Frequently Asked Questions

 A doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to a mother before, during, and shortly after childbirth to help her achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible

Doulas provide various forms of support including:

• Emotional support: Offering reassurance, encouragement, and a calming presence.
• Physical support: Helping with comfort measures such as breathing techniques, massage, and positioning.
• Informational support: Providing information about childbirth, interventions, and postpartum care to help parents make informed decisions.
• Advocacy: Helping the mother communicate her preferences and needs to the medical team

• Shorter labors with fewer complications.
• Reduced need for interventions such as cesareans, epidurals, and pain medication.
• Increased satisfaction with the birth experience.
• Lower rates of postpartum depression.

•  A midwife is a medical professional who can provide clinical care during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. A doula does not provide medical care but focuses on emotional and physical support and information.

•   It's beneficial to hire a doula early in your pregnancy to build a relationship and ensure they are available for your due date. However, you can hire a doula at any point, even late in pregnancy. 

•    A doula works alongside your partner, enhancing their role by providing support, suggestions, and reassurance. They can help your partner understand what’s happening and suggest ways to be involved, making the experience positive for both of you. 

•     A doula provides support regardless of how your birth unfolds. If your plan changes, they will help you navigate the new circumstances, offering continuous support, information, and comfort measures to help you adapt and feel empowered. 

•  No, doulas do not make decisions for you. They provide information and support to help you make informed choices, but all decisions are ultimately yours and made in consultation with your healthcare provider.  

•   Most doulas work in teams or have backup arrangements with other doulas to ensure you have support if they are unavailable. It’s important to discuss backup plans during your initial meetings. 

I attend all types of births including home births, birth center births, and hospital births.

I do not accept insurance, but I do take HSA/FSA