Frequently Asked Questions

I accompany women in labor to help ensure a safe and satisfying brith experience. I provide emotional support, physical comfort measures and assist you, the client, to gain information needed to make informed decisions as they arise in labor. I provide reassurance and perspective to you and your partner, make suggestion for labor progress, and help with relaxation, massage, positioning, and other techniques for comfort.

Multiple studies have found that the presence of a trained doula benefits everyone. The studies have shown that doula care and presence is associated with shorter labors, less use of epidurals and other pain medications, lower episiotomy rates, and as much as a 50% reduction in the C-section rate. Research has also shown better clinical outcomes for both the mother and the baby (including better breastfeeding rates, and increased quality in family bonding). A doula also provides care for the mother’s partner and other family members, can assist with busy hospital staff tasks, and greatly increases a mother’s overall satisfaction with her birthing experience.

The bond between you and your partner will not be interfered with by your doula. Your doula is available for both you and your partner, we make it a point to ensure your partner always remains involved during the process, we involve them in prenatal and take the time to discuss their role and educate them on how they can better support you during the big day.

Midwives are licensed medical professionals who undergo extensive training to provide clinical care during pregnancy, labor, delivery and postpartum. They may be certified as a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) or Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) and are qualified to monitor fetal health, administer medications, perform exams, and handle medical situations. Doulas are trained in non medical support, focusing on emotional, informational and physical support. They do not provide medical care, administer medications, or make clinical decisions. Instead, they are trained to provide comfort measures, assist in advocation for the family's wishes and ensure the family feels supported.

Yes, a doula is beneficial no matter what your birth plan looks like. A doula’s presence is helpful prior to and during the epidural placement. After epidural placement a doula can help with keeping labor progressing by assisting in re-positioning to ideal positions which will help your baby move further in the birth canal. Furthermore, a doula will remain with you post-delivery to ensure recovery and if you choose to breastfeed can also help with that initial process.

A doula absolutely can attend a Cesarean birth! Many local hospitals will allow your partner and maybe an additional support person into the operating room, in any event your doula will be at your availability from the beginning of the contract and provide much needed support before and after delivery.

A deposit is necessary at the beginning of your contract in order to secure availability,and add you to our calendar. I will do my best to work around your budgeting needs prior to the birth of baby.