Simply click on a question below for a detailed answer! Ready to learn more about doula services? Be sure to contact me for your free doula consult to chat about your birth and postpartum support needs.
Q: What is a doula?
Q: How is a doula different from a midwife?
Q: How much do you charge?
Q: When will you arrive during labor?
Q: How long will you stay after the birth?
Q: What kind of support do you offer?
Q: What’s this about double doula care?
Q: What is a doula?
A: A doula is a trained professional who provides support to birthing families before, during, and after birth. We provide continuous physical, emotional, and educational support during all phases of labor and will be by your side and working with you the whole time. This continuity of care makes such a difference! If you’re birthing in a hospital, watching nurses and doctors change shifts during your birth, you can breath a little easier knowing that we will be there for you from start to finish. Learn more.
Q: How is a doula different from a midwife?
A: As a doula, we will not be providing any medical care. We do not have medical degrees. We leave things like checking baby’s heart beat, vaginal exams, and suturing to the midwife or doctor you’ve chosen to work with. Our one and only focus is providing support and comfort to the birthing family. Read more about the differences here.
Q: How much do you charge for your doula services?
A: My current doula package pricing is $1200. You will pay $450 to reserve a spot on my calendar and the remainder will be due before your birthing (because who wants to worry about another bill during those first few days with your new little one?). You can pay with cash, check, or debit card. My services are even eligible expenses if you have an HSA plan. I can provide you with an itemized invoice so that you can file for reimbursement through your HSA company. If you have a FSA account, check with your insurance provider to see if doula services are covered.
Q: When will you arrive during labor?
A: The answer to this question depends on the birthing person’s wishes. I usually join mothers in early active labor–when contractions need focused attention and my support would be useful. If you are planning to birth at a hospital or birth center, I can join you at home if you would like to labor at home for a while before heading to the hospital or birth center. Working with a doula at home makes it far less likely that you will get to the hospital too early in the labor process and have to be sent home.
Q: How long will you stay after the birth?
A: During your birth, I will be by your side helping you through each contraction. I won’t leave until you and baby are stable and ready to rest together. If you are planning on breastfeeding, I will help you establish a good latch and comfortable nursing position before we leave.
Q: What kind of support do you offer?
A: During our prenatal visits, we will talk about your hopes and wishes for the birth of your baby. I will help you come up with your ideal birth preferences and we will discuss any concerns or worries you may have. We will discuss what you can expect during the birthing process, comfort measures, birthing positions, and review the options that might be presented to you during your birth so that you can decide ahead of time how you feel about them. During the birth, I will help you ride the waves of your contractions by working with your breathing, applying counter pressure in all the right places, guiding you toward optimal positions and movements, reminding you of your goals and wishes, keeping you informed and educated during the whole process, and providing continuous and focused care to help you feel strong.
