Post Partum Doulas Serving NYC and Brooklyn
212 877-8112

I’m Christine Kealy, the Director of In a Family Way and I started my post partum care service in 1991 to help new parents in New York City and Brooklyn care for their new babies....and themselves.

I am third eldest in a family of eight children and the proud mother of three grown children. Most recently, my 5 grandkids have been keeping me up to date on the needs of the new family. So, as you can see, I am well suited to this wonderful job.

I’d like to help you decide how a Doula might help you get through those first weeks after the birth of your baby.

How Does a Doula Differ from a Baby Nurse?

Unlike a baby nurse (not usually an RN) who is there only to care for the infant, a doula focuses on the needs of the new mother as well as the newborn. She is there to nurture the mother by offering practical assistance as well as emotional support, enabling you to recover faster and feel more confident in meeting the challenges a new baby brings.

Your doula provides skilled breastfeeding support and guidance in all aspects of newborn care whether that means demonstrating swaddling, bathing and burping techniques or caring for the baby so you can sleep or get some fresh air. She can also tend to practical chores, as time permits, such as shopping, cooking nutritious meals, tidying up, laundry, errands and caring for siblings.

Above all, a doula is a mentor who answers your questions and provides much needed assurance in a gentle, non-judgmental way, allowing you to develop your own unique parenting style. She comes to your home between 3 and 5 hours a day.

How Much Time Will We Need And How Do We Schedule It?

Our clients contract for a minimum of 16 hours to be used 4 hours a day every day or every other day. After the initial 16 hours, you can arrange for extra service at a minimum of 9 hours per week. Some families use a total 16 hours of care, others use 80 hours or more over the entire six week postpartum period. You can start the service when you first return from the hospital, when your mother or baby nurse leaves, or when your partner returns to work. You must use the first sixteen hours within a two week period of time. After that, additional hours must be scheduled by Friday for the following week. If you know you are going to want uninterrupted service for a number of weeks, I recommend that you discuss specific arrangements with me in advance. Otherwise, I cannot guarantee you the same doula each week.

Can I Interview a Doula?

Scheduling requires quite a juggling act as you can imagine. That is why I prefer you to interview your prospective doula by phone rather than in person. It is not always possible to guarantee that the doula you interview will be able to work with you when the time comes because of the uncertainty of "due dates". I have deliberately kept my company small to insure you the best quality of service and I also try to provide my doulas with a steady flow of work. Each woman has been trained by me and has extensive experience as well as many references for you to call. Most of my clients are very satisfied after a phone interview with one or two doulas. We all provide backup for one another when scheduling difficulties arise due to a very early or very late birth. Once you have reserved my doula service, you will be provided with a doula to help you regardless of when your baby arrives.

For information on our rates and how to register for a doula from In A Family Way, please contact me at 212-877-8112 or email me at inafamilyway@kealy.com. For some great feedback from our clients, read through my website.

I look forward to helping you through this amazing and challenging time!

Christine Kealy