Birth Doula Frequently Asked Questions
What is a birth doula?
A birth doula provides emotional and physical support, along with resources and birth preparation to an expecting family prenatally, during birth and shortly after.
What does a birth doula do?
Birth doulas meet with you prenatally, offers 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, assistance with optimal fetal positioning (which can be discussed prenatally and utilized during the birth process), aromatherapy, massage, photography, breastfeeding support, resources and much more.
Click here to read what is included if you were to hire me as your birth doula.
Click here to read what is included if you were to hire me as your birth doula.
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.
Doulas and midwives go together like peanut butter and jelly!
Doulas and midwives go together like peanut butter and jelly!
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.
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 by. I 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 who you feel fits your personality and needs.
*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.
*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 big question I 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. I firmly believe that my role as your doula is to amplify support, and that goes for your partner too. I 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. I 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.
Words from a birthing partner: "I love my wife and wanted to be the best support I could be, so for me that meant hiring Allison. From the first time we met with her, and we met with her a lot prior to birth, there was an instant feeling of ease. Our delivery was a long one, and Allison was with my wife and I from the start to long after. She helped my wife in ways that I could not have and had prepared me in a way that allowed me to be there for my wife in a way that I couldn't have dreamed of."
Will a doula be useful if I need medication or if I have a cesarean?
Absolutely! Like mentioned in an earlier question, doulas support all types of birth. While you may not request much physical support, there are emotional and informational ways your doula can support you.
A doula can benefit you and your partner if:
A doula can benefit you and your partner if:
- You would like pain medication early on in your labor (or perhaps in the parking lot)
- You plan to use nitrous oxide, an IV narcotic or an epidural
- You have a cesarean birth, whether it is unplanned or scheduled
How do I find the right doula for me?
You deserve the best! Each doula is unique and there are a few things that come into play.
- Trust your gut. Does the doula's personality and style fit you and your partner? Do you vibe well with the doula? If a doula rubs you the wrong way, uses certain verbiage or language you don't like, puts off a vibe that doesn't sit well with you, or even has the same name as a crazy ex whose name alone drives you crazy, they may not be the doula for you. Honestly, even the simplest thing that you try to ignore can amplify either over time or on your "birth day."
- Determine what it is that you're looking for. Do you have certain preferences or wishes when it comes to pregnancy and birth? Are you planning on using a certain birthing method or other tools? Finding a doula who can unconditionally support you and who may have experience with the things you are planning for can make all the difference. Doulas often acquire additional training and certifications to provide you with a more well-balanced, well-rounded approach to doula support. What additional knowledge would you want your doula to have (ie. acupressure, aromatherapy, belly casting, childbirth/lactation education, massage, optimal fetal positioning, photography, placenta encapsulation, etc.)?
- Interview more than one doula. As a doula, I know how important it is for a client-doula relationship to feel connected and trusting. That is why I believe that by researching and considering more than one doula, you will open doors to the choices you have. An internet search or searching DoulaMatch may help.
- When the connection feels right, go for it. After the logistics like availability and pricing, more forward if you feel ready to add this person to your birth team.
Postpartum Doula Frequently Asked Questions
What is a postpartum doula?
A postpartum doula comes with endless resources, support and guidance during the transition into parenthood from the first few weeks to a few months postpartum.
What does a postpartum doula do?
Postpartum doulas work with you during those first moments at home, typically ranging from a couple weeks to a couple months. Postpartum doulas provide unbiased, evidence-based information, and create a safe space for you to feel comfortable and cared for. You will receive assistance with newborn care, light household tidying, food preparation, lactation, laundry and more. Postpartum doulas provide critical support during the often overlooked "fourth trimester."
Click here to read what is included if you were to hire me as your birth doula.
Click here to read what is included if you were to hire me as your birth doula.
What kind of families do postpartum doulas support?
Postpartum doulas support ALL types of families. Regardless of gender, marital status, sexual orientation, race, religion, etc. --- you deserve a postpartum doula. Twins or more? You are covered. Older siblings? Not a problem.
There is a postpartum doula out there right now that can fit the needs of you and your family.
There is a postpartum doula out there right now that can fit the needs of you and your family.
When should I hire a postpartum doula?
This depends on you and how you are anticipating your postpartum needs will be met. Some families hire a postpartum doula while they are still pregnant. Maybe a previous experience has encouraged them to secure a postpartum doula early on. Other families start their postpartum journey on their own and then recognize that they would benefit from a doula or wanted to wait to see if they would require the support. The timing of when you hire a postpartum doula is completely up to you! Even if you do not hire one ahead of time, researching and knowing your options while pregnant can be helpful for when you end up searching for one after you give birth.
How does a postpartum doula work with my family?
Working with your family means that the doula offers encouragement, advice and guidance as everyone navigates the new transition. Support for the family often looks like suggestions for bottle feeding and bath time, help with preparing dinner, and more. Yes, a professionally trained postpartum doula makes you the priority. This includes your mental and emotional health, your physical healing from birth, and your sleep. Those needs are often met when a postpartum doula supports another aspect of the family/home. When you feel your baby is taken care of, the kitchen is organized and your lunch is made, your overall well-being has a chance to feel restful and cared for. A postpartum doula tends to what you need, sometimes even without needing direction (as long as it's within their scope of practice).
What does a typical schedule look like with a postpartum doula?
The work you and your postpartum doula do together can look different than someone else's work with them. Each family's needs are unique, therefore your experience and schedule with your postpartum doula will be unique and individualized to fit you and your needs. Depending on the doula and their availability, you may have them do day or night shifts, ranging anywhere from 2 hours long to 8 hours long. Some doulas even will do longer if needed! You can choose to have your doula with you once a week or several days a week; again, it's completely between you and your doula. For example, I have done three 6-hour day shifts a week with one family, and two 4-hour evening shifts a week with another family. It all depends on your needs, your doulas availability and offerings, and when you need support.
How do I find the right postpartum doula for me and my family?
You deserve the best! Each doula is unique and there are a few things that come into play.
- Trust your gut. Your postpartum experience may be a mixture of good days and bad. On those up or down days, you deserve to have the exact support you need. Your postpartum doula should meet you where you are at. If you are interviewing and meeting with a postpartum doula, listen to your heart and to your gut. Do you think this person would support you in the way you deserve?
- Determine what it is that you're looking for. Do you have certain preferences or wishes when it comes to your postpartum journey? Are you planning to breastfeed or bottle feed? Are you looking for support during specific hours or days of the week? Finding a doula who can unconditionally support you and who may have experience with the things you are planning for can make all the difference. Be direct in asking if they fit the schedule or experience you are looking for.
- Interview more than one doula. As a doula, I know how important it is for a client-doula relationship to feel connected and trusting. That is why I believe that by researching and considering more than one doula, you will open doors to the choices you have. An internet search or searching DoulaMatch may help.
- When the connection feels right, go for it. After the logistics like availability and pricing, more forward if you feel ready to add this person to your postpartum team.
