Answers to frequently asked questions below. Please feel free to contact me with any other questions.

Birth doulas are statistically proven to improve outcomes:

• 31% decrease in the use of Pitocin

• 28% decrease in the risk of C-section

• 12% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth

• 9% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief

• 14% decrease in the risk of newborns being admitted to a special care nursery

• 34% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience

It is never too early to hire a doula, so it is best to start the interview process as early as possible. The ideal time to hire one is 5-6 months before your estimated due date, but it is never too late in your pregnancy to consider hiring a doula. Most doulas book early and quickly; repeat birthing families often book their doula on the day their pregnancy is confirmed.

Plenty can done prior to childbirth, including: pregnancy and childbirth education, addressing questions and concerns, labor and birth options, birth plan guidance, baby registry assistance, high-risk pregnancy information, creating your birth environment, induction options, cesarean section planning, nursery staging and more.

Whether your decision is to be under the care of a midwife, obstetrician, or general practitioner a plan to give birth in a hospital setting, a birth center, or at your home, a doula is an important member of your birth team. A birth doula offers continuous support regardless of your chosen environment, healthcare provider, or birth desires.

Yes. A doula is beneficial assisting with any and all births, including a medicated birth. Some expectant parents prefer no pain medications, others want to begin with no medications and reserve the right to change that decision, while others choose a planned medicated birth. A doula offers information on all procedures, including pain medications, potential side effects, and interventions. Your doula will discuss options with you and your partner, and facilitate a dialogue between you, your partner, and hospital staff. The choice to use pain medication or not is completely up to you. 

Yes. Even in a surgical setting, a doula is there to explain what is happening, guide you though the procedure, and even create personalized birth plan. Your doula will also there during recovery to help with the first breastfeeding and bonding. There’s a possibility that your doula may accompany you into the operating room, unless it is an extreme emergency requiring general anesthesia. 

Partners and doulas make an awesome team. The role of the partner is elevated when a doula is involved. Studies show that partners most commonly report a higher satisfaction in birth when a doula is present. Your partner and family bring a loving, emotional connection and an intimate knowledge, while your doula provides knowledge, resources, and physical support. Everyone together creates a team, your team. 

Most doulas limit the number of clients taken each month, in order to at your side during labor. In an emergency, a back-up doula will support you in the same professional and caring manner.

The most satisfying birth experiences happen when you, your partner, and your family are physically, emotionally and mindfully prepared for your pregnancy, labor, and postpartum period.

Doula services are usually not covered by insurance. However, some insurance companies will reimburse for doula services as ‘out of network’ care services. Additionally, FSA or HSA may reimburse for doula services.