Q: What is a Doula?
A: Websters definition: A woman who is trained to assist another woman during