Frequently Asked Questions
The Greek word doula means woman who serves. As your doula, we will work with you from the beginning of your pregnancy all the way through your first few weeks postpartum to support all of your non-medical needs in any way you might require. We are here to provide you with non-judgmental support. The most valuable thing we will provide you is continuous one-on-one support so that from the moment you go into labor until you are resting postpartum, you have someone by your side who can provide you with physical, emotional and informational support.
We will help you feel empowered by providing calm, objective, and informative support, so you can make the choices you feel are right for you while respecting your individual birthing and parenting philosophies. Our support will always be non-judgmental; every birthing person deserves the chance to have their preferred birth, and we will support and respect those preferences.
Doulas offer…
Physical support- We will help get you as comfortable as possible during labor using our knowledge and skills regarding breathing techniques, relaxation techniques, positional changes, movement, massage, and other comfort measures. Our job is also to support the partner or other support person(s). This may look like teaching them comfort measures to help you and reminding them to eat, drink, and rest. The more supported your partner is during your labor, the more they can assist with the baby after arrival while you take your well deserved rest. Once the baby arrives, we may help you get comfortable, support and facilitate the feeding of your baby, and answer any questions you may have about your birth, recovery, or infant care.
Educational guidance- We will help you with informed decision making. We will provide evidence-based information and resources so you can make the best decisions for you and your family. Though we cannot make decisions for you, or speak on your behalf, we help you educate and advocate for yourself. We will also be available by phone in the immediate postpartum period to answer any questions you may have and to help point you in the right direction to finding the resources you may need.
Emotional support- We are dedicated to holding space for you and your experience. We will offer encouragement and guidance to both you and your partner. As parents ourselves, we know how important it is to feel heard and valued during your birth and postpartum experience, and one of our jobs is to make sure that happens.
I am under the care of a midwife/midwife team. Do I still need a doula?
Whether your decision is to be under the care of a midwife, OB, General Practitioner in a hospital setting or home birth, a doula is an important member of your birth team. A birth doula offers continuous support. This has been shown to have many benefits including a high reduction in interventions and increased comfort for both the birthing person and their partner. Medical providers are often not able to give continuous support, particularly in a hospital setting.
When should I hire a doula?
It is best to start the interview process as early as possible. Most doulas limit the number of clients that they take, and schedules can fill up quickly. Around the 20-week mark is a great time, but it’s never too late in the pregnancy to consider hiring one. It’s best to interview a few doulas, as each offers their own special “touch”. Get referrals from other parents, social media groups, providers, or other trusted sources. Most doulas offer a free consultation - this is a great, no obligation opportunity to see if you get a good sense that your needs/desires for birth will be met.
How does the role of a doula affect my partner’s role?
Partners and doulas make an awesome team. The partner knows the birthing person (their likes, dislikes, motivations, personality, etc.), and the doula knows the birthing process. The role of the partner is elevated when a doula is involved. A doula may offer suggestions in positions, comfort techniques, movement, etc. but the partner has a deeper knowledge of the birthing person and how to best support her. Partners most commonly report a higher satisfaction in birth when a doula is present.
If I am planning on having a cesarean birth, is it still worth hiring a doula?
Yes. Even in a surgical setting, a doula is there to explain what is happening, guide you though the procedure, and even help you create your personalized birth plan. Your doula will also be there during recovery to help with breastfeeding initiation and bonding. Those that birth via cesarean need just as much support (if not more!) than those that labor and birth vaginally.
Can I still benefit from a doula even if I’m planning on an epidural?
Yes. A doula is beneficial in assisting with any and all births, including a medicated birth. Some expectant parents prefer no pain medications, others want to begin with no medications and reserve the right to change that decision, while others choose a planned medicated birth. A doula’s presence is helpful during early labor and during the epidural placement process. She then continues to care for the parent(s), offering emotional, physical, and informational support. Then when it’s time to deliver the baby, the doula’s assistance and knowledge can be invaluable.
Why are birth outcomes better when doulas are present?
Multiple randomized control studies have found that the presence of a trained doula benefits everyone. The studies have consistently shown that doula care is associated with shorter labors, less use of epidurals and other pain medications, lower episiotomy rates, and lower C-section rates. Research has also shown better clinical outcomes for both the parent and the baby (including fewer admissions to neonatal special care units, better breastfeeding rates, and better family bonding). A doula also provides care for the partner and other family members, and greatly increases a parent’s overall satisfaction with their birthing experience.
How can I ensure that my doula will be available when I go into labor?
You will sign a contract with Katie and Diantha and meet with each of us over the course of your 4 prenatal meetings. We have a call schedule, so depending on who is on call, one of us will be available for your birth. In special circumstances, clients may request one or the other of us to attend their birth. In this instance, we will do our best to accommodate this request.
Will my health insurance pay or reimburse for doula services?
Doula services are usually not covered by insurance. However, some insurance companies will reimburse for doula services as ‘out of network’ care services. Additionally, FSA or HSA may reimburse for doula services.
Should I take a childbirth class or other preparation classes if I plan to hire a doula?
The most satisfying birth experiences happen when you, your partner, and your family are physically, emotionally and mindfully prepared for your pregnancy, labor, and postpartum period. We highly recommend that you take a childbirth class, as well as a breastfeeding/chestfeeding class (if you are planning or interested in breast or chest feeding) in addition to hiring a doula.