Live-in doulas will require meals.

> Does an overnight doula stay up all night with my baby?

An overnight doula will sleep when the baby is sleeping, particularly overnight. Live-ins will do the same, but will also be given a flexible 5-hour break every 19 hours to sleep or leave the dwelling.

> Is my doula available to travel with our family on vacation or with me for work?

If this is an important requirement, please share that with us during our familiarization interview so that we may secure a doula who is able and willing to meet this need. Note that all food, lodging and travel expenses must be paid by the client.

> Will my doula get days off and, if so, will I have a fill-in if I want?

The number of hours and days the doula is working per week will determine time off. Live-ins will receive one day off per week, if they desire. Lighthouse Doulas will do our best to find a fill-in should you desire.

> What if my doula has an emergency or becomes ill?

Lighthouse Doulas will do our best to secure team support as quickly as possible.

> If my doula works a holiday, will I be billed extra? Which holidays?

Yes, our doulas are paid time and a half for work scheduled for the following holidays:

New Years Eve, New Years Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor day, Thanksgiving Day, Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve day or night, and Christmas Day.

> Who pays employment taxes for my doula?

Lighthouse Doulas, as the employer of the caregiver, handles taxes.

> Can I claim my doula on my taxes?

No. Your doula is an Independent Contractor who is employed by Lighthouse Doulas, LLC, and contracted to provide a service. Your doula does not qualify as a childcare provider.

> Do you guarantee specific doulas?

In short, no, based on variables beyond our control. If a client is not happy with the doula they have chosen or a doula terminates her commitment, Lighthouse Doulas will do our best to secure an agreed-upon replacement as quickly as possible.

> How does sleep training work?

One of Lighthouse Doulas' most popular services is sleep training for babies and toddlers. Though gentle sleep shaping is provided by all of our overnight postpartum doulas gradually starting the first month if engaged in an overnight contract, more comprehensive sleep training can be life-changing for both parents and infants.

All of our sleep training consultations start with in-depth parent interviews to gauge child health and preparedness for sleep training as well as assess parental commitment, philosophy and attitudes surrounding the process. Our expert sleep consultants will thoroughly assess present sleep and eating habits as well as environment and other behavioral patterns. Then, an appropriate, individualized plan will be presented and implemented. Note that successful sleep training requires fully committed parents and some diligent homework, but the rewards will be worth it!

> How old must my child or infant be? How long will it take?

Lighthouse Doulas sleep trains children who are at least 12 weeks old and weigh at least 12 pounds up to age four, allowing parents the rest they need to fulfill new responsibilities and prevent equally common sleep deprivation among infants. We find that most infants will begin to sleep well within two to four nights after sleep training. Toddlers or babies who have been rocked or held to sleep may take between seven to 10 days to acclimate.

> How can I arrange for sleep training?

Contact us to discuss phone and in-home sleep training consultations. Both in-person and phone consultations empower parents to establish healthy sleep habits using our guaranteed techniques in a budget-friendly, coaching-based approach.

> How does your sleep training guarantee work?

Our guaranteed techniques ensure that infants who are at least 12 weeks old and weigh at least 12 pounds will sleep 12 hours at night, with generally one “all-business” feed. We are highly confident in our infant care consultants and proudly offer that if clients haven’t found our sleep training services effective (meaning baby is not sleeping between eight and 12 hours a night), they simply don’t pay. Now, one thing is absolutely required, however: parents must 100% consistently follow the sleep trainer’s recommendations! Results depend on methods preferred, developmental age of the baby, and parents' ability to establish a consistent daytime schedule and bedtime routine.

> Will you sleep train infants earlier than 12 weeks / 12 pounds? We’re desperate!

While we maximize safe and effective sleep training at the magic “at least 12 weeks and12 pounds” mark, some clients want their babies sleep trained sooner. We can accommodate this request in two ways. First, employing an Elite Certified overnight infant care doula consistently from birth will ensure a quicker sleep shaping/training. In addition, for babies who haven’t hit our critical milestones, our doulas do what we call “gentle stretching” at night to allow infants to sleep longer. From this point, sleep training would take an additional six weeks to complete (depending on age). What we can guarantee is that each night will present a new opportunity to make progress and your Lighthouse Doula will work tirelessly toward the gentle process of sleep shaping.

> Is sleep training toddlers ages 2 – 4 any different?

