A doula is a non-medical assistant in prenatal care, childbirth, and during the postpartum period. The word 'doula' is Greek and refers to a woman who personally serves another woman.

What's the difference between a Midwife and a Doula?

A doula provides continuous non-medical support in prenatal care, childbirth and during the postpartum period, while a midwife is a licensed medical provider who can work freelance or be an employee in a hospital and can monitor and deliver your baby.

Does hiring a doula reduce the chance of a cesarean delivery?

Yes. A 2013 study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that Medicaid recipients who received doula support had a cesarean delivery rate of 22.3%, compared with 31.5% among Medicaid recipients without doula support - a 40.9% reduction in the odds of cesarean delivery after adjusting for clinical complications, maternal age, race, and ethnicity (adjusted odds ratio 0.59; 95% CI, 0.51-0.68; P < .001).

What are the postpartum benefits of having a doula or midwife present at birth?

Research shows measurable postpartum benefits at 6 weeks after birth for mothers supported by a doula or midwife, compared with those who were not: lower levels of anxiety and depression; greater confidence in caring for their baby; higher satisfaction with their partner (71% vs. 30%); and higher rates of continued breastfeeding (52% vs. 29%).

I'm planning to get an epidural- should I still hire a doula?

Yes. Doulas provide continuous emotional, physical, and informational support throughout labor - regardless of your pain management choices. They can help you understand your options and support you in deciding when to request an epidural, based on your preferences and how your labor is progressing. Even with an epidural, a doula can help you stay comfortable, suggest optimal labor positions, support communication with your care team, and provide reassurance for both you and your partner.

Can we meet before hiring our doula or night nanny?

Yes, all doulas and night nannies offer a virtual interview on Zoom or FaceTime.

What are the costs for the doulas and night nannies?

Each doula sets her own rates based on experience, training, and certifications. Birth doula services typically start around $800 and can range up to $8,000, depending on the level of support and included services. Night nannies start at $350/12 hours for overnights with a minimum of 4 overnights per week. For detailed pricing, package options, and availability, please contact us directly by email to info@thenewyorkbaby.com or call/text to 347-257-5157.

Can I have my doula with me during my hospital birth?

Yes. All hospitals in the NYC area allow one to two support persons in addition to your doula during labor and birth. Policies can vary slightly by hospital, so we recommend confirming specific guidelines with your chosen facility in advance.

Is birth or postpartum doula care covered by health insurance?

Reimbursement for birth doula services is becoming increasingly common in the U.S., though coverage varies by plan. We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to confirm your specific benefits and any documentation required for reimbursement. Doulas are typically considered out-of-network providers. Once you've hired a doula, we can provide the necessary paperwork for you to submit a reimbursement claim. You may also have access to employer-sponsored benefits through programs such as Carrot, Maven, or Progyny, which often include coverage for doula support - be sure to check with your HR team.

Is lactation support covered by health insurance?

Lactation consultants (IBCLCs) are more commonly covered by U.S. health insurance plans. After your visit, you'll typically receive a superbill to submit for reimbursement. Stephanie from NY Baby is in-network with Cigna, which includes five virtual sessions at no cost and five in-person sessions (travel fees may apply).

Are you offering lactation consultation?

Yes, Stephanie is an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant). She is in-network with CIGNA. More information on virtual or in-home consultations is available upon request.

What happens if my doula is attending another birth when I go into labor?

While this situation is rare, every doula works within a trusted backup system. If your primary doula is unavailable, a qualified backup doula (often from NY Baby) will step in to support you. Because birth timing is unpredictable, we maintain a network of experienced doulas to ensure continuous coverage - so you can feel confident that you'll have dedicated support when you need it most.

Do doulas insist on breastfeeding?

Absolutely not. Doulas support your choices and respect what feels right for you and your baby. While breastfeeding is often encouraged for its benefits, there are many valid reasons to choose alternatives such as supplementing, exclusively pumping, or bottle-feeding. Lactation consultants can help guide you through your feeding options and support you in making informed decisions that work best for your family.

