Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a doula, exactly?
A: A doula is an individual who has been trained in childbirth and provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to mothers during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. She will, in essence, mother the mother.
Q: What is a doula, exactly?
A: A doula is an individual who has been trained in childbirth and provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to mothers during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. She will, in essence, mother the mother.
Q: How does a doula help me?
A: A doula’s presence can affect mothers in a very positive way. Mothers can have more satisfying birth experiences, a more positive outlook concerning their babies, fewer C-sections, less medical intervention, and experience reduced postpartum depression with a doula. A doula can also have a positive impact on newborns by providing support to the mother that can result in reduced hospital stays, easier breastfeeding, and increased affection for the baby. Doulas also educate and encourage dads/partners on fulfilling the male role in the support of their partner. Doulas can also take on more menial tasks to free up the dads to be more engaged with the pregnancy and birthing process.
Q: How does a doula help me?
A: A doula’s presence can affect mothers in a very positive way. Mothers can have more satisfying birth experiences, a more positive outlook concerning their babies, fewer C-sections, less medical intervention, and experience reduced postpartum depression with a doula. A doula can also have a positive impact on newborns by providing support to the mother that can result in reduced hospital stays, easier breastfeeding, and increased affection for the baby. Doulas also educate and encourage dads/partners on fulfilling the male role in the support of their partner. Doulas can also take on more menial tasks to free up the dads to be more engaged with the pregnancy and birthing process.
Q: What services do you offer?
A: I believe a good and open relationship is important. Therefore, I encourage at least one, 1-2 hour pre-birth meeting to discuss particulars of what I do and what I offer as well as what you may need or expect. I am willing to help develop your birth plan. I will provide informational support throughout your pregnancy. I will be available from the beginning of labor through delivery. I am happy to have a follow-up post-partum visit to discuss your birth. I have specialized training in several areas, all of which are available to you at no extra cost. Those includes the use of a TENS unit, teaching various techniques using Rebozos, the use of a birthing ball, making available for loan my Spinning Babies DVD, and offering breast feeding support immediately after birth.
Q: What services do you offer?
A: I believe a good and open relationship is important. Therefore, I encourage at least one, 1-2 hour pre-birth meeting to discuss particulars of what I do and what I offer as well as what you may need or expect. I am willing to help develop your birth plan. I will provide informational support throughout your pregnancy. I will be available from the beginning of labor through delivery. I am happy to have a follow-up post-partum visit to discuss your birth. I have specialized training in several areas, all of which are available to you at no extra cost. Those includes the use of a TENS unit, teaching various techniques using Rebozos, the use of a birthing ball, making available for loan my Spinning Babies DVD, and offering breast feeding support immediately after birth.
Q: Do I need a doula instead of a midwife? Do you replace the nursing staff?
A: Doulas are not medically trained to perform clinical tasks. She will complement the doctor/midwife’s care by offering comfort and reassurance. She can enhance communication between mom and the medical staff, but will not make any decisions for you, medical or otherwise.
Q: Do I need a doula instead of a midwife? Do you replace the nursing staff?
A: Doulas are not medically trained to perform clinical tasks. She will complement the doctor/midwife’s care by offering comfort and reassurance. She can enhance communication between mom and the medical staff, but will not make any decisions for you, medical or otherwise.
Q: How often can I get in touch with you?
A: You are welcome to call, text, or email anytime you have a question, concern, or just need a little support.
Q: How often can I get in touch with you?
A: You are welcome to call, text, or email anytime you have a question, concern, or just need a little support.
Q: How long are you willing to stay during labor?
A: I will be with you from the beginning of labor until you have delivered your baby. I will stay 1-2 hours post birth to help you settle into your room and establish breastfeeding.
Q: How long are you willing to stay during labor?
A: I will be with you from the beginning of labor until you have delivered your baby. I will stay 1-2 hours post birth to help you settle into your room and establish breastfeeding.
Q: Will a doula keep me from using medication/getting an epidural?
A: Regardless of the decisions you make during labor, I am there to support you. If you decide you want an epidural or some kind of pain medication, I will support your decision. If you ask for information, I will be happy to provide the information that pertains directly to your situation.
Q: Will a doula keep me from using medication/getting an epidural?
A: Regardless of the decisions you make during labor, I am there to support you. If you decide you want an epidural or some kind of pain medication, I will support your decision. If you ask for information, I will be happy to provide the information that pertains directly to your situation.
Q: What happens if, for some reason, you can’t make the birth?
A: If I do not make it to your birth because of precipitous labor, I will refund my fee minus the deposit. If I miss because of my error, I will refund the entire amount.
Q: What happens if, for some reason, you can’t make the birth?
A: If I do not make it to your birth because of precipitous labor, I will refund my fee minus the deposit. If I miss because of my error, I will refund the entire amount.
Q: Do I need a doula if my baby is born by Cesarean?
A: Yes. A mother having a Cesarean section has a unique need for support. A doula can comfort and reassure mom while dad takes pictures. She may hold mom’s hand while dad holds baby. Many times a mother goes to a recovery room while dad and baby head to the nursery. A doula may remain with the mom to give updates and keep her company.
Q: Do I need a doula if my baby is born by Cesarean?
A: Yes. A mother having a Cesarean section has a unique need for support. A doula can comfort and reassure mom while dad takes pictures. She may hold mom’s hand while dad holds baby. Many times a mother goes to a recovery room while dad and baby head to the nursery. A doula may remain with the mom to give updates and keep her company.
Q: Can I call you after the birth with questions?
A: Absolutely! I look forward to being a support to the new family. I can share resources, give information, and offer reassurance to new moms.
Q: Can I call you after the birth with questions?
A: Absolutely! I look forward to being a support to the new family. I can share resources, give information, and offer reassurance to new moms.