frequently ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT DOULA SERVICES
What is a birth doula?
A doula provides support informationally, emotionally and physically to a mother and support person through pregnancy, birth and postpartum period.
What does the word “doula” mean?
The word “doula” comes from ancient Greek meaning ‘woman caregiver or servant’. Historically women have supported other women in their community during the childbirth process.
Where do doulas work?
Doulas work primarily in hospitals, but have had the opportunity to be a doula in hospitals, at homebirths and in free standing birth centers. Some of our local hospitals even have volunteer doula programs. While this limits the important report that is built in prenatal appointments with a private doula, their support can be found very beneficial to laboring mothers. Nurses are often very happy to see a doula since this can mean the client is well educated on birth subjects and she has extra support in the delivery and postpartum room.
Do I need a doula if I have a midwife or I am having a home birth?
A midwife has a very different role then a doula. A midwife is your primary care provider she will take care of all your medical needs and has huge responsibilities just as an OBGYN does. Their time is spent monitoring the baby, and charting your labor, she is responsible for the health and well being of you and your baby. As a midwife assistant I have filled the role as a doula at many homebirths. I understand the unique environment of a homebirth and the type of care your will receive prenatally and during your postpartum period. I have had the wonderful opportunity to have already formed professional relationships with many of the local midwifery practices.
If I have a doula, will my husband/partner still be able to participate in the birth?
Of course! The doula provides support to both the mother and her partner. She ensures the partner/ support person plays a key role in the process, to the extent he/she is comfortable.
What happens if I end up having a cesarean section?
Advocacy is extremely important whether it’s a c-section or vaginal delivery. Doulas sometimes are allowed in the operating room for support. When things are moving quickly we can help you to gain perspective of the situation and help to slow things down and take the “emergency” out of a non-emergency situation. Doulas are there to help remind the partners, doctors and nurses of your birth wishes and help to keep the mother calm and relaxed. Doulas help to facilitate skin to skin after a c-section. This is very important for breastfeeding, bonding, temperature and blood sugar balancing for the baby.
Does a doula replace my nurse, doctor or midwife?
No. Doulas do not replace any medical personnel. Doulas do not perform any medical tests or procedures such as taking blood pressure, temperature, monitoring fetal heart rate, etc. Their role is to provide comfort and support and the requests of the mother are being met. She can also help with communication between the family and the medical staff. A doula does not make decisions for you, but can assist with making your needs clear to the medical staff.
What are the benefits of a birth doula?
Research has supports that continuous support from a doula can support shorter labor times with improved outcomes for both mamas and babies. Doula assisted births have a reduced need for pitocin to induce labor or any other delivery assistance, such as forceps or vacuum. There is also a reduction in the request for pain medications, epidurals and cesareans when a birth doula is used. In addition to the benefits researched, as a client you have support prenatally to discuss options on topics that come up during your pregnancy, such as test, procedures, nutrition, support therapies and more. Clients also have access to my lending library and my extensive referral list.
A doula provides support informationally, emotionally and physically to a mother and support person through pregnancy, birth and postpartum period.
What does the word “doula” mean?
The word “doula” comes from ancient Greek meaning ‘woman caregiver or servant’. Historically women have supported other women in their community during the childbirth process.
Where do doulas work?
Doulas work primarily in hospitals, but have had the opportunity to be a doula in hospitals, at homebirths and in free standing birth centers. Some of our local hospitals even have volunteer doula programs. While this limits the important report that is built in prenatal appointments with a private doula, their support can be found very beneficial to laboring mothers. Nurses are often very happy to see a doula since this can mean the client is well educated on birth subjects and she has extra support in the delivery and postpartum room.
Do I need a doula if I have a midwife or I am having a home birth?
A midwife has a very different role then a doula. A midwife is your primary care provider she will take care of all your medical needs and has huge responsibilities just as an OBGYN does. Their time is spent monitoring the baby, and charting your labor, she is responsible for the health and well being of you and your baby. As a midwife assistant I have filled the role as a doula at many homebirths. I understand the unique environment of a homebirth and the type of care your will receive prenatally and during your postpartum period. I have had the wonderful opportunity to have already formed professional relationships with many of the local midwifery practices.
If I have a doula, will my husband/partner still be able to participate in the birth?
Of course! The doula provides support to both the mother and her partner. She ensures the partner/ support person plays a key role in the process, to the extent he/she is comfortable.
What happens if I end up having a cesarean section?
Advocacy is extremely important whether it’s a c-section or vaginal delivery. Doulas sometimes are allowed in the operating room for support. When things are moving quickly we can help you to gain perspective of the situation and help to slow things down and take the “emergency” out of a non-emergency situation. Doulas are there to help remind the partners, doctors and nurses of your birth wishes and help to keep the mother calm and relaxed. Doulas help to facilitate skin to skin after a c-section. This is very important for breastfeeding, bonding, temperature and blood sugar balancing for the baby.
Does a doula replace my nurse, doctor or midwife?
No. Doulas do not replace any medical personnel. Doulas do not perform any medical tests or procedures such as taking blood pressure, temperature, monitoring fetal heart rate, etc. Their role is to provide comfort and support and the requests of the mother are being met. She can also help with communication between the family and the medical staff. A doula does not make decisions for you, but can assist with making your needs clear to the medical staff.
What are the benefits of a birth doula?
Research has supports that continuous support from a doula can support shorter labor times with improved outcomes for both mamas and babies. Doula assisted births have a reduced need for pitocin to induce labor or any other delivery assistance, such as forceps or vacuum. There is also a reduction in the request for pain medications, epidurals and cesareans when a birth doula is used. In addition to the benefits researched, as a client you have support prenatally to discuss options on topics that come up during your pregnancy, such as test, procedures, nutrition, support therapies and more. Clients also have access to my lending library and my extensive referral list.