Frequently Asked Questions:
Why would I want a Doula?
*Well, why wouldn’t you?!... Studies have shown significant benefits such as fewer medical interventions i.e. shortened labor, and better mother-baby bonding. A doula has a few prenatal visits to meet with you and your partner to get a better understanding of your birth plan and whether or not you need extra childbirth information that she can provide. Also, a doula provides continuous (never leave your side) support during labor, because a doula works for you, not the hospital!
“If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it." John H. Kennell, MD
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Will having a Doula interfere with my partners involvement in the birth?
* A doula is there to support you and anyone else you would like present on your big day! Sometimes birth partners are overwhelmed and need a little coaching as well, a doula can be there to take over when your partner is tired, or can teach them a few things to help you along, and to make your memories even more special!
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Will my doula force her “ideal birth” on me?
*A doula’s job is to support YOUR ideal birth plans and to give you the information you need to make informed decisions about your birth.
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What “comfort” services does a doula provide?
*A doula is trained to provide non-medical comfort measures, alternative pain management i.e. acupressure, birth positions, birth ball techniques, hydrotherapy... and also a piece of mind, that you have made the informed decisions leading up to the birth of your little miracle.
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What if I have an epidural or cesarean section?
*A doula can still of use even with an epidural, because epidurals tend to slow labor a doula is trained with techniques to help reduce the risk of stopping labor progression.
*Doula’s can also be of use in the case of a c-section. Most of the time after the baby is born the partner accompanies the baby to the nursery; leaving mom all alone, which can be scary! In this case, your doula may come in and take the dad’s place, so you aren’t alone.
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How does a doula work with the hospital staff?
*A doula is trained to work along with your health care providers. After all our goals are the same, to keep Mom and Baby healthy! ..Keep in mind also, a doula will never make decisions for you, or speak on your behalf.
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Why should I pay for a professional doula?
*Paying a doula will guarantee that she is available 24 hours a day for two weeks before and two weeks after your “due date”. This fee will also cover your prenatal and postnatal sessions!
How can I pay for a doula?
*Either you can treat yourself to a doula, or you can list a doula services on your baby registry and let a few of your friends or family chip in and pay your doula fee for you!
______________________________________
How should I go about hiring a doula?
*Keep in mind not all doulas are created equally! It is very important to find the right one for YOU. Here are some questions you can ask:
Why did you decide to become a doula?
What is your philosophy of birth and supporting women and their partners?
What is your favorite thing about being a doula? Your least favorite?
Have you been certified as a doula? When? By whom?
How long have you been a doula?
How many births have you attended?
How many clients do you take on per month?
How can I contact you?
What do your services include?
What services do you provide or not provide?
Do you have a back-up doula? Can I meet her before the birth?
What is your fee structure?
Can you provide references?
When do you join us in labor?
Where do you join us in labor?
Why would I want a Doula?
*Well, why wouldn’t you?!... Studies have shown significant benefits such as fewer medical interventions i.e. shortened labor, and better mother-baby bonding. A doula has a few prenatal visits to meet with you and your partner to get a better understanding of your birth plan and whether or not you need extra childbirth information that she can provide. Also, a doula provides continuous (never leave your side) support during labor, because a doula works for you, not the hospital!
“If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it." John H. Kennell, MD
__________________________________________
Will having a Doula interfere with my partners involvement in the birth?
* A doula is there to support you and anyone else you would like present on your big day! Sometimes birth partners are overwhelmed and need a little coaching as well, a doula can be there to take over when your partner is tired, or can teach them a few things to help you along, and to make your memories even more special!
__________________________________________
Will my doula force her “ideal birth” on me?
*A doula’s job is to support YOUR ideal birth plans and to give you the information you need to make informed decisions about your birth.
___________________________________________
What “comfort” services does a doula provide?
*A doula is trained to provide non-medical comfort measures, alternative pain management i.e. acupressure, birth positions, birth ball techniques, hydrotherapy... and also a piece of mind, that you have made the informed decisions leading up to the birth of your little miracle.
___________________________________________
What if I have an epidural or cesarean section?
*A doula can still of use even with an epidural, because epidurals tend to slow labor a doula is trained with techniques to help reduce the risk of stopping labor progression.
*Doula’s can also be of use in the case of a c-section. Most of the time after the baby is born the partner accompanies the baby to the nursery; leaving mom all alone, which can be scary! In this case, your doula may come in and take the dad’s place, so you aren’t alone.
_________________________________________
How does a doula work with the hospital staff?
*A doula is trained to work along with your health care providers. After all our goals are the same, to keep Mom and Baby healthy! ..Keep in mind also, a doula will never make decisions for you, or speak on your behalf.
_________________________________________
Why should I pay for a professional doula?
*Paying a doula will guarantee that she is available 24 hours a day for two weeks before and two weeks after your “due date”. This fee will also cover your prenatal and postnatal sessions!
How can I pay for a doula?
*Either you can treat yourself to a doula, or you can list a doula services on your baby registry and let a few of your friends or family chip in and pay your doula fee for you!
______________________________________
How should I go about hiring a doula?
*Keep in mind not all doulas are created equally! It is very important to find the right one for YOU. Here are some questions you can ask:
Why did you decide to become a doula?
What is your philosophy of birth and supporting women and their partners?
What is your favorite thing about being a doula? Your least favorite?
Have you been certified as a doula? When? By whom?
How long have you been a doula?
How many births have you attended?
How many clients do you take on per month?
How can I contact you?
What do your services include?
What services do you provide or not provide?
Do you have a back-up doula? Can I meet her before the birth?
What is your fee structure?
Can you provide references?
When do you join us in labor?
Where do you join us in labor?