+ What type of training do doulas have?

Doulas are not officially required to complete training, however I have attended in total over 100 hours of training, mentoring, and testing. I love and believe in education. I am officially trained in childbirth and postpartum doula care by DONA International, and as a childbirth and bereavement specialist by Stillbirthday. I complete ongoing professional development to ensure that I have the best education possible to then provide the best care possible

+ Why should I use a doula?

Evidence-based birth studies have shown that the use of a doula can result in:

• 31% decrease in the use of Pitocin
• 28% decrease in the risk of C-section
• 12% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth
• 9% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief
• 14% decrease in the risk of newborns being admitted to a special care nursery
• 34% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience

A doula is there to provide individualized and intentional care for mama, baby, and partner (if present). A doula is there to anticipate needs and come up with educated and informed ideas to enhance the birthing experience. Bringing life into the world is an intensely personal and special experience. It is the doula’s job to help create your ideal environment, nurture your chosen birth team, and together safeguard connecting with baby and body.

+ What tools can I expect to be used with a doula?

Birth (much like most things) is an incredibly personal experience. In prenatal appointments leading up to mama’s due date, we discuss what types of things will provide comfort and what types of things to avoid. Common tools I bring to most births include a massage ball, cold/hot packs, a birthing ball, acupressure tools, massage oil/lotion, and if a client elects to do so, aromatherapy and TENS unit.

+ Is a doula still helpful for a hospital birth? What can they do in a hospital setting?

Yes! Doulas can be a great addition to a hospital birth. Regardless of whether a mama chooses to get an epidural, a doula can help mama and her partner to find a rhythm to labor, minimize distractions, and provide appropriate comfort depending on hospital policies and physical restrictions (such as epidurals or IV’s). There are generally multiple hours of labor before an epidural is administered and a doula can be a great help before then as well as help mom keep moving safely after epidural to help baby get into optimal positioning. There are many options that are up for discussion during prenatals for how I can best help in a hospital setting.

+ What is the difference between a midwife and a doula?

A midwife's role is a medical role that consists of consistent prenatal and postnatal care. A doula is an educated member of a birth team whose sole duty is to provide emotional and minor physical support to the birthing family through labor and postpartum. A midwife has been trained to perform medical duties in birth such as administer IV’s, vaginal exams, monitor mother/baby's health throughout pregnancy and labor, catch the baby, administer sutures, and perform immediate postpartum care, amongst a vast list of others capabilities. A doula does not have any official medical training unless otherwise signified and if medical duties are performed- the doula is performing out of scope and can/should be reported.

+ Do I have to choose between my doula and my partner? How can you help my partner support me?

Absolutely not! Doulas are trained to enhance the experience and role of the partner in a prenatal and postnatal setting as well as at the birth itself. Doulas serve the family, not just the mama. What I like to say is that doulas can support a partner where and when they can support their partners, and where and when they can’t, doulas can fill the gaps and bring in new ideas and strategies.

+ I don’t think I can afford a doula but I still want one. What can I do?

There are many options for every woman who wants a doula. Though my services have a base rate, I offer payment plans, a sliding scale, and individualized plans based on my customers’ capabilities. The motto of the organization I am trained by, DONA International, is “A doula for every woman that wants one.” I believe in this firmly and intend on making myself as available as possible to every client who approaches me. I also work in tandem with the Joy in Birthing Foundation, where expecting and new mothers can apply for a pro bono birth or postpartum doula, which is another option.

+ How long can a postpartum doula stay with my family?

Generally postpartum doulas are most helpful and utilized for the first 12 weeks of a baby's life. There is flexibility and every doula is different. My services are generally exclusive to the first 12 weeks, but occasional supplemental care is available in the following months.

+ How can a postpartum doula help me and my partner come into our new role as parents?

There is too long of a list to explain every benefit of a postpartum doula. Postpartum doulas have a wealth of information pertaining to the first weeks of a baby's life and the adjustments the parents and siblings (if present) must make in those first few weeks. Postpartum care might include but is not limited to: watching the baby while parents nap, bathe, or spend time with other children, prepare food for the family, basic breastfeeding support, basic household chores, and night time care (feeding, changing diapers, soothing).

+ What are the hours a postpartum doula can work?

There are no specific hours a postpartum doula should or shouldn’t work, and can or can’t work. Depending on the family and a preliminary meeting with the doula, a plan can be made and determined based on each individual family's needs. Day shifts are generally either 5-8 hours and night shifts are generally 8-12 hours