COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS A DOULA?
A doula is a professionally trained support person who helps with labor, birth, and postpartum. Doulas are there with you through your whole journey...even if it is a 28 hour birth. Dedicated support - emotionally, mentally, & physically. We support your choices and help you have the birth you envision and deserve. We are there to support and advocate your choices!
ARE YOU OFFERING VIRTUAL SUPPORT?
Yes! Virtual support is still extremely beneficial right now. I am available for support via text, phone, video conference, and email for labor, postpartum, and infant feeding support that you may need during COVID-19.
DOES A DOULA REPLACE NURSING STAFF OR MIDWIFE?
Doulas are considered birth workers but do not replace the role of a nurse/Midwive/OB. Midwives & Doctors are medically trained to provide care like prenatal care, vaginal checks, & birth babies!Â
It is not the scope of the doula to provide any medical related advice or replace the role of any nursing or primary care physicians.
I KNOW I WANT AN EPIDURAL, SHOULD I HIRE A DOULA?
There are SO many things a doula can help with when the birthing person wants an epidural. I can help with position changes, massages, partner support, & informational guidance. Also epidurals (like any pain management techniques) do not always work. About 7% of birthing people have epidural failures. Some times getting an epidural replaced works to fix the issue but not always.
Don’t let the choice of an epidural hinder you from choosing to be supported during your labor.
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DO YOU OFFER POSTPARTUM SUPPORT?
As part of my birth package I include 2 hours of postpartum infant feeding support. Additional hours can be requested at an hourly rate.
Postpartum infant feeding support looks different for everyone. I can help with breast feeding, teach you how to use your breast pump, teach you how to use formula, help prep bottles, and so so much more. But most importantly I can listen. Do you want to talk about your birth, have lots of questions, or need to vent. What ever you need me for I can be there for you. If you are looking for postpartum doula support I have some great recommendations of doulas in the area!
I WANT TO HAVE A HOME BIRTH, CAN YOU BE MY DOULA?
Of course! As long as you have a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) or Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) present I will be your doula anywhere you want to labor. Home, Birth Center, Hospital, outside beside a lake. I want to support you where ever you decide to birth. It is your journey I am just along to empower and support you!
HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT MY PARTNER?
Teamwork makes the dream work. Your partner is going to be the only person who knows you as well as yourself. They know what pet peeves you have and where your favorite massage spot is. So I try to include the partner as much as they want to be included. Assisting/guiding the partner where to stand, how to help, where to hold, and how to be present and involved. I can also help facilitate conversation and explain birth lingo, as needed. In order for your partner to be there for you they need to be supported as well. I am there to make sure your partner stays hydrated, eats, sleeps, and so much more.
I DON'T HAVE A PARTNER, CAN YOU BE MY SUPPORT?
I would love to be there for you during this very special time for you. The best thing about doula support I will be there for you through everything. During pregnancy, during labor, during birth, and postpartum.
HOW MANY CLIENTS DO YOU TAKE PER MONTH?
WHAT IF YOU ARE AT ANOTHER BIRTH WHEN I GO INTO LABOR?
I take a limited number of clients per month so that I can provide dedicated support to each family. Generally I will only take on 2 estimated due dates per month. I will take on a third client depending on due date and other factors like scheduled inductions or schedule cesarean births. So if my availability is full please reach out just incase! If anything I would love to help point you in the right direction for support!
This is a rare situation because I limit my clients per month but there is always a chance of overlap. Ideally you would let me know as soon as possible if you think you are in labor. If for some reason I am already attending a birth I would put you in contact with my amazing backup doula. I work very closely with Mariam Lam who owns Designated Doula. If your estimated due date is close to another client Mariam is available to meet or join us during one of our prenatal meetings so you can form a relationship with her as well. As your doula, I want you to feel comfortable with both myself and my backup. So it is important to me that you know who that is and can meet her if you want to.