Postnatal doula

New parents, often with no family nearby, plus families with twins, older children or a tough birth recovery.

Hourly rate for scheduled visits or block bookings, such as several half-days a week, and sometimes overnight shifts at a higher rate.

• Patient and reassuring with new parents
• Basic newborn care and safe sleep knowledge
• Practical household help and meal prep
• Knowing when to suggest a GP, midwife or child health nurse

• Doulas are not regulated as health professionals, so stay non-medical and refer to a GP, midwife or child health nurse when needed
• A Working with Children Check is likely to be needed for this work, check with your state or territory authority
• Check which insurance cover (public liability, possibly professional indemnity) suits in-home care of newborns
• Overnight shifts can be tiring, so plan how many you can safely take on
• Be clear about what you will and won't do (such as heavy cleaning) to avoid misunderstandings

Startup costs are typically around $600 to $2,500, depending on your training, insurance and materials. These are estimates, so check your own costs before you begin.

Monthly revenue is typically around $600 to $3,500, depending on how many families you support and the shifts you take. Overnight shifts can be tiring, so plan how many you can safely take on.

Doulas are not regulated as health professionals, so stay non-medical and refer to a GP, midwife or child health nurse when needed. A Working with Children Check is likely to be needed, so check with your state or territory authority, plus insurance.