Frequently Asked Questions

Logistics

  • We schedule a 20 minute audio or video call so you can take the time to ask about the services offered and discuss what would work best for your family.

    Have any pressing questions or concerns about your baby? Katie may have a quick insight!

  • Each video call will allocate time for listening to parents, asking and answering questions, discussing goals, considering options, and forming an action plan.

    The more information I get from you before the meeting, the more productive our 1:1 time can be.

    Of course, this is ultimately your time and you can use it to address anything that is on your mind!

  • Receive real time answers for immediate questions! Get support and guidance for anything on your mind regarding your infant or child.

    Text anytime as much as you like. Receive a text back in 90 minutes (or usually much less!) to any messages received between 6AM and 6PM Pacific Time. Messages received outside of these hours will be responded to by 7AM the following day.

  • I currently prefer Venmo, however I am happy to discuss other options!

Options

  • Yes! If you don’t see exactly what you want in the existing options, please schedule a free consultation and we can build a custom package for your family.

  • The Postpartum Packages are excellent for supporting an expecting parent, especially a first time parent. During the third trimester of pregnancy is the perfect time to think through how to support healthy sleep habits, having a safe and supportive environment for your new family, and answering any other questions you may have. The included calls can be scheduled before and after delivery to best meet your individual needs.

  • We do offer gift certificates! Giving a package or service is a great way to support a new parent. This is also a useful item to add to a baby registry or wishlist.

  • Yes!

    We believe every family deserves support throughout their child’s early years. We set aside 10% of all full priced packages to be able to offer free or lower cost services upon request.

    Please reach out if you are interested in sliding scale services or if you are interested in contributing to this fund.

  • In-person services may be available upon request for an additional fee. In home support is limited to clients living in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Philosophy

  • A doula is someone who provides support, care, and education to someone through the birthing process and/or during the weeks after birth. While this is a much needed service during a sensitive time, it is only the beginning of the transition to parenthood.

    As a Parenting Doula Katie offers support and care with parenting plans, decisions, and questions throughout the early years. From sleep, to potty training, to behavior and beyond- she works in collaboration with parents to find what works for each individual family.

  • My approach begins with an assessment of the parents’ and child/ren’s needs, and a holistic plan is put together that uses multiple developmentally appropriate tools. Parents often think of "cry-it-out" methods when they think of sleep training, however I understand that this method doesn't work for every parent- or every child! I personalize my recommendations to work for each family individually.

  • Briefly, positive discipline is a caregiving method that is both kind and firm. It takes pre-planning and consistency on the adult’s part and takes into account where the child is developmentally. At Parenting Doula, we believe the most important factor is the emphasis on helping the child (and caregivers!) learn pro-social behaviors, strengthen trusting relationships, develop inner discipline, and build self-esteem.

  • A child can start potty training as soon as the parents are ready! Children as young as six months are ready to start learning bathroom skills, and some are ready to start transitioning to underwear around twelve to eighteen months.

    At the younger end, the potty training process is more gradual and allows children to learn the relevant skills as they are ready. When you start at two or three years old, the process is expedited and typically the transition to underwear is quicker.

  • Dr. Montessori was a woman who made observations of children to learn about development and education. More in depth information on the topic is available for those who are interested!

    In the context of parenting, Montessori has three main components.

    The child - what does the child do, like, feel, etc.?

    The adult - how does the adult’s presence influence the child and the environment?

    The environment - how do the spaces in the home function for the family members and support the children’s growth and independence?

    When we can make a change in the adult or in the environment, we generally affect a change in the child as well.

    That’s it!