We find that most parents agree that toddlers are an entirely different beast than a newborn, and we say that with love and appreciation for their most necessary individualized process! Sleep training is no different. In fact, we have found that the individuation process is so strong (as soon as our sleep trainer leaves, guess who wants to be back in charge!) that we recommend that only parents do the sleep training for toddlers. Parents will benefit from an in-home consultation and initial overnight stay, but experience shows that there is greater benefit if they then take over the remainder of the sleep training.

> What does it mean to put my baby on a schedule?

If you have a doula in your home the day you bring the baby home from the hospital, they will begin to structure the baby’s sleep, wake, and feeding schedule. However, if your preference is not to do this, your doula will respect your wish and defer to your needs.

> Why work with Lighthouse Doulas?

If you are looking for a doula agency that supports you in what you love to do—providing excellent care to newborns and outstanding support for stressed, overwhelmed parents—then you’ve met your match with Lighthouse Doulas! Our pledge to our doulas is to treat you with respect, operate in a professional fashion, pay in a competitive and timely manner, assist you in the best way possible in your career path, and consider you a valued team member in our mutual success. Additionally, as detailed as we get in our caregiver interviews, we also dig deep in our client interviews to ensure the best possible fit for both.

> How long will it take to find a job?

It can be right away if an immediate need opens and you are a good fit. Otherwise, your hiring is dependent upon your schedule, our pending client roster, and a good fit with clients you interview with.

> What are the requirements to work with Lighthouse Doulas?

• You must demonstrate qualities of reliability, trustworthiness, honesty, a love of children, professionalism and a good work ethic.
• You must demonstrate the required training and experience for your care credentials- OR be willing to obtain proper certifications in a timely fashion.
• You must be a minimum of 21 years of age.
• You must provide 2 forms of personal identification.
• You must provide current Infant CPR & First Aid certification.
• You must provide an updated resume with experience and qualifications.
• You must provide 3 excellent work references and 2 personal references.
• You must be authorized to work in the U.S. (verified Social Security number).
• You must be a willing to undergo various background checks (national and international background checks, National Sex Offender Registry check, Child Abuse Registry check, DMV check).
• You must be able to read, write and speak English fluently.
• You must be a non-smoker.
• You must engage in a face-to-face interview.
• You must successfully complete our Ethics & Procedures Training.
• You must show proof of updated TDAP, annual flu shot and TB test within the last 4 years.

> Is there a fee to register with Lighthouse Doulas?

No. In fact, Lighthouse Doulas feels strongly about providing scholarship opportunities for the right candidates to receive proper certifications. If you believe that you have a true calling and the only thing holding you back is the ability to pay for certifications, you should reach out. Additionally, once hired, there is no obligation to accept a position that you feel will not be a good fit.

> How do I apply?

You can start by filling out an application online. We will contact you to discuss setting up an interview.

> How much do you pay?

Compensation is commensurate with experience.

> What is your hiring process?

• Submit a resume and fill out our extensive Lighthouse Doulas Employment Application that includes questions on personality, job preferences and skill sets.
• A Lighthouse Doulas representative will evaluate the application and will then reach out to schedule an interview if we are interested in your qualifications and presentation.
• If we feel you are a good fit for clients after the interview, then we will check and verify your references and work history. A rigorous background check will also be completed.
• If these check out, then you will be eligible to work with us after completing our Ethics and Procedures Training, passing a written test and signing off on your understanding of our policies and procedures.
• As we have clients that we feel may be a good fit based on your profile, we will contact you to see if you are available and interested in working with them based on their profile. If there is interest on both sides, we will send the family your information. Understand that the family may be speaking with a few candidates.
• You may go to an interview with the client.
• If the client is interested in having you provide care, a Lighthouse Doulas representative will reach out to you to confirm your interest.

> What do you look for in your interviews?

In addition to the above qualifications that we require, the most critical parts of the Lighthouse Doulas hiring process are the application, the reference checks and face-to-face interview. Our extensive, detailed questions on the application and in the personal interview address personality, presentation, job preferences and skill sets. We address many areas with you in the application and interview process, including:

• Work history, experience and training
• Skills and preferred job duties
• Lifestyle, hobbies, interests, health habits, health issues
• Preferred household environment
• Future goals, strengths and weaknesses
• Ideal work environment
• Family life
• Professionalism, conduct, attitude, personality and demeanor
• Assessment of how you would handle real life situations regarding multiples care, sleeping / eating scheduling, frequent spitting up, colic and reflux, bathing, swaddling, sleep training, child development, infant safety, breastfeeding support, soothing crying babies and communication with clients

  In talking with references, we address areas like punctuality, professionalism, attitude, any issues that arose and how they were addressed, reliability, newborn care and client communication.