FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a doula exactly?

A woman who takes care of  you during childbirth! It actually comes from the Greek word “a woman who serves”. It is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.


Isn’t that what a nurse or doctor does?

Actually, no! While doctors and nurses often offer some support for their patients during birth, that isn't their primary role. They are mostly concerned with the physical health of mother and baby. This means they will be checking vital signs, blood pressure, administering any medications, cervical exams, etc. Also, they often have multiple patients at one time which means they aren’t able to stay with the laboring mother around the clock. They will be in and out of the labor and delivery room during the process. A nurses’ shift might also end before you give birth and then you will be assigned a new nurse.  This is why a doula provides continuous care; no matter the time of day!


The medical professionals are there to take care of physical needs (yay!) But this is not the same kind of support a doula offers. While I will be attentive to your physical state and looking for warning signs, I am not a medical care provider. 


So what exactly will you do during my labor?

This depends on what you and your husband/partner needs and I tailor each doula experience to the laboring woman and what she needs and wants. Some things I may do for you: 


How will you interact with the medical staff?

Respectfully! As a person who has several family members and friends in the medical field, I respect the work they do and the expertise they offer. My goal is to come alongside them to serve the pregnant and postpartum women in the community so that they are better able to do their jobs. I strive to not be in their way, to help them in any way I can, and to not be a hindrance. Although part of my role as a doula is to help you advocate for your family in the case of staff not respecting your wishes, I do this with utmost respect.


What if I am planning on having a cesarean birth or epidural?

As a woman who had had a cesarean without a doula- I can only say I wish I had one! 

Doulas can serve women planning for a cesarean by working through any fears they may have going into surgery. By offering emotional support to her and her partner during the surgery and helping to make sure that the general atmosphere in the room is like a ‘typical’ delivery space.  An operating room often feels as cold and sterile as it is supposed to for surgery, but this isn't usually the way we hope to bring our babies into the world! A doula can help to change that. A doula is also able to stay with the mother while the father/partner goes with baby to the nursery if they need to be separated for a little while. I am also able to help facilitate skin to skin immediately after the birth or assist with breastfeeding and recovering after a cesarean birth (which can sometimes be more challenging). 


For the woman who has had an epidural, support is still needed! She often needs help managing her labor pains before she can receive the epidural. Once she gets an epidural, she still needs to move into different positions during labor to assist the baby's descent. This is trickier since typically her movement is much more restricted. However, with a doula there continuously, she helps the mother get into positions that help with this. She also continues to prepare the mother for the upcoming delivery. Even if a woman has had an epidural, she still needs emotional encouragement for the work she is doing. She may have a whole new set of questions about what is ‘normal’ once she feels the epidural take effect. Or in the case when it doesn't take effect like expected- a doula’s role is increased!


What is your philosophy about birth?

I believe birth is a natural event, and that most women who desire to give birth without significant medical interventions are capable of doing so if they have sufficient knowledge and support. I believe that birth can be an empowering experience that allows women to see their bodies with a new appreciation, and I hope to help you achieve that, whether it involves an epidural or not. Things do go wrong, sometimes, and I am so thankful that we have medical interventions that save lives and prevent suffering! I will encourage you to do your research and come to decisions that you believe are best for your family, and I will support you in reaching these goals.


I believe that two of the reasons we have so many cases of traumatic births in this country are because women are not prepared beforehand to cope with the intensity of labor or the decisions involved and they are not experiencing continuous support through labor. Even partners can experience trauma through these experiences. My primary goal as a doula is providing this unfailing support to both a woman and her partner through labor, regardless of their birth preferences. No one should ever feel alone while giving birth!


What If I Still Am Unsure About Needing a Doula?

Email me and we can set up a 20 minute zoom/facetime call and I will answer any lingering questions you may have. One of the most important elements in choosing a doula is finding one you easily connect with. They will be with you in one of the most intimate and vulnerable times of your life so you need to feel comfortable with them. If it isn’t me, that is ok, I can try and recommend other local doulas that may work better for your family. 


What should I do before our first visit?