Every new parent
needs a little support!
Blog
Important, please read
I will not be working with new clients for the months of July, August, and possibly September. My husband is being treated for cancer and I am unable to provide the same level of undivided attention to my doula families until we have clearer answers.
Meeting the Needs of Your new family
Are you in search of an overnight doula, ‘night nurse’, or Newborn Care Specialist?
Soon, I will be rebranding as "The Softest Landing". My care has evolved into a more comprehensive approach to supporting the whole family with intensive care in the first weeks, then adapting to the family's needs as baby develops sleep skills and parents grow in confidence. I do not work 2-4 nights a week, but generally books weeks or months with plans weaning away from nightly support down to 2 nights a week as families learn to thrive on their own .
My style works well with CARROT families as I can provide 42 straight nights, although I do recommend weaning down from nightly care after the initial weeks provided by CARROT.
About Meri
I've been a stay at home mother to two children who are now 17 and 21. My husband, children, two cats, a dog, and I have lived in Seattle's Queen Anne neighborhood for over a decade.
Even as a small child, one would find me at family functions carrying around babies. I babysat all through high school for children as young as just a few days. I was a live-in nanny for several years after high school. Starting in 1999, I earned a four-year degree in early childhood development, sociology, and anthropology from Pace University in New York City. During that time, I worked for several families who all had babies around the same time. I didn't realize then that my love for being helpful in these early weeks and months, commonly known as the Fourth Trimester, could be an extension of my lifelong interest in people, families, babies, etc.
I'll bring in a veritable bag of tips, tricks, experience, support, and advice to help ease these transitions. With my extensive training with DONA and Newborn Care Solutions, I can help you start off your baby's life journey in a smooth way. I am passionate about breastfeeding. However, I'll be there to help with whatever feeding choices your family makes.
The image to the left is my youngest and me learning to be a breastfeeding couple. She and I were a bonded pair until she was nearly 4!
Booking
Availability:
I support one family at a time, providing intensive overnight care for the first 2-3 weeks. My clients and I slowly reduce overnights per week until parents are confident with their ability to care for their little one overnight.
I am currently booked through the mid-July and will be taking off August. My schedule is open for families with babies arriving in September and beyond.
Inquire through my contact form to schedule a visit in your home. I look forward to connecting with you and your growing family in a 30 minute complimentary meet and greet.
Last updated: 06/17/2025
I support one family at a time, providing intensive overnight care for the first 2-3 weeks. My clients and I slowly reduce overnights per week until parents are confident with their ability to care for their little one overnight.
I am currently booked through the mid-July and will be taking off August. My schedule is open for families with babies arriving in September and beyond.
Inquire through my contact form to schedule a visit in your home. I look forward to connecting with you and your growing family in a 30 minute complimentary meet and greet.
Last updated: 06/17/2025
Testimonials
Overnight BLiss
I've come to truly love being an overnight doula or 'night nanny' as we are known in some areas of the world. Beginning in the very early days after birth, I bring to a client's home a rested body and mind to take over the care of the newborn so parents can rest easy knowing their little one has someone ready to tend to their needs.
My personal approach to supporting my doula clients is based on building a mutually trusting and respectful relationship. I am a professional doula, but I like to engage with my clients in a way that helps them to see me as a person who genuinely wants to be there with them and their baby. I prefer to liken myself to a much loved aunt or mother-in-law who comes in and offers a listening ear, a kind heart, and the occasional anecdote about my own family. I do not judge, and will communicate with you about your needs.
In order to continue providing the exemplary care that I do, it's important to note that overnight doulas are expected to rest when the baby rests, always being alert to the needs of the newborn. This is standard practice to help ensure that on nights that anyone needs a bit extra attention, I am able to be that support.
My personal approach to supporting my doula clients is based on building a mutually trusting and respectful relationship. I am a professional doula, but I like to engage with my clients in a way that helps them to see me as a person who genuinely wants to be there with them and their baby. I prefer to liken myself to a much loved aunt or mother-in-law who comes in and offers a listening ear, a kind heart, and the occasional anecdote about my own family. I do not judge, and will communicate with you about your needs.
In order to continue providing the exemplary care that I do, it's important to note that overnight doulas are expected to rest when the baby rests, always being alert to the needs of the newborn. This is standard practice to help ensure that on nights that anyone needs a bit extra attention, I am able to be that support.
F.A.Q
What are your fees?
Standard Overnight
$65 per hour with a minimum of 8 hours per night.
