Questions and answers
For mothers, partners, and grandparents
What is AfterDoula?
AfterDoula is a matchmaker. The caregivers on it are independent night nannies, postpartum doulas, and newborn care specialists who run their own businesses. We make the match, hold the payment, and keep both sides of the door checked.
Is this medical care?
No. Caregivers on AfterDoula give non-medical care at home, and that includes mothers and babies with special needs. Your doctor's and your pediatrician's instructions go in the House Brief, and the caregiver follows them. Lactation support is a separate booking with an independent IBCLC.
Days, nights, or both?
Either, and the mix can change. Most families start with nights and add a day or two when a partner goes back to work.
How much does it cost?
From $50 an hour in Ada County. Twins or multiples are $60 an hour. The full table is on the Services page.
How long is a booking?
Bookings run 8 weeks at minimum, and most families book 8 to 12 weeks. Gift days and nights add to a plan from 4 hours.
How is a caregiver background checked?
Each caregiver completes a basic background check before the first booking: a Social Security number trace, a national criminal database search, county and federal criminal records, and the national sex offender registry, with CPR current. Every adult in the home overnight completes an identity and criminal database check too.
Can my partner or my mother book for me?
Yes. A partner or grandparent can book, pay, get updates, or give a gift. Your messages and your tending card stay yours unless you share them.
What if my caregiver cannot come?
A named backup is on your booking from day one. If no backup is free that night, you get the night back.
When does AfterDoula reach my city?
Boise and Ada County in January 2027. Montana later in 2027, then Seattle. Tell us your city on the waitlist and we write when it opens.
What if I cannot pay full price?
Part of every booking funds a sliding scale for families who cannot pay full price. Ask about it on the free call.
For night nannies and postpartum doulas
Who can join?
Night nannies, postpartum doulas, and newborn care specialists with current CPR who pass the background check. You run your own business and families book you through AfterDoula.
What does it pay?
You set your rate inside one range and are paid weekly for the visits you complete. We go through the numbers with you on a call before you join.
When am I paid?
Weekly, for the visits you completed. Families prepay each week.
Do I have to accept every booking?
No. You say yes or no to every booking, and there is no penalty for declining.
Am I an employee?
No. You run your own business, set your own hours and your own minimum, and families book you through AfterDoula.
What does the background check involve?
A basic check: a Social Security number trace, a national criminal database search, county and federal criminal records, and the national sex offender registry, repeated every year. Your profile shows the date it was completed.
How do reviews work?
Families review you after a booking, and you may post one public reply. Your private notes to AfterDoula never become a rating.
What do I know before I arrive?
The House Brief and tonight's tending card. Both are in your hand before you knock.