FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT EXACTLY DOES A BIRTH DOULA DO?
A birth doula provides continuous emotional, physical, and informational support to a person and their partner before, during, and shortly after childbirth. This includes working through fears, practicing coping techniques, advocating for your preferences, and providing evidence-based research should you desire it.
WHAT DOES A BIRTH DOULA NOT DO?
Doulas do not perform any medical tasks or procedures. Doulas leave things like blood pressure readings, pulse-taking, fetal heart checks, vaginal exams, and any other medical procedure to your attending physicians. It is also not a doula’s place to make decisions on your behalf. However, I will absolutely give you the information and tools you might need to make informed decisions during your pregnancy and labor.
SHOULD I HIRE A DOULA IF I HAVE SUPPORTIVE PARTNER(S)?
Resounding “YES!” Having a doula present will be a benefit to both you AND your partner(s). A doula will never be able to replace your partner. A doula will guide your partner to be the best possible support system for you and provide support for both of you as a team during these transformational moments.
WHAT SORT OF BIRTHS DO DOULAS SUPPORT?
It varies from doula to doula. Personally, I will attend births at your home, birth center, or hospital of your choosing. I am happy to support you whether you are preparing for an unmedicated birth, opting for an epidural, planning a Cesarean section, or anything in between!
AT WHAT POINT IN MY PREGNANCY SHOULD I HIRE A DOULA?
The choice is up to you! You can hire a doula as soon as you get a positive pregnancy test, if you like. There is no shame in waiting until later in your pregnancy to hire a doula, but consider that some doulas book up quickly or have fewer openings. You may have more options available if you start the search sooner rather than later.
HOW FAR ARE YOU WILLING TO TRAVEL TO BE MY DOULA?
Currently I am able to travel one hour or 30 miles one way to support clients. If you are birthing outside that radius, you have a few options: I can support you virtually via text, phonecall, and video call; I can recommend a doula in your area; or we can discuss arrangements for me to support you in person. I’m not opposed to traveling outside my range, but we need to have a good plan in place for that to happen.