WHAT ARE THE STEPS TO RESERVE A DOULA, NEWBORN CARE SPECIALIST or LACTATION CONSULTANT?
Complete our care questionnaire.
We'll review your requests and send you matches based on the information include. Your matches will include 1-3 pre-screened providers that best meet your requested experience level, care needs, budget, and location.
You’ll receive access to their online profiles to review their services and pricing.
You let us know who you’d like to interview.
The postpartum or lactation specialist you’ve chosen to interview will reach out to you directly to introduce themselves.
You pick your top choice and we’ll help you finalize the hiring process
Rest easy, knowing you've checked one more thing off your to do list!
WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED TO JOIN YOUR TEAM?
Every single sleep coach, lactation consultant, postpartum doula or newborn care specialist that joins our team has been personally vetted and interviewed by owners, Chelsea & Lauren. When screening each member we conduct a thorough background check, verify formal training and/or certification in their field, confirm CPR + First Aid certification, review personal & professional references, receive a copy of their professional liability insurance for our files and conduct a face-to-face interview.
Trust that when you receive a match through Detroit Dreams Tonight that you’ll be receiving a top notch, professional lactation consultant, postpartum doula or newborn care specialist and the most compassionate care through your postpartum & parenting journey.
HOW MUCH DOES YOUR SERVICE COST?
Our matching service is completely free to new and expecting parents! When you are ready to interview a doula, newborn care specialist or find a lactation consultant, we will provide you with personalized matches.
HOW DO THE DOULAS OR SPECIALISTS ON YOUR TEAM DETERMINE THEIR SERVICE FEES?
Actual rates are set by each individual member but you can select the match that best fits your budget and care needs. When filling out our care questionnaire we ask that you include details about your budget or insurance coverage so we can take that into account when matching. Please note, that in order to give you the most options, we may send you matches slightly outside of your budget.
Rates are based on more than just the number of clients they have worked with. When setting their rates our members take into account additional training & continuing education, life experience, expenses, etc. but will also include skill set and extent of trainings completed. The lower end of the scale is generally for newer newborn care specialists or doulas with less field experience, while the higher end of the pricing scale offers more field experience and speciality services.
Postpartum Doula rates range between $40 and $55 an hour, with the average rate being $45/hr for single babies and $50/hr for multiples.
Holistic Postpartum Care or 4th Trimester support is $280 per 4-hour visit. We recommend 1-2 visits a week for the first 6 weeks to facilitate an optimal healing experience.
Lactation Consultant rates range between $200 and $300 for a self-pay visit. IBCLCs are often able to bill insurance directly or can give you a super bill for insurance reimbursement. Inquire with your insurance company regarding your coverage for lactation support.
HOW LONG IS A VISIT WITH A POSTPARTUM DOULA OR NEWBORN CARE SPECIALIST?
Daytime care is generally between 4 and 8 hours per visit, while overnight care is usually between 8 and 12 hours per visit. Families can also choose short-term 24 hour live-in care where 1 or 2 providers work together to provide around the clock newborn support. Each postpartum doula/specialist is unique in what they offer so please discuss your schedule preferences with us and we'll match you someone that meets your needs.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED A VISIT WITH AN IBCLC?
You may consider a lactation consultation if you're facing challenges with breastfeeding, such as difficulty with latch, sore nipples, low milk supply, baby is losing weight or seems unsatisfied after nursing; or if you need assistance with pumping and storing breastmilk. Even if you're doing well with breastfeeding, a consultation can still be beneficial to ensure optimal breastfeeding techniques and to receive additional support and encouragement.
HOW LONG DOES A LACTATION VISIT TYPICALLY LAST?
The duration of a lactation consultation can vary depending on your specific needs and concerns. Typically, a session may last between 1 to 1.5 hours, but our lactation consultants ensure they dedicate sufficient time to address all your questions and provide comprehensive support.
CAN I HIRE A LACTATION CONSULTANT BEFORE MY BABY IS BORN?
Absolutely! A prenatal lactation consultation can be extremely valuable in preparing for a successful breastfeeding experience. During a prenatal consultation, you can learn about breastfeeding basics, proper latch techniques, and ask any questions you may have in advance.
IS A LACTATION VISIT ONLY BENEFICIAL IF I’M EXCLUSIVELY BREASTFEEDING?
No, lactation consultants are here to support all parents, regardless of their feeding preferences. Whether you exclusively breastfeed, pump, or combine breastfeeding with formula feeding, a lactation consultant can provide guidance to meet your specific needs and goals.
I AM EXCLUSIVELY BREASTFEEDING, CAN WE STILL HIRE OVERNIGHT DOULA SUPPORT?
Yes!! We work with all families, whether they breast or bottle feed. Your overnight doula can provide baby care in between feedings to ensure you get as much rest as possible and can provide lactation and pumping support as well. If you choose to introduce a bottle at some point your doula can take over feedings allowing you to get more sleep.
I HAVE TWINS AND NEED SLEEP! CAN YOU HELP?
Absolutely! We know how challenging it can be to care for multiple babies at one time. If you have twins, triplets, or more - trust that a Newborn Care Specialist or Postpartum Doula has training and/or experience with care for them.
CAN MY OVERNIGHT DOULA OR NEWBORN CARE SPECIALIST HELP WITH SLEEP TRAINING?
We always prioritize healthy sleep for both parents and babies. While newborns are developmentally designed to wake up frequently in the night, your NCS or Doula can provide valuable tips and newborn sleep education. For longer term contracts of 3, 6 or 9 months, you can discuss sleep conditioning or sleep shaping with the Doula or NCS you hire. If you have babies older than 4 months or even toddlers, you can learn more about our live-in sleep training support here.
WHAT IF I NEED POSTPARTUM HELP DURING THE DAY?
We can help with that too! We offer daytime visits between 4 and 8 hours in length, along with visits that focus on a holistic postpartum recovery and include herbal sitz baths, nourishing teas & broths, and more. Please submit your inquiry and we’ll find someone who can help!
DO YOU PROVIDE NANNY SERVICES?
No, Detroit Dreams Tonight is not a nanny or au pair placement agency. We match you to qualified newborn care specialists and postpartum doulas who are available for shorter-term daytime or overnight support (typically between 3 and 6 months, although some are available to work with you up to a year if needed). While we do focus on baby care, we do not take over complete care of your children and are not childcare providers. Our goal is to help you have a smooth transition into parenting, provide guidance, increase your confidence, and support you with education, resources and hands-on support.
WHERE ARE YOU BASED?
Detroit Dreams is based out of Detroit, Michigan but we proudly provide in-person support throughout Southeast Michigan and virtual services throughout the state. Our colleagues operate out of Orange County, California and Long Beach, California.
ARE YOU WILLING TO TRAVEL?
Many of our Newborn Care Specialists are available for short or long term travel. Travel fees and incidentals may apply. Please make a note of your travel needs or requests when submitting your inquiry.