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Annika Glaub
Postpartum Doula & Sleep Consultant |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is your philosophy when you work with families?
I will never push you to breastfeed or use a certain parenting method. Your baby - your choice! I see my role as being your cheerleader. Supporting you with science-based advice, companionship and empathy, so that you can feel confident parenting your little one your way.
What does a regular night look like?
At night, my goal is to get everyone as much sleep as possible. I usually arrive at your house at 10pm. I will check in with you about how the day went, answer any questions and discuss concerns or new developments. I will take care of your baby so you can sleep. If you are learning how to breastfeed, I will wake you for feedings and help you find a comfortable position that will make it easier for you to get a good latch. For bottle feedings you can continue to sleep if you are using formula or do a quick 15-20 minute pumping session. After which I will collect your pumping supplies, clean them, and put them back together so you are all set for the next session. I change the baby's diaper with every feeding and as needed throughout the night. After the feedings, I will burp, hold and swaddle your baby and help the little one to get a restful sleep until the next feeding. When the baby is asleep I am happy to do light chores like washing and sanitizing bottles and pumping supply, folding laundry or emptying the dishwasher. Shortly before 6 am I will check in with you regarding how the night went. I can track feedings, diapers and sleep in an app and/or send you an email that summarizes your baby's night.
What sets you apart from other Doulas?
I am up all night.
I am always alert and I have a watchful eye on your little one. While many Doulas take cat naps when the baby sleeps, I prefer to stay awake. This allows me to react quickly to your and your baby's needs.
I am always on time.
It is important to me that you know you can rely 100% on me. And that starts with me always showing up for you promptly.
I put your and your baby's health first.
All my vaccines are up to date and I get my flu shot annually. If I ever feel slightly under the weather, I will notify you right away. You can choose if you would like me to come in or if we should reschedule. I will always try to find a substitute, if that is helpful to you.
Open and honest communication is key.
I will make sure to disclose my availability and anything that might affect our time together. I will listen to you and make sure that you receive the care that is best suited to your unique situation.
How can you support me if I want to breastfeed?
If you choose to breast- or chestfeed, I will guide you through each feeding with as much hands-on or hands-off support that you would like. I will help you with establishing a good latch, showing you options for different positions that will allow you to relax and your baby to transfer milk more easily. If there are concerns like a tongue or lip tie, low milk supply or other medical issues I will refer you to one of the wonderful lactation consultants that were able to help my clients in the past.
What does the booking process look like?
After initially contacting me, I will schedule a short phone call with you to learn more about what you are looking for and how I will be able to support you. We will then schedule a zoom interview so we can get to know each other better and find out if we are a good match. It is very important to me that we have a good chemistry and you are 100% comfortable with me taking care of you and your precious baby. After both sides agree that we will work together, we will sign a contract that lays out the timeframe and how many days/or nights you want support. If you book me in advance and I'm not already booked at that time, I will give you two weeks of on-call time before your due date. This way I can support you the day you come home from the hospital in case your baby decides to make an early entrance.
For how long and how many nights do families usually book you?
Most families book me for 4 nights a week for 3 months starting from the baby's due date. Usually I will work on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights. However, I can often be flexible if you need more or less nights or would like other days of the week. I find that being there for a family right after they come home from the hospital makes for a smoother transition into parenthood. By 3 months most babies will sleep soundly for stretches of time and the parents will feel confident in their parenting abilities.
I will never push you to breastfeed or use a certain parenting method. Your baby - your choice! I see my role as being your cheerleader. Supporting you with science-based advice, companionship and empathy, so that you can feel confident parenting your little one your way.
What does a regular night look like?
At night, my goal is to get everyone as much sleep as possible. I usually arrive at your house at 10pm. I will check in with you about how the day went, answer any questions and discuss concerns or new developments. I will take care of your baby so you can sleep. If you are learning how to breastfeed, I will wake you for feedings and help you find a comfortable position that will make it easier for you to get a good latch. For bottle feedings you can continue to sleep if you are using formula or do a quick 15-20 minute pumping session. After which I will collect your pumping supplies, clean them, and put them back together so you are all set for the next session. I change the baby's diaper with every feeding and as needed throughout the night. After the feedings, I will burp, hold and swaddle your baby and help the little one to get a restful sleep until the next feeding. When the baby is asleep I am happy to do light chores like washing and sanitizing bottles and pumping supply, folding laundry or emptying the dishwasher. Shortly before 6 am I will check in with you regarding how the night went. I can track feedings, diapers and sleep in an app and/or send you an email that summarizes your baby's night.
What sets you apart from other Doulas?
I am up all night.
I am always alert and I have a watchful eye on your little one. While many Doulas take cat naps when the baby sleeps, I prefer to stay awake. This allows me to react quickly to your and your baby's needs.
I am always on time.
It is important to me that you know you can rely 100% on me. And that starts with me always showing up for you promptly.
I put your and your baby's health first.
All my vaccines are up to date and I get my flu shot annually. If I ever feel slightly under the weather, I will notify you right away. You can choose if you would like me to come in or if we should reschedule. I will always try to find a substitute, if that is helpful to you.
Open and honest communication is key.
I will make sure to disclose my availability and anything that might affect our time together. I will listen to you and make sure that you receive the care that is best suited to your unique situation.
How can you support me if I want to breastfeed?
If you choose to breast- or chestfeed, I will guide you through each feeding with as much hands-on or hands-off support that you would like. I will help you with establishing a good latch, showing you options for different positions that will allow you to relax and your baby to transfer milk more easily. If there are concerns like a tongue or lip tie, low milk supply or other medical issues I will refer you to one of the wonderful lactation consultants that were able to help my clients in the past.
What does the booking process look like?
After initially contacting me, I will schedule a short phone call with you to learn more about what you are looking for and how I will be able to support you. We will then schedule a zoom interview so we can get to know each other better and find out if we are a good match. It is very important to me that we have a good chemistry and you are 100% comfortable with me taking care of you and your precious baby. After both sides agree that we will work together, we will sign a contract that lays out the timeframe and how many days/or nights you want support. If you book me in advance and I'm not already booked at that time, I will give you two weeks of on-call time before your due date. This way I can support you the day you come home from the hospital in case your baby decides to make an early entrance.
For how long and how many nights do families usually book you?
Most families book me for 4 nights a week for 3 months starting from the baby's due date. Usually I will work on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights. However, I can often be flexible if you need more or less nights or would like other days of the week. I find that being there for a family right after they come home from the hospital makes for a smoother transition into parenthood. By 3 months most babies will sleep soundly for stretches of time and the parents will feel confident in their parenting abilities.
"What I loved was that she is so committed- she sleeps during the day so she can stay up at night with the babies and has no other full time job, she stays up to date on the latest research, and always is proactive and communicates. She is so loving and warm, quickly becoming like family."
- Lucy K.
- Lucy K.