How to tell if a baby is latching on?

Signs that a baby is sucking properly at the breast include: seeing the temple/ear wiggle and jaw movement with each suck, with lips flanged and tongue cupping the breast; feeling a gentle tugging at the breast with no pain, an initial quick-suck pattern that triggers the mother's letdown reflex, followed by a longer suck-suck-pause pattern as milk lets down; and hearing an audible suck-swallow pattern.

What should I bring to the hospital?

When packing for a hospital birth, prioritize essential identification, comfort items for labor, basic personal care supplies, and going-home clothes for baby. Suggested items include: insurance card and hospital paperwork, birth plan, bathrobe, nightgown, slippers, warm socks, lip moisturizer, hair band, basic toiletries, birth ball, massage oils or lotions, music, phone charger, your own pillow, snacks (such as chocolate, almonds, coconut water, Preggie Pops, or cookies - check with your OB/midwife if eating during labor is allowed), something to read, nursing bra, breast pads and gel pads, baby clothes for the way home, and an infant car seat.

How to soothe a baby?

Time-tested baby calmers include: motion and physical carrying, such as babywearing, neck nestling, walks, carriage rides, or nursing while walking; gentle motion like swinging, dancing, draping baby over a beach ball, or car rides; soothing sounds and rhythm, such as lullabies, music, echoing baby's cry, a metronome or clock tick-tock, vibrating/humming gadgets, white noise, or ambient appliance noise like fans, vacuums, or dishwashers; visual distractions such as making silly faces, a magic mirror, watching traffic, TV, or a fireplace, and creating a peaceful atmosphere (e.g. red light from a draped lamp); and touch, warmth, and feeding comfort, including infant massage, warm baths together, comfort sucking via nursing or pacifiers, and dietary adjustments such as eliminating bothersome foods from the mother's diet or changing formula.

Postpartum Doula Support in New York

Q: What are the postpartum benefits of having a doula or midwife present at birth?

Research shows measurable postpartum benefits at 6 weeks after birth for mothers supported by a doula or midwife, compared with those who were not: lower levels of anxiety and depression; greater confidence in caring for their baby; higher satisfaction with their partner (71% vs. 30%); and higher rates of continued breastfeeding (52% vs. 29%).

Q: I'm planning to get an epidural- should I still hire a doula?

Yes. Doulas provide continuous emotional, physical, and informational support throughout labor - regardless of your pain management choices. They can help you understand your options and support you in deciding when to request an epidural, based on your preferences and how your labor is progressing. Even with an epidural, a doula can help you stay comfortable, suggest optimal labor positions, support communication with your care team, and provide reassurance for both you and your partner.

Q: Can we meet before hiring our doula or night nanny?

Yes, all doulas and night nannies offer a virtual interview on Zoom or FaceTime.

Q: What are the costs for the doulas and night nannies?

Each doula sets her own rates based on experience, training, and certifications. Birth doula services typically start around $800 and can range up to $8,000, depending on the level of support and included services. Night nannies start at $350/12 hours for overnights with a minimum of 4 overnights per week. For detailed pricing, package options, and availability, please contact us directly by email to info@thenewyorkbaby.com or call/text to 347-257-5157.

Q: Can I have my doula with me during my hospital birth?

Yes. All hospitals in the NYC area allow one to two support persons in addition to your doula during labor and birth. Policies can vary slightly by hospital, so we recommend confirming specific guidelines with your chosen facility in advance.

Q: Is birth or postpartum doula care covered by health insurance?

Reimbursement for birth doula services is becoming increasingly common in the U.S., though coverage varies by plan. We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to confirm your specific benefits and any documentation required for reimbursement. Doulas are typically considered out-of-network providers. Once you've hired a doula, we can provide the necessary paperwork for you to submit a reimbursement claim. You may also have access to employer-sponsored benefits through programs such as Carrot, Maven, or Progyny, which often include coverage for doula support - be sure to check with your HR team.

Q: Is lactation support covered by health insurance?