When baby(s) and parents are resting peacefully and basic tasks like bottle washing and stocking baby supplies, I will rest. If baby is awake and fussing or parents are in need of support, I'm here to support and help as long as that's needed. I am a light sleeper and will awaken at your baby's first grunts or squeaks. This is the customary level of service for an overnight doula.
Awake Care and Multiples
$75 per hour when the client prefers that I remain awake during the night.
More than one baby requires a staggered schedule to ensure each baby receives personalized attention, is hand fed and diapered while siblings are sleeping, and will hopefully be calm and quiet to make sure parents get as much seep as possible.
East side travel and Tolls
There will be a $15 surcharge for travel time and tolls for each night. If you have electric car charging available, I will reduce this fee to $10.
$65 per hour with a minimum of 8 hours per night.
When baby(s) and parents are resting peacefully and basic tasks like bottle washing and stocking baby supplies, I will rest. If baby is awake and fussing or parents are in need of support, I'm here to support and help as long as that's needed. I am a light sleeper and will awaken at your baby's first grunts or squeaks. This is the customary level of service for an overnight doula.
Awake Care and Multiples
$75 per hour when the client prefers that I remain awake during the night.
More than one baby requires a staggered schedule to ensure each baby receives personalized attention, is hand fed and diapered while siblings are sleeping, and will hopefully be calm and quiet to make sure parents get as much seep as possible.
East side travel and Tolls
There will be a $15 surcharge for travel time and tolls for each night. If you have electric car charging available, I will reduce this fee to $10.
Do you provide medical advice or care?
I can tell you when things seem normal or expected. If you or your baby are showing concerning signs, or you're worried about something, I will direct you to seek the care of your doctor.
With direct instruction from our health care provider and a liability waiver from you, I am comfortable with assisting with tube feeding and other similar care that can be entrusted to parents.
With direct instruction from our health care provider and a liability waiver from you, I am comfortable with assisting with tube feeding and other similar care that can be entrusted to parents.
Do you have a contract?
Yes, I do have a contract that covers most client engagements.
In the event that I'm covering/filling in for another doula, no contract is needed. Payment is required within 48 hours of me working with your family.
If you are contacting me after your baby is born, this usually indicates you've reached a moment where things are overwhelming and you need support right away. As a courtesy, I may work one 4-8 hour shift prior to payment arrangements or signing a contract.
If we are planning in the prenatal period, we'll agree to a contract and a 50% retainer fee in order to secure the future time for your family when the baby is born. This is common practice. All funds remain with Meri Hoover, Postpartum Doula LLC until I begin working with your family. In rare, unexpected circumstances, I can refund your retainer in full. This is up to my discretion.
I will continue to speak with potential clients until I have received a contract and retainer for given dates/times. It is not my goal to aggressively push my services onto potential clients; I really do wish to work with families that appreciate my style. However, my schedule does fill quickly making it impossible for me to guarantee that I can hold time for you if you're unsure about your needs.
In the event that I'm covering/filling in for another doula, no contract is needed. Payment is required within 48 hours of me working with your family.
If you are contacting me after your baby is born, this usually indicates you've reached a moment where things are overwhelming and you need support right away. As a courtesy, I may work one 4-8 hour shift prior to payment arrangements or signing a contract.
If we are planning in the prenatal period, we'll agree to a contract and a 50% retainer fee in order to secure the future time for your family when the baby is born. This is common practice. All funds remain with Meri Hoover, Postpartum Doula LLC until I begin working with your family. In rare, unexpected circumstances, I can refund your retainer in full. This is up to my discretion.
I will continue to speak with potential clients until I have received a contract and retainer for given dates/times. It is not my goal to aggressively push my services onto potential clients; I really do wish to work with families that appreciate my style. However, my schedule does fill quickly making it impossible for me to guarantee that I can hold time for you if you're unsure about your needs.
Are you vaccinated?
I am currently fully vaccinated for COVID-19: My vaccine dates are 1/9/21, 2/6/21, 11/3/2021, and bivalent vaccine 9/10/2022.
I have the standard slate of other vaccines like tDap and Hepatitis A and B. I also received my annual flu vaccine 9/10/2023.
I have the standard slate of other vaccines like tDap and Hepatitis A and B. I also received my annual flu vaccine 9/10/2023.
What are your safety precautions regarding illness?
At the first sign of any cold-like symptoms I use an at home test to ensure that I am not infected with COVID-19.
I only work with clients who are fully vaccinated and in homes in which all eligible residents are vaccinated.
In the event of sickness on the part of my families, I request open, honest disclosure. I often work with two families at a time, and prefer to protect those families from exposure to possible contagions.
I only work with clients who are fully vaccinated and in homes in which all eligible residents are vaccinated.
