Postpartum care for mothers is the least discussed yet most critical area in parenthood. The days and weeks after childbirth—known as “postpartum” in English and "משכב לידה" in Hebrew—are a period of dramatic hormonal, physical, and emotional change. A woman needs professional support, just as she needed a gynecologist during pregnancy. On this page, you’ll find postpartum doulas, private public health nurses, emotional therapists specializing in perinatal depression, and physical recovery coaches.
Services include a wide range: home visits in the first two weeks (maternal care, routine assistance, easing the new mother’s burden), emotional counseling to identify postpartum depression or anxiety, physical support (pelvic floor balance, diastasis recti, fitness recovery), and practical guidance—how to bathe a baby, how to sleep when the baby isn't, how to handle visitors, how to return to intimacy. Some doulas offer overnight packages that allow mothers to sleep 4-6 consecutive hours.
This guidance naturally integrates with doulas and birth companions who supported the birth, with lactation consultants in the first days, and with developmental support and baby massage in the second month. This combination creates a continuous support system that makes the difference between a difficult postpartum period and a meaningful, beneficial transitional time.
At Vanilla Market , every doula presents her training, services, service areas, and prices. Send a message via WhatsApp—most doulas respond within 24-48 hours, and some are available for booking during pregnancy in preparation for birth.
Tips for choosing a professional
Don't forgo support because grandma is coming – grandma isn't a professional, and it's not a substitute.
Book your doula by week 32 – the best ones fill up months in advance.
Choose a doula who also offers overnight stays – continuous sleep is the difference between sanity and depression.
Ask your doula to coordinate a daily 'mom time' with you – 30 minutes alone with coffee is pure gold.
Don't be afraid to talk about negative feelings – a professional doula expects this and won't judge.
Prefer a doula who works in collaboration with a lactation consultant or doula – professional continuity works excellently.
Remember – asking for help is not a weakness, it's parental intelligence.
Frequently asked questions
What is postpartum and when does it end?
Postpartum is the period of recovery and adjustment after childbirth. Medically – 6 weeks. Emotionally and hormonally – 3-6 months. Full adjustment to parenthood – a year. Each stage requires different support.
When should I hire a postpartum doula?
It's recommended to book during pregnancy (weeks 30-36) so the doula is available from day one at home. However, even if you’ve already given birth, you can contact us at any stage, even 8 weeks postpartum.
How much does a postpartum doula cost?
A regular home visit (4-6 daytime hours) costs between 200 ILS to 350 ILS per hour. An overnight package (8-10 hours) costs between 1,200 ILS to 2,000 ILS per night. Weekly packages are cheaper per unit.
How do I know if I have postpartum depression?
Uncontrollable crying lasting more than 2 weeks, disinterest in the baby, dark thoughts, lack of appetite, inability to sleep even when the baby sleeps – these are warning signs. A certified doula will identify them and refer you to an appropriate therapist.
How is a postpartum doula different from a babysitter?
A babysitter cares for the baby. A postpartum doula cares for the mother – she cooks, cleans, bathes the baby so the mother can sleep, listens, identifies depression, and provides parenting guidance. A completely different role.
Does my partner need to be present during home visits?
Not mandatory, but highly recommended for the first 1-2 visits. He learns what to do when the doula isn't there and also receives support – fathers also go through a complex adjustment process.
How do I choose the right doula?
Based on the services you need (day / night / emotional / physical), personal chemistry, availability in your area, and reviews from other mothers who used her services. On Vanilla Market, you can see everything on one profile.