Question 1

What is a doula? Do I really need one?

Accepted Answer

A doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to their client before, during and shortly after childbirth to help them achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible. Countless scientific trials (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6483123/)examining doula care demonstrate remarkably improved physical and psychological outcomes for both pregnant, birthing, and postpartum people and their baby. Doulas have a positive impact on the well-being of the entire family. You don't necessarily need a doula, but most people want one!

Question 2

What does a doula do- and not do?

Accepted Answer

Doulas nurture and support the birthing person throughout labor and birth. Their essential role is to provide continuous labor support, no matter what decisions the client makes or how they give birth. Importantly, the doula’s role and agenda are tied solely to the birthing person’s agenda. This is also known as primacy of interest. In other words, a doula’s primary responsibility is to the birthing person—not to a hospital administrator, nurse, midwife, or doctor. A doula will focus on providing you with physical, emotional, and informational support throughout your labor. This may look like a labor massage or assisting with water therapy; providing you with reassurance, encouragement, and emotional support; or providing evidence-based information or guidance for decision-making during your birth. Your doula will also help you advocate for your needs and preferences, ensuring that your voice is heard and respected at all times.

A doula is not a medical care provider. We do not offer medical advice or provide clinical treatments, make decisions for you, or pressure you to make a particular choice for your care. Doulas do not take over the role of your partner, nor do we perform clinical tasks like monitoring your blood pressure, checking your baby's heart rate, or catching your baby.

Question 3

Can you still support me if I am delivering in a hospital?

Accepted Answer

YES! While I do believe there should be a doula for everyone who wants one, in my opinion, it's the families in the hospital setting that need doulas the most. If nothing else a doula is an extra set of eyes and ears that make sure you are heard and seen.

Question 4

Can you still support me should I need a C-section?

Accepted Answer

YES! Unbeknownst to most doulas can offer great support to families who will experience a surgical birth. As a doula I can help you prepare for the procedure, find out what preferences you still have like having music played or how much you see and immediate skin-to-skin. I can also make sure your loved ones are kept in the loop and taken care of.

Question 5

Will you still be my doula if I have an elected/scheduled induction?

Accepted Answer

YES! Not only is a doula beneficial for inductions, but sometimes a doula is necessary to help things stay on track and hopefully go according to plan.

Question 6

Will you be there for the whole birth?

Accepted Answer

YES! I am there when you feel you need me and I don’t leave until the baby is out and parents are safe in their room. The only instance where I may step away (briefly) is in the event of a long induction with little to no progress. Even then I am close by, getting rest so I can show up fresh when you will really need me and if need be I will provide a backup doula while I rest.

Question 7

When should we call you?

Accepted Answer

The short answer is, when you feel you need me. I tell all my families to call me the moment they feel they would like extra support. I know what I signed up for and would rather be there too early and reassure you, then arrive too late because you were thinking of my comfort during your big day.

Question 8

Will my partner still be able to help with comfort measures and support during labor?

Accepted Answer

Doulas are just as much for partners as they are for the birthing person. Some common misconceptions include the doula is there to take the place of a partner, or their one and only focus is the birthing person, when that simply isn’t true. On the contrary, doulas are thrilled to see a partner gain confidence and be everything the birthing person needs. Though the doula brings unique skills to supporting the birthing person with various techniques, the ultimate goal of the doula is to support and nurture the family unit as a whole. .

Question 9

What if I choose to have an epidural, or am undecided?

Accepted Answer

Doulas support ALL births. Doulas do not have any agenda and offer non-judgmental support. A doula's job is to help you make choices that are right for you - what those choices end up being are not important, so long as they are yours. Doulas are trained to support all kinds of births - at home, in the hospital, with midwives or doctors, medication free or with pain medication, vaginal or caesarean.

Question 10

BIRTH

Accepted Answer

All packages require a 50% non-refundable retainer, due upon contract signing to reserve your space on my calendar. This retainer will be deducted from your total amount owing.
All fees must be paid in full by 37 weeks of pregnancy and/or before labor support will be provided. Payments are accepted via cash, check, Venmo, Zelle. Please note that services are not available for clients that have not made their final payment support services.

Question 11

POSTPARTUM

Accepted Answer

All packages require a 50% non-refundable retainer, due upon contract signing to reserve your space on my calendar. This retainer will be applied to the end of contracted services. All fees must be paid in full by 38 weeks of pregnancy and/or 24 hours before postpartum support will be provided. Payments are accepted via cash, check, Venmo, Zelle. Please note that services are not available for clients that have not made their final payment support services.

Question 12

BIRTH SUPPORT

Accepted Answer

All packages require a 50% non-refundable retainer, due upon contract signing to reserve your space on my calendar. This retainer will be deducted from your total amount owing.
All fees must be paid in full by 37 weeks of pregnancy and/or before labor support will be provided. Payments are accepted via cash, check, Venmo, Zelle. Please note that services are not available for clients that have not made their final payment support services.

Question 13

POSTPARTUM SUPPORT

Accepted Answer

All packages require a 50% non-refundable retainer, due upon contract signing to reserve your space on my calendar. This retainer will be applied to the end of contracted services.

All fees must be paid in full by 38 weeks of pregnancy and/or 24 hours before postpartum support will be provided. Payments are accepted via cash, check, Venmo, Zelle. Please note that services are not available for clients that have not made their final payment support services.

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