Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
What does a doula do?
A birth doula will help you clarify your wishes for your birth experience. They will offer you support and suggestion before, during and after labor.
Studies have shown the benefits of doulas include shorter labor, reduced need for medication and lessened likelihood of Ceasarean births and improved outcomes for baby and parents.
Can I have a doula for my hospital birth?
Some doulas may choose to only attend a specific type of birth setting but if you find the right doula for YOU, they will be wherever YOU are!
Are doulas only for people that want a natural birth?
Every birth is different. While you may have a plan of how you want things to go, a doula can help you make decisions in the moment to adjust your birth plan.
This is YOUR birth and your doula should support what your wishes are.
I will be having a Cesarean, why have a doula?
Cesarean birth is still a birth. Your birth doula is an advocate and support for you. They will help you as you prep for surgery and in recovery. Depending on hospital rules, they may be able to be in the operating room with you.
Your doula will be by your side in recovery and can help you with any question or concerns that you may have.
Your doula can help assist with bonding, breastfeeding and help to navigate your recovery.
If I have a partner/spouse, do I need a doula?
While you partner might be the most intimate and important person to you during your labor they may not have the knowledge, stamina, or skills that are useful and necessary during labor and birth.
Often, the partner and doula work together to provide the continuous support you will need. Your doula does not take the place of the partner, but instead supplement attention and care with knowledge and experience.
When should I get a doula?
You will want to give yourself time to find the RIGHT doula for you. You should try to have your doula contract signed by the time of 20 weeks. Busy doulas tend to book quickly so you want to make sure to have your dates in their schedule.
Don't fret if you don't have one yet, you can sign a contract right up until birth.
Do doulas give medical advice?
A doula does not make medical decisions for clients nor should they intervene in their clinical care. They provide information and emotional support and help you to process the decisions that you have to make.
A doula can provide information to help parents make appropriate decisions, to know when you reach out to a provider for help, and to facilitate communication between medical care providers.
I have a midwife/doctor, why do I need a doula?
Hospital staff are primary caregivers that are responsible for making clinical decisions and giving medical advice. Your doula is there to support your emotionally and encourage you to advocate for they experience you want for your labor/birth.
Doulas are neither medically trained, nor responsible for the well being of mothers or babies.
Doulas work within a scope of practice which does not allow for us to make decisions for you nor perform any medical interventions.
