
Q: How does this whole thing work?
A: Fill out our inquiry form, we’ll schedule a virtual meeting, and you’ll tell us what you’re looking for! Once we find the right provider, you will interview them over video chat. If it is the right doula, nanny, or babysitter, our agency will put together contracts. If you ever should have questions or concerns, this agency is your point of contact – we do all of the work! The agency will also check in regularly to be sure that your service provider is the best fit for you.
Q: What are the costs?
A: Depending on what you are looking for, our placement fee begins at $350 for babysitters and nannies. The investment includes well-vetted providers, a contract to protect you and the provider, and parental support options. The placement investment is split into two payments. One is due at the start of our search, the second payment is due when you’re assigned a provider.
Q: How can I trust the provider you’re sending me?
A: All of our nannies, doulas, and babysitters are well vetted and submit to annual background checks. They are required to have adequate experience with children from various walks of life from a personal and professional perspective. Providers are also CPR certified and many have licenses and certifications outside of our requirements. Simply put: If they wouldn’t be welcome in our personal space with our loved ones, we wouldn’t assign them to yours. Still not convinced? You will interview as many providers as it takes to find the right fit.
Q: Is there a minimum amount of hours to inquire for?
For nanny and babysitter services, yes. The number of hours for which you are inquiring must equal a minimum of 100 hours. This is due to the amount of work put in and placement fee associated with each placement.
Q: How long does a placement take?
A: The average nanny or babysitter placement takes 15-30 days, but some take longer. Much of the placement depends on what providers we have available at the moment, how responsive all parties are, how much notice a family has given us, and what specific qualifications a parent is seeking. Expedited service may have a higher fee.
Q: How much notice should a family give us?
We will work with any time frame, but having 45-60 days is most ideal. This allows us the time to find the right nanny or babysitter, set up an interview, and conduct a trial before contract signing. We have closed contracts in as little as a week, but this can be stressful for families. It also doesn’t allow much time for a trail if a family wants to try a provider before committing. There is nothing wrong with seeking care well ahead of time, but arrangements will likely not be made until closer to the date.
Q: What is a postpartum doula?
A: A postpartum doula is an individual whose job is to be an all-around support system to mom and baby after birth. This is often referred to as the 4th trimester, and is considered one of the most intense because there are so many sudden changes and likely not enough support to deal with them.
Q: Do I need a postpartum doula?
A: There is no one who can not benefit from the services a postpartum doula offers, but those services will vary from family to family. While plans and general service all include a similar structure, each is personalized based on unique needs. You had so much help and support while you were pregnant, but now you’re home with a new baby and could really use some help. This is why so many parents are hiring postpartum doulas now.
Q: Do you take insurance for postpartum services?
A: Yes and no. It really depends on what insurance company you’re using. We will take what we can based on your policy. This is a case by case answer and we strongly suggest asking your insurance company about your postpartum services coverage prior to inquiring with us.
Q: What area do you serve?
A: The entire Hudson Valley! Our providers are from all surrounding counties including Ulster, Dutchess, Greene, Columbia, Orange, Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Albany and Rensselaer.
Q: Why should I hire you? What sets you apart?
A: As a mom of 3, I have plenty of experience and have gotten the proper education pertaining to these services since. I offer overnights (postpartum, not common) and truly care about the success of your transition. I also offer a first trimester services (also uncommon) to help you feel prepared for this new journey. My focus is on you and baby, but I want to see that your entire family unit have a smooth transition as well. I believe the more we talk about, the more prepared you will feel. Let me be your biggest resource. As far as childcare providers go, I’m looking for people I would trust with my own kids. This isn’t just a business, but something I naturally got involved with due to the needs of my community.
Q: What are your services and what do they cost?
A: Good question. This will depend on whether you’re seeking postpartum care or childcare, what level of credentialing/experience you seek, how much you are asking providers to do, and the length of service. There is also the matter of whether you are using insurance for any or all of your payment. Give us as many details as you can on our form, and we’ll give you a proper estimate as soon as we can. No gatekeeping here!
Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
A: Venmo, or Credit card. Some clients will also use insurance or credit plans to cover this investment. A retainer will be required for all services.
Q: How should I contact you?
A: Emails and inquiries are great. You can find our forms on our main page. Whether you’re inquiring about a service today or not, following our socials is a great way to stay in the know. If you’d like to eliminate as much back and forth as possible, filling out our form is the best way to go!
Q: What is the difference between Regular and Awake Service?
With typical service, the doula rests when the baby rests. This is what can usually be expected from an overnight postpartum doula. During awake care, the doula does not sleep for the entirety of the shift. Because of this, regular care can be done more frequently, while awake must be limited.
