Frequently Asked Questions
When should I secure a doula?
It's never too early or too late to secure my services, but to make sure we have enough time for your prenatal visits and to get the full benefit of having a doula, it is optimal to hire me by your 3rd trimester. It might be a good idea to secure me soon as you know you want a doula. I do limit how many births I take each month, so you will want to get on the calendar before it's full. The deposit will secure your date on my calendar.
Are doulas just helpful for natural births? What if I want an epidural?
Doulas are strongly encouraged for mothers wanting a natural birth. But they are beneficial with any kind of birth. I am happy to support you in the kind of birth YOU desire. If you would like an epidural, I can help you during labor by encouraging you to last as long as possible without one (if that's what you want) or help you get into positions that will still encourage labor to progress even though you will no longer be mobile. You'll still have all of the emotional support and a wealth of information at your fingertips to help you make the right decisions for you.
My husband/friend/mom will be there, do I still need a doula?
Your husband knows you better than anyone, that's for sure. But there are still LOTS of reasons to hire a doula. I can provide your husband or birth partner with the tools and confidence he/she may need to push through and be your source of strength. That way, they can focus on you completely and not worry about the pressure of handling it on their own. I can help them to know how to support you best or give them a much needed break without worrying about leaving you all alone. Some dads are skeptical about hiring a doula, but afterward, most are very thankful they did! See my Dads & Doulas page for more information.
Where does a doula attend births?
Anywhere! I will come to the hospital, birth center, or your home for a homebirth (provided a midwife will be there for the delivery). If you feel you need my help at home before going to the hospital, I can do that too.
Will a doula be available if I give birth on a holiday?
Starting at 38 weeks gestation, I will be on call for your birth 24/7. This means that I will stay close by and near my phone for your call. If that time includes a holiday, I will still be on call. Prior to that, I will still be available to you. If I have anything planned that might prevent me from attending your birth, I will let you know ahead of time. During that time, my back up doula, whom you can meet, will be on call for you.
Can a doula give me the birth of my dreams?
I wish I could guarantee that, but I can't. Birth is unpredictable and we must be flexible as the situation calls for it. My job is to help make sure you are prepared and support you, no matter the circumstances. I can help you analyze your options if we need to deviate from your birth plan out of medical necessity. However, research does support that those who have a doula present, are more satisfied with their birth experience.
If I have a doula, do I still need to take childbirth classes?
Yes! A doula does not replace childbirth education, but will build on the foundation of education you receive in childbirth classes. I encourage you to take a well-rounded childbirth class that matches the philosophy of birth shared by you and your birth partner. For example, if you desire a natural birth, you will want to seek out a class that reinforces the natural process and emphasizes relaxation and comfort measures. Medicated or unmedicated birth, it's important that you are informed of your options and understand the stages of labor and basic comfort measures!
Will a doula take pictures at my birth?
My first and most important role (the one you are hiring me for) is your doula, so that will be my priority. However, if you are managing well and would like me to snap some shots of you and your husband, I would be happy to do so. Newborn pictures are so special and if I can help in this way I will. Just know that they won't be professional quality. If that is something you're interested in, I can recommend a good birth photographer.
What if I can't afford a doula?
If you're convinced that you want a doula, but are unsure how to pull the finances together, here are some ideas:
It's never too early or too late to secure my services, but to make sure we have enough time for your prenatal visits and to get the full benefit of having a doula, it is optimal to hire me by your 3rd trimester. It might be a good idea to secure me soon as you know you want a doula. I do limit how many births I take each month, so you will want to get on the calendar before it's full. The deposit will secure your date on my calendar.
Are doulas just helpful for natural births? What if I want an epidural?
Doulas are strongly encouraged for mothers wanting a natural birth. But they are beneficial with any kind of birth. I am happy to support you in the kind of birth YOU desire. If you would like an epidural, I can help you during labor by encouraging you to last as long as possible without one (if that's what you want) or help you get into positions that will still encourage labor to progress even though you will no longer be mobile. You'll still have all of the emotional support and a wealth of information at your fingertips to help you make the right decisions for you.
My husband/friend/mom will be there, do I still need a doula?
Your husband knows you better than anyone, that's for sure. But there are still LOTS of reasons to hire a doula. I can provide your husband or birth partner with the tools and confidence he/she may need to push through and be your source of strength. That way, they can focus on you completely and not worry about the pressure of handling it on their own. I can help them to know how to support you best or give them a much needed break without worrying about leaving you all alone. Some dads are skeptical about hiring a doula, but afterward, most are very thankful they did! See my Dads & Doulas page for more information.
Where does a doula attend births?
Anywhere! I will come to the hospital, birth center, or your home for a homebirth (provided a midwife will be there for the delivery). If you feel you need my help at home before going to the hospital, I can do that too.
Will a doula be available if I give birth on a holiday?
Starting at 38 weeks gestation, I will be on call for your birth 24/7. This means that I will stay close by and near my phone for your call. If that time includes a holiday, I will still be on call. Prior to that, I will still be available to you. If I have anything planned that might prevent me from attending your birth, I will let you know ahead of time. During that time, my back up doula, whom you can meet, will be on call for you.
Can a doula give me the birth of my dreams?
I wish I could guarantee that, but I can't. Birth is unpredictable and we must be flexible as the situation calls for it. My job is to help make sure you are prepared and support you, no matter the circumstances. I can help you analyze your options if we need to deviate from your birth plan out of medical necessity. However, research does support that those who have a doula present, are more satisfied with their birth experience.
If I have a doula, do I still need to take childbirth classes?
Yes! A doula does not replace childbirth education, but will build on the foundation of education you receive in childbirth classes. I encourage you to take a well-rounded childbirth class that matches the philosophy of birth shared by you and your birth partner. For example, if you desire a natural birth, you will want to seek out a class that reinforces the natural process and emphasizes relaxation and comfort measures. Medicated or unmedicated birth, it's important that you are informed of your options and understand the stages of labor and basic comfort measures!
Will a doula take pictures at my birth?
My first and most important role (the one you are hiring me for) is your doula, so that will be my priority. However, if you are managing well and would like me to snap some shots of you and your husband, I would be happy to do so. Newborn pictures are so special and if I can help in this way I will. Just know that they won't be professional quality. If that is something you're interested in, I can recommend a good birth photographer.
What if I can't afford a doula?
If you're convinced that you want a doula, but are unsure how to pull the finances together, here are some ideas:
- Ask friends and family to help out - instead of birthday or holiday gifts, they could contribute to your doula fund
- Put it on your baby shower wish list - guests may purchase gift certificates from me for a specified amount
- Forgo eating out or extra splurges to save up the cash over the course of your pregnancy
- Ask me about payment options if finances are keeping you from hiring a doula