Lactation consultants (IBCLCs) are more commonly covered by U.S. health insurance plans. After your visit, you'll typically receive a superbill to submit for reimbursement. Stephanie from NY Baby is in-network with Cigna, which includes five virtual sessions at no cost and five in-person sessions (travel fees may apply).

Postpartum Doula Services

What is a postpartum doula?

A postpartum doula is an expert for your postpartum weeks. She helps mothers, fathers/non-birthing mothers and families adjust to daily life with a baby. Services with a postpartum doula are usually 3-6 hours in home visits daytime visits or 10+ hours overnight visits. You can book a package of 20 hours, 50 or 100 (or anything in between!). Not sure if you need a baby specialist/night nanny or a postpartum doula? Watch this short video to clarify.

Postpartum doula support has been shown to improve outcomes for babies by lowering the need for intensive care, improving breastfeeding rates, lowering the risk of postpartum depression and getting more sleep!

Meet our doulas here!

With a NY Baby Postpartum Doula by Your Side, You’re Never Alone

The dedicated postpartum doulas are here to support you every step of the way—physically, emotionally, and practically—so you can focus on healing from birth and bonding with your baby.

Here’s how we help:

Guidance with breastfeeding, including proper latching and how to prevent sore nipples and infections
Support with bottle feeding if you choose not to breastfeed or do both breastfeed and supplement
Umbilical cord care and newborn hygiene
Understanding the normal changes and behaviors in your newborn
Involving your partner and showing them how to be a supportive team member
Ongoing support via phone or text whenever questions arise
Recognizing the signs of postpartum depression and knowing when to seek help
Tips for managing common newborn concerns like jaundice
Encouragement and care for your recovery after a vaginal birth or C-section
Insights into the physical changes your body may go through after birth
Nutritious meal preparation to support your healing
Practical self-care strategies to help you feel your best
Guidance on what to eat during the postpartum period
Light housekeeping to ease your daily load
Gentle care for older siblings so you can rest and bond with your new baby
A reduced risk of postpartum depression thanks to continuous, compassionate support
Trusted referrals to specialists if and when you need them

Let your postpartum doula be your guide, advocate, and extra pair of hands during this tender and transformative time.

About the “NY Baby” Postpartum Doulas

Stephanie Heintzeler knows just the right qualities to look for in a newborn care specialist as she has worked with expecting and new parents for over 20 years. A former midwife in Germany turned doula and lactation consultant, she constantly gets questions regarding birth support, classes, baby specialists or postpartum doulas. She hand picks every doula herself, ensuring they have the following qualifications.

Training as a professional and qualified postpartum doula
Excellent references
Experience with breastfeeding and bottle feeding
Infant CPR certification

Understanding the difference between a postpartum doula and a newborn care specialist/night nanny helps you find the right kind of support, whether you need help with your recovery, your baby, or both.

	Postpartum Doula	Newborn Care Specialist
Primary Focus	Holistic support for the entire family unit, meal prep (except during overnight care)	Newborn care
Session Types	Day (4-8hrs a day) or Night (10 hrs per night)	Usually nights (12 hrs) though a couple of baby specialists offer daytime support, too.
Feeding Support	Lactation education and assistance, bottle prep, formula, general feeding support, baby laundry	Bottle prep, formula, basic feeding support, baby laundry
Hourly Rate	Starting at $42/hr up to $120/hr depending on the doulas certifications and experience.	Starting at $36/hr up to $45/hr depending on the baby specialists experience. Newborn Care specialists are hired and paid directly by the family. Referral fee to NY Baby: $197
Insurance Coverage	Usually covered under fertility benefits such as Carrot Fertility, Maven, Progyny. Sometimes covered under health insurance. Check with your provider to see if you can get reimbursed.	Not typically covered
Best for	Families looking for holistic support, breastfeeding mothers, mothers who would like support in postpartum recovery and nutrition, parents looking to build confidence in their new roles.	Parents who want to focus mainly on rest and help specifically with baby, families with a more limited budget, families not planning on breastfeeding or not needing breastfeeding support. Of course all night nannies support breastfeeding though most don’t have a lactation certification.