What is a birth doula?

A birth doula is a trained professional who is hired to support a mother before and during her pregnancy and labor. This could look like text and phone support at the time of hire (could be questions around how to ease heartburn or insomnia to “Am I going into labor and when to go to the hospital?) A birth doula is there to support the mother during mostly active and transition phases of labor and for a short time immediately following the birth. This support can look like: hip squeezes, words of affirmation, suggesting different positions, help navigating potential interventions, etc. during labor. Having a doula present at your birth can drastically reduce your rate of intervention and cut your risk of c-section by over 30%.

Don’t doulas and midwives provide the same services?

No. In short, doulas are there to serve and support the mother as she labors. A midwife is there for support but doesn’t always provide hands-on support and comfort measures for the mother. It really depends on where you plan to give birth as well as the provider that you hire as to whether or not they can be as hands on as a doula. Typically doulas and midwives can make for an outstanding birth team as the doula is most focused on the mother and her comfort, which enables the midwife to be most focused on the mother and baby’s safety.

What will support look like when it’s time to go to the hospital?

At 37 weeks, you and I will be touching base regularly via phone and text for the remainder of the pregnancy. You will be giving me updates of any pre-labor signs (we’ll go over these during our prenatal meeting). Once it is looking like you’re in early/active labor, I will start heading towards you. Ideally I will need at least 2 hours from the time you let me know that you need me to get to you.

Do you accept insurance?

No. I do not participate with any insurance providers, however I will provide you with a superbill at the end of services and upon payment. There are some insurance providers who will offer reimbursement for birth AND postpartum doula services.

What if you can’t make it to my birth?

If I cannot make it to your birth which would be in the case of extreme illness (fever above 102), death, accident, etc. I have a team of outstanding backup doulas that are prepped and ready to be by your side to support you. If you go into labor and give birth too quickly for me to get to you in time, I will provide extra postpartum support to you at no additional cost.

What do you typically bring to a birth?

I typically bring the following items to a birth and can try to make adjustments for specific requests:

• A TENS unit

• A massage wand (magical for back labor/contractions)

• A birth comb

• A sweet treat to keep you going (raw honey pack)

• A birth sling/shawl to do some belly lifts and sifting

• A ton of cues and suggestions for positions to try at various stages

• Coaching for your husband (if that is something that would be helpful)

• Knowledge of various interventions and the ability to quickly explain risks vs. rewards

When should I hire a doula?

You can hire a doula as early as 4 weeks! I definitely recommend interviewing a few before you make your final decision.

Why would I need a postpartum doula?

In many hospital settings, mothers will not receive any follow up care (unless they seek it out) for the first 6 weeks following the baby’s birth. A LOT can happen in 6 weeks. It is very helpful to have someone to come and support you during this time, to offer advice where needed, process your birth story, troubleshoot baby/nursing/sleep issues and navigate your own healing. This is a critical time in which many women fall through the cracks at a time when they desperately need support.

*If you decide that you’d like to hire me as both a birth and a postpartum doula for your birth, I would be happy to offer a discount.