FAQs
Answers to your Questions
I want you to feel safe and sure about everything to do with your birthing experience. Read some frequently asked questions about my business and my services. If you still haven’t found the answer you are looking for, feel free to get in touch with me.
What is a Doula?
A doula is a trained professional who provides continuous, physical, emotional, and informational support to a mother before, during, and after childbirth to help her achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible.
Do you perform any physical examinations?
Doula's do NOT perform tasks such as blood pressure checks, fetal monitoring, or vaginal exams. My role as a doula is one of non-intervention and is non-medical.
How will hiring you affect my partner’s role during the birth?
A doula does not take the place of the partner. In fact, a doula and a partner work in harmony to provide the best possible environment for the mother. I am an extra set of eyes and hands to take care of you, so they can focus more on you, your birth experience, and your baby!
What are your interactions with medical staff like?
My role in hospital settings or with midwives is very welcoming. I do not interfere with any medical persons advice. I can help ensure that non-medical needs are met while enhancing communication and understanding between the couple and the medical staff. Many doctors and nurses appreciate having the extra attention given to their patients and the greater satisfaction provided by the doula assisting them.
Are you certified?
Technically, doula's do not need certification to provide services. However, I am working towards a certification with DONA International. You can learn more about this popular organization here.
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In order to certify, I am required to:
attend a five day workshop with a licensed trainer
receive hours of childbirth education
attend a breastfeeding workshop
read at least 7 required books
attend three birth attendances
write an essay
gather references
& much more!
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Why do I need a doula?
If you are a first-time mom or an experienced mom, having a doula can have great benefits.
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According to a study, doula supported women are:
28% less likely to have a caesarean section
31% less likely to use synthetic oxytocin to speed up labor
9% less likely to use pain medication
34% less likely to rate their childbirth experience negatively
Regardless, it is a huge reassurance to know you have someone on your side and knows what you want from your birth experience.
How can a doula help me if I have an epidural?
Planned or not, whatever you choose for your birth, I will still be there to continue offering physical, emotional, and informational support.
Aren't doula's only used in home births?
No! Doula's can assist in any sort of birth whether it be a home birth, hospital birth, or even c-sections! I do not accept couples who are planning unassisted births (births without a midwife or doctor present). I do not take the place of a medical practitioner.
What if I want a VBAC?
I can totally help you plan that! I will provide you with evidence-based information regarding a VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean) and let you make the best decision for you birth.
What is your payment plan like?
Payments can be made in the form of cash, credit/debit card, CashApp, PayPal, or personal checks.
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In order to book my services, there is a $100 booking fee. The total payment will have to be collected on or before 37 weeks gestation. I do accept payment plans based on what you can afford.
If I cannot attend the birth due to my own error and/or negligence, 100% refund will be given. In the event that I cannot attend the birth, the birth can be attended by a backup doula that we agree upon.
How do you deal with complications at birth?
In a home birth, I can assist with calling 911 for emergency circumstances. I cannot perform any medical tasks in the event of an emergency.
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Regardless of home birth or hospital births, I will be there to help you and support you during a hard time. I can be there to help you get informed consent and an open dialogue with medical staff for procedures.
I’m happy to answer any additional questions.