Postpartum doulas
Postpartum doulas support you, not just the baby: feeding, recovery, meals and the emotional weeks after birth. Find local doulas and compare their rates.
What it costs · US 2026
- per hour
- $35–75
- hours per visit
- 3–6
- weeks, typical
- 2–12
145 doulas37 states + DCFree to contact
What a typical week looks like.
- MonMorning visit: feeding check-in, a shower for you, light meal prep.
- TueHelp with latch or bottles, laundry, newborn care questions answered.
- ThuRecovery check: rest, sitting with your feelings, referrals if you need them.
- FriErrands or sibling time while you nap. Plan for the weekend.
- NightsSome doulas also do overnights, similar to a night nanny.
Which one do you need?
Read the full guide →| Postpartum doula | Newborn care specialist | Night nurse (RN) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focus | Parent recovery & family | Baby: feeds, sleep, routines | Baby’s medical needs |
| Training | DONA, CAPPA or similar | NCS certification (non-medical) | RN or LPN license |
| Hours | Daytime visits, 3–6 hrs | Overnight, 8–12 hrs | Overnight or 24-hr |
| Typical rate | $35–75/hr | $35–55/hr | $50–90/hr |
| Best for | Feeding, healing, emotional support | Sleep for parents, twins | Preemies, NICU graduates |
By state
Local doulas and doula collectives, state by state.
- Florida12
- Texas12
- California8
- Michigan8
- North Carolina8
- Tennessee7
- Virginia7
- Missouri6
- Ohio6
- Pennsylvania6
- Illinois5
- Maryland5
- New Jersey5
- Arkansas4
- New York4
- Alabama3
- Connecticut3
- Georgia3
- Indiana3
- New Hampshire3
- Oregon3
- South Carolina3
- Arizona2
- Louisiana2
- Massachusetts2
- Minnesota2
- Nebraska2
- Colorado1
- District of Columbia1
- Hawaii1
- Iowa1
- North Dakota1
- Oklahoma1
- South Dakota1
- Utah1
- Vermont1
- Washington1
- Wisconsin1
- Alaska
- Delaware
- Idaho
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- Rhode Island
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
Questions families ask
They support the parent: feeding, recovery, rest, meals and emotional support, plus practical newborn care help.
Most families book in the third trimester. Popular doulas fill up for summer and holiday due dates.
Sometimes. Several states’ Medicaid programs and some private plans now cover doula visits. Check with your plan.
A doula focuses on you and your recovery, usually by day. A night nanny focuses on the baby overnight so you can sleep.