QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ABOUT DOULA CARE

What is a birth doula?

A birth doula is person who is knowledgeable about pregnancy and labor. They contract with you to help you plan a labor and birth that feels right for you, and then help you realize it with continuous support throughout labor. Birth doulas generally meet with you and your partner(s) during pregnancy to get to know you, your preferences and concerns, and to help you communicate with your providers. In labor, a doula will help you every step of the way so you don’t feel alone or distracted by the environment. This help could be physical - massage and other comfort measures, educational - explaining procedures and alternatives as they arise, or emotional - helping you be heard, find the courage to keep on, and trust your instincts. A birth doula will also typically see you during the first weeks postpartum to ensure that you get established as a new parent. A postpartum doula does not attend labor, rather they specialize in supporting the new family after birth.

How is a doula different from a health care provider - doctor, midwife, or nurse?

Doulas are non-medical care providers who complement your medical team by offering you continuous knowledge, support and non-medical care options. They do not diagnose, give treatments, or catch babies. Doulas help you understand what is happening in labor, what your alternatives are, and help you communicate your birth preferences to your provider.

Does a doula replace my partner?

Not at all. In fact, a doula also supports your partner! A doula takes care of things so they can focus on you. A doula can make suggestions to help your partner be their best partner self, or can reassure them if they feel nervous. If labor is particularly long, a doula can take over while partner gets some rest.

Does a doula only support “natural” unmedicated labors?

No. A doula supports you in your choices for labor and where you choose to birth, whether in the hospital, a birth center, or in your home. Studies show that doula supported labors tend to require less medication, but doulas do not make those decisions for you. Doulas support you in having your birth, your way.

BIRTH DOULA PACKAGES

Packages may be tailored to your needs. Want to shift some of the postpartum support to prenatal period? Let’s talk! I highly encourage you to sign up for my childbirth and breastfeeding classes to maximize time for individual attention of your chosen doula package.

PREMIUM BIRTH SUPPORT

Prenatally:

  • 3-4 in-person/virtual prenatal visits (~12 hours)

  • Daytime prenatal phone support

Objectives: to get to know you, your birth preferences + birth plan, how to best support you and your partner in labor, birth preparation instruction on signs and stages of labor and pain management, and instruction/support for pelvic preparation + optimal fetal positioning;

In labor:

  • In-person early labor support

  • Continuous in-person support in the hospital for labor, birth and initial recovery period.

Postpartum:

  • 2-3 home/virtual visits for breastfeeding support, postpartum care, birth debrief (~6 hours)

  • Daytime phone support for 2 weeks

INVESTMENT: $3000*

The Premium Birth Support Package may be ideal for a birthing person who has limited time or flexibility to prepare for childbirth in conventional ways; or someone who wants in-person support in labor from beginning to end. I recommend that you also take my virtual childbirth and/or breastfeeding class.

ENHANCED BIRTH SUPPORT

Prenatally:

  • 2-3 in-person/virtual prenatal visits (~6 hours)

  • Daytime prenatal phone support

Objectives: to get to know you, your birth preferences + birth plan, how to best support you and your partner in labor, and instruction/support for pelvic preparation + optimal fetal positioning

In labor:

  • Unlimited 24/7 virtual/phone support for early labor in the home

  • Continuous in-person support in the hospital/birth center for labor, birth and initial recovery period.

Postpartum:

  • 2-3 home/virtual visits for breastfeeding & postpartum support, birth debrief (~6 hours)

  • Daytime phone support for 2 weeks

INVESTMENT: $1700*

The Enhanced Birth Support Package may be ideal for a birthing person who has taken a comprehensive childbirth class and has some idea of their birth preferences but wants more personalized hands-on preparation + support; or for someone planning a VBAC. I highly recommend that you also take my virtual or in-person childbirth series.

BASIC BIRTH SUPPORT

Prenatally:

  • 1-2 in-person/virtual prenatal visit (~3 hours)

  • Daytime prenatal phone support

Objectives: to get to know you, your birth preferences + birth plan & how to best support you and your partner in labor

In labor:

  • 24/7 virtual/phone support for early labor in the home

  • Continuous in-person support in the hospital/birth center for labor, birth and the initial recovery period

Postpartum:

  • 1-2 home/virtual visits for breastfeeding & postpartum support, birth debrief (~3 hours)

  • Daytime phone support for 2 weeks

INVESTMENT: $800*

The Basic Birth Support Package may be ideal for a birthing person who has taken a comprehensive childbirth class and has a good idea of their birth preferences; or for a second, third, fourth birth; or for someone expecting a planned cesarean. I highly recommend that you also take my virtual or in-person childbirth series.

*Have financial concerns?

While there is value and investment to the services + experience I provide, I believe that a supported birth experience should be accessible to everyone and am happy to work with your budget. Some health insurance policies will reimburse for doula care. FSA money can also be used. When necessary, I offer a sliding scale fee and a variety of payment plans. Also, consider including a doula care fund on your baby shower list. A gift card option will be available soon.