FAQs
What does a birth doula do?
Birth doulas meet with you prenatally, offer support throughout your labor and birth, and is there for you as you transition into your postpartum chapter. Some things that are included in doula work: prenatal visits, telephone/email support, on-call availability, continuity of care, assistance, and support during labor and birth, and assistance with optimal fetal positioning (which can be discussed prenatally and utilized during the birth process), aromatherapy, breastfeeding support, resources and much more.
What kinds of birth do birth doulas support?
Whether you want to give birth at home or by scheduled cesarean, birth doulas support ALL kinds of birth. A lot of people imagine doulas supporting home births or think doulas are only for the "crunchy" families. While that may be a stereotype for doulas, a large majority of doulas can be found in hospitals and birth centers. Some doulas have "specialties" or certain styles that they bring to the table, meaning that they might be a better fit for a certain idea you have for your birth. Experience and additional training do come into play here. Doulas support any and all birth, from midwife-supported home births to birth center births to unmedicated hospital births to scheduled cesarean births.
What is the difference between a doula and a midwife?
A doula is a non-medical support person who focuses on caring for you emotionally and physically and helps you to feel informed and empowered. While they often have similar approaches, a midwife differs from a doula in a very large way. A midwife is a *medical* professional, meaning that the primary focus of their care is on the health and safety of you and your baby. Both doulas and midwives work with you prenatally, support you throughout the birth and follow up with you postpartum. Specifically, at a birth, doulas are often found doing hip squeezes, refilling your water bottle, providing guidance and reassurance (to you and your partner), and repeating affirmations that empower you. At a birth, midwives may be found doing similar things to a doula, but their top priorities include: ensuring that you and baby's vital signs are stable, assessing you and your baby, completing cervical exams when needed, administering medication if necessary, and catching the baby you are birthing.
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Doulas and midwives go together like peanut butter and jelly!
When should I hire a birth doula?
The earlier the better really. Typically, the beginning of your third trimester is a good time to have your doula secured. We often recommend that you start your search in your second trimester, talk to and interview a couple of doulas, and really determine who is the best fit for you. You deserve someone you feel an easy connection with and someone with whom you feel fits your personality and needs.
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*If you consider yourself a planner or someone who experiences anxiety more often, hiring a doula earlier in your pregnancy might be more beneficial. This allows you to really form that trusting relationship and feel unconditionally supported as you navigate the emotional and mental ups and downs.
How does a birth doula work with my partner?
A common question we get is, "Will my partner feel left out?" Honestly, this is a very valid question. Many think that a doula takes the role of the partner when, in fact, our role supports them as well. We firmly believe that our role as your doula is to amplify support, and that goes for your partner too. We have worked with many different birthing partners, yet they all have one thing in common: Your partner knows you better than anyone else. Even if they aren't sure how to support you in labor/birth, they know your fears, preferences, and desires. We work with your partner by encouraging them, offering guidance and suggestions when needed, reminding them to also stay hydrated and take bathroom breaks, and more. If your partner has witnessed a birth before, they still deserve support and the comfort of knowing they are supported as well.
Will a doula be useful if I need medication or if I have a cesarean?
A common question we get is, "Will my partner feel left out?" Honestly, this is a very valid question. Many think that a doula takes the role of the partner when, in fact, our role supports them as well. We firmly believe that our role as your doula is to amplify support, and that goes for your partner too. We have worked with many different birthing partners, yet they all have one thing in common: Your partner knows you better than anyone else. Even if they aren't sure how to support you in labor/birth, they know your fears, preferences and desires. We work with your partner by encouraging them, offering guidance and suggestions when needed, reminding them to also stay hydrated and to take bathroom breaks, and more. If your partner has witnessed birth before, they still deserve support and the comfort in knowing they are supported as well.