BIRTH DOULA QUESTIONS:
What is a birth doula? A birth doula is a person trained and experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth.
What effects does the presence of a doula have on birth outcomes?
According to the DONA website, numerous clinical studies have found that a doula’s presence at birth:
- tends to result in shorter labors with fewer complications
- reduces negative feelings about one’s childbirth experience
- reduces the need for pitocin (a labor-inducing drug), forceps or vacuum extraction
- reduces the requests for pain medication and epidurals, as well as the incidence of cesareans
I have a midwife. Do I still need a birth doula? Yes. A Midwife is responsible for you and your baby’s health. The doula is responsible for your loving care, comfort and support. While your midwife is performing routine medical tasks and checks, a doula will be holding your hand, and providing continuous support.
When do I call you? I prefer that you call me as soon as you think you might be in labor so that we can discuss what you’re feeling and I can begin to prepare to join you when necessary. Sometimes I need to get a babysitter, take a nap, etc. The sooner I’m notified, the better. We will discuss in detail how to handle this in the middle of the night.
Will you come to my house if I prefer to labor at home, or I am having a home birth? Yes, although depending on where you are at in the birthing process. I usually meet the mom at the hospital.
What if you’re sick or out of town? I have a back up doula in which her name & # will be provided to you once you pay your retainer fee.
Will you make my partner feel obsolete? Why would I need a doula when I have a supporting partner? A doula is supportive to both the mother and her partner, and helps a partner become involved in the birth to the extent he/she feels comfortable. While your partner is caring for you, I will be protecting the family unit while also providing care for your partner. A doula’s job is never to take the place of the husband, but to encourage, empower and serve the husband. We get them food, drink and make sure they take bathroom breaks. Husbands don’t like to leave their wives while they’re in labor, which can result in an exhausted hubby. Doulas will bring everything they can to the husband so he never has to leave. Doula’s can teach the husband how to care for their wives prior to the birth, so the husband can go in excited and prepared. A doula’s job is to protect the family unit and to keep them comfortable at all times.
Do you accept payments? Yes.
Are you having a baby shower? I offer registries! People can buy gift certificates from me to give to you towards birth/doula or newborn photography. People LOVE to bless parents with newborn pics. I have beautiful cards that can be slipped into invites or I have a gorgeous digital version that can be emailed out to family and friends.
Do I have to sign a contract for your services? Yes.
When should I “book” you? I only take a few clients per month, so the sooner you decide to work with me, the more likely I still have an available slot. If you wait too long, my calendar might already be full.
Can I call you or text you if I have a question? Absolutely! Anytime!
How many times will we meet? Usually 2-3. We first meet at a public place for us to get to know each other and I can answer any questions you may have about myself. Next, we will meet to go over your birth plan and practice-run at your 36wk appt most likely in your home. Last, I will come to see you at home after the baby is born, depending on where you live. Most moms schedule this within the first 10 days of the baby’s life and also hire me to do newborn photos.
After my baby is born, can you help me with breastfeeding? Yes!!
What do you know about insurances reimbursing for doula care? Here are some great articles that can explain…
Reimbursement for Doula Services article #1
Reimbursement for Doula Services article #2
Do you recommend I take any birth classes? Yes. I recommend the Bradley Method Classes or Hypnobabies. I am very familiar with both and my general approach to childbirth is a mix of both.
From the Bradley website::
What is The Bradley Method®?
The Bradley Method® teaches natural childbirth and views birth as a natural process. It is our belief that most women with proper education, preparation, and the help of a loving and supportive coach can be taught to give birth naturally. The Bradley Method® is a system of natural labor techniques in which a woman and her coach play an active part. It is a simple method of increasing self-awareness, teaching a woman how to deal with the stress of labor by tuning in to her own body. The Bradley Method® encourages mothers to trust their bodies using natural breathing, relaxation, nutrition, exercise, and education.
How is The Bradley Method® Unique?
The Bradley Method® teaches couples ways to stay low risk. While occasionally there are risk factors out of your control, staying healthy and low risk can help to avoid complications. Low risk mothers have more choices.
Relaxation is the Key to The Bradley Method® during labor. It is the safest and most effective way to reduce unnecessary pain and to handle any pain that you do experience. While other methods seek to control the sensations of labor (emphasizing distraction as their Primary labor control technique), The Bradley Method® encourages mothers to trust their bodies (emphasizing relaxed abdominal breathing and relaxation throughout labor).
The term The Bradley Method® is a registered trademark to ensure you are getting quality childbirth education. All instructors of The Bradley Method® are highly trained to help you learn how to give birth.
Why Natural Childbirth?
The kind of pregnancy, labor, and birth our children experience has a profound and lifelong effect on their health, including their mental, emotional, and physical health. The Bradley Method® attempts to give babies the best possible start in life by teaching how to have a natural pregnancy and a natural childbirth.