F.A.Q

• Doulas are not medical professionals. I will NOT check your cervix, or make medical decisions for you.

• Doulas do not take the place of your partner. I will give your partner the tools to better support you while in labor, as well as take the pressure off of them when unknowns arise.  If this is your first baby, this is both of your first time going through labor.  I can help you know what is normal and what is not/needs to be changed, and guide you through making an informed decision. 

• Doulas are not only for unmedicated births.  I can support whatever your desire is for birth.  I can provide information, as well as make sure you have informed consent during your pregnancy and labor.    

• No! I do not perform any medical tasks.  I will work along side your nurses or medical staff to make sure you are supported and heard.  My goal is for us to be all on the same team giving you the care you deserve.  I will stay with you the whole time while the nurses or other medical staff attend to other patients/duties. 

Research shows that having a doula during pregnancy and labor is linked to a….

• 25% decrease in the risk of Cesarean; the largest effect was seen with a doula (39% decrease)*

• 8% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth; the largest effect was seen with a doula (15% increase)*

• 10% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief; the type of person providing continuous support did not make a difference

• Shorter labors by 41 minutes on average; there is no data on if the type of person providing continuous support makes a difference

• 38% decrease in the baby’s risk of a low five minute Apgar score; there is no data on if the type of person providing continuous support makes a difference

• 31% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience; mothers’ risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience was reduced with continuous support provided by a doula or someone in their social network (family or friend), but not hospital staff

https://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/

The sooner the better! I love to support you with questions to ask your provider.  It’s important to know if your provider is the best fit for the birth that you are wanting.  This also allows for more time to get to know each other.  I love hearing about your appointments, and of course want to be there during any spiraling that may occur during pregnancy.  

Any kind of birth! Hospital, Home, or Birth Center, doesn’t matter the location.  

Unmedicated Birth at home, birth center, or hospital: I will help you decide what your preferences, as well as make a plan about what most comforts you.  I will guide your partner on how best to comfort and support you with postions and comfort measures. 

Epidural Birth at a Hospital:  I can help you into good positions to help your baby continue to move down as well as be there to support you and your partner emotionally, physically, and mentally.  

Cesarean: I will support you in those hours prepping for surgery, as well as your partner.  I will stay with your partner and reassure them during the time waiting to join you in the surgery room.  If your birth place allows me to come into the operating room with you I will be there for encouragement as well as take pictures for you to look back on.  

This is different for every doula! I want to be there as soon as you could use more support.  We will make a plan together of things you can do once labor starts, and once you get through those things and need more, I can be there.