In the event of sickness on the part of my families, I request open, honest disclosure. I often work with two families at a time, and prefer to protect those families from exposure to possible contagions.
How does billing and payment work?
For clients that arrange for care prior to birth, I will collect a retainer of 50% of the total cost in order to hold the agreed upon hours for your family. This money will be set aside until I begin working with your family. Hours will be deducted from this retainer as they are used.
Once the initial retainer is exhausted, or for care arranged after birth, you will receive a bill on the first of each month for hours worked.
Once the initial retainer is exhausted, or for care arranged after birth, you will receive a bill on the first of each month for hours worked.
Can I change the schedule we agreed upon after my baby arrives?
Once your baby arrives, the plans we laid out (for example, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 am - 3 pm) will begin as scheduled. My schedule is generally booked well in advance. I try to be flexible, however it's unlikely I will have additional time if I'm contracted with multiple families.
What if I can't cover your fees?
Having a doula should not be a luxury. I set aside some time each month to help families who do not have the financial means to cover my fees. Please don't hesitate to contact me about this. I may be willing to work for a reduced rate or without charge depending on your circumstances. I simply request that you're honest with yourself and with me.
Do I pay tax on your services?
No, I am employed by Meri Hoover, Postpartum Doula LLC. I am a contractor for your family and am responsible for all taxes and liability insurance.
There is no sales tax on postpartum doula services.
There is no sales tax on postpartum doula services.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Zelle and Venmo are ideal for me, as it helps both my clients and me to avoid fees.
I can accept Zelle payment, but there are limits from bank to bank for transfers. This may not work for your retainer.
I can accept Zelle payment, but there are limits from bank to bank for transfers. This may not work for your retainer.
Can we use Carrot for your services?
YES!
I am certified with NAPS, carry liability insurance, and am CPR certified. I have successfully worked with Carrot, and will be able to complete your Carrot forms for reimbursement after I have received payment.
I am certified with NAPS, carry liability insurance, and am CPR certified. I have successfully worked with Carrot, and will be able to complete your Carrot forms for reimbursement after I have received payment.
Where will you travel for work?
I prefer to work within approximately 10 miles of Queen Anne--Phinney Ridge, Magnolia, Fremont, Queen Anne, Westlake, Eastlake, Green Lake, Ballard, Northgate, Columbia City, Montlake, Central District, Madrona, West Seattle, etc.
I am open to a longer commute, but require a $15 fee to cover tolls and additional fuel cost. If you have an electric car charger, I can reduce this fee to $10 to cover you cost to charge my hybrid battery.
I am open to a longer commute, but require a $15 fee to cover tolls and additional fuel cost. If you have an electric car charger, I can reduce this fee to $10 to cover you cost to charge my hybrid battery.
What is the 'Fourth Trimester'?
The 4th trimester is the 12 weeks after a child is born. This can be adjusted for premature babies, though. By the 12th week, it will be time for us to ease out of our working relationship. As a doula, I strive to work myself out of a job by helping you to build skills and confidence in parenting.
Do you provide sibling care?
No. My primary focus is on keeping the household running smoothly, supporting and educating the new parents, and caring for the new baby when parents rest, shower, etc. I adore small children. However, sibling care is not within my scope of practice.
I'm having a baby through adoption or surrogacy. Can you still help me?
Absolutely! My job is to help new parents get to know their baby. The first 12 weeks are a huge adjustment for every parent and I'm happy to help families of all types!
What should I expect from an overnight shift?
A typical overnight looks like this:
* I arrive and thoroughly wash my hands, sanitize my phone with sanitizing wipes, and put on my indoor sneakers if needed.
* Parents and I touch base on how the day has gone. If breastfeeding is established, I encourage a last nursing/pumping before sending parents off to bed and make a plan for pumping or bringing baby for feeding. Baby and I say goodnight to parents.
*If baby is sleeping, I will take care of dishes and bottles that may have built up during the day, prep formula for the next 24 hours, and portion pumped milk.
*If time permits, I will wash, dry, and fold a single load of baby laundry back into a basket or organize on a flat surface for putting away. If you have time during the day to wash and dry laundry, I can fold up to 2 loads that are already clean and dried.
*Feeding:
If nursing, I will bring baby to parents to feed. I can provide assistance with latching, positioning, etc. I'll ensure that drinks and snacks are available. I can remain on hand to burp the baby and change diapers between sides. If you prefer, I will take this time to freshen up, have a snack myself, etc.
If bottle feeding, I will learn your baby's patterns and make my best effort to get ahead of a feed and have milk warm/ready when they awaken to eat. This limits noise from baby that may disturb parents' sleep. It also helps with reducing the time that a baby is exposed to stimuli that may inhibit the development good sleep patterns.
If you're pumping during the night, we will designate a place near your bedroom for you to place your milk and pump parts. I will retrieve these items, bottle up feedings for your baby, wash pumps parts, and return them to the designated place.
*When these tasks are completed, I will rest nearby where the baby is resting. I do not require a bed, a sofa is sufficient. I am a light sleeper, and will awaken upon the lightest noise.
*At the end of my shift, I will either drop baby off in parents' room for a nursing, or feed, change, and tuck baby into their bed in your or their room to maximize your rest. Of course, every family has different traditions, so, this may vary.
* I arrive and thoroughly wash my hands, sanitize my phone with sanitizing wipes, and put on my indoor sneakers if needed.
* Parents and I touch base on how the day has gone. If breastfeeding is established, I encourage a last nursing/pumping before sending parents off to bed and make a plan for pumping or bringing baby for feeding. Baby and I say goodnight to parents.
*If baby is sleeping, I will take care of dishes and bottles that may have built up during the day, prep formula for the next 24 hours, and portion pumped milk.
*If time permits, I will wash, dry, and fold a single load of baby laundry back into a basket or organize on a flat surface for putting away. If you have time during the day to wash and dry laundry, I can fold up to 2 loads that are already clean and dried.
*Feeding:
If nursing, I will bring baby to parents to feed. I can provide assistance with latching, positioning, etc. I'll ensure that drinks and snacks are available. I can remain on hand to burp the baby and change diapers between sides. If you prefer, I will take this time to freshen up, have a snack myself, etc.
If bottle feeding, I will learn your baby's patterns and make my best effort to get ahead of a feed and have milk warm/ready when they awaken to eat. This limits noise from baby that may disturb parents' sleep. It also helps with reducing the time that a baby is exposed to stimuli that may inhibit the development good sleep patterns.
If you're pumping during the night, we will designate a place near your bedroom for you to place your milk and pump parts. I will retrieve these items, bottle up feedings for your baby, wash pumps parts, and return them to the designated place.
*When these tasks are completed, I will rest nearby where the baby is resting. I do not require a bed, a sofa is sufficient. I am a light sleeper, and will awaken upon the lightest noise.
*At the end of my shift, I will either drop baby off in parents' room for a nursing, or feed, change, and tuck baby into their bed in your or their room to maximize your rest. Of course, every family has different traditions, so, this may vary.
Why choose an individual doula over an agency?
Hiring one doula prior to your baby's arrival allows for the development of an in-depth understanding of your goals. This allows parents to build a connection with the person who will be sharing particularly intimate moments. A single doula is likely to learn a baby's individual preferences, patterns, and personality which can aid in sleep conditioning, helping parents with soothing techniques that work for their baby, and supporting a baby's emotional development with predictability and consistency.
Some families choose 7-night-a-week care in which 2-3 doulas share the task of supporting a family. This team is in contact with each other regularly, shares any new observations or discoveries about the baby they're working with, and work together to problem solve ways to help with a family's goals. All doulas have their own contracts and receive all of the hourly rate you're paying.
Agencies can be great--particularly when new parents are caught off guard by the trials they experience after bringing home a new baby. They can almost always get a doula lined up for immediate support. They do offer vetted, capable, and often certified postpartum doulas who will help parents the sleep they are desperate for!
Some families choose 7-night-a-week care in which 2-3 doulas share the task of supporting a family. This team is in contact with each other regularly, shares any new observations or discoveries about the baby they're working with, and work together to problem solve ways to help with a family's goals. All doulas have their own contracts and receive all of the hourly rate you're paying.
Agencies can be great--particularly when new parents are caught off guard by the trials they experience after bringing home a new baby. They can almost always get a doula lined up for immediate support. They do offer vetted, capable, and often certified postpartum doulas who will help parents the sleep they are desperate for!
Do you provide awake care?
I am able provide awake care for clients who book for 4-7 consecutive nights. This means I will remain nocturnal throughout our contracted time.
Some families prefer to have this service for the initial 2-3 weeks until they're more comfortable with me resting when the baby does. I do not limit this, though.
The fee for this care is $75/hr with an 8 hour minimum.
Some families prefer to have this service for the initial 2-3 weeks until they're more comfortable with me resting when the baby does. I do not limit this, though.
The fee for this care is $75/hr with an 8 hour minimum.
I would love to hear from you!
Please feel free to reach out. I'd love to tell you more. Your contact information will not be shared for any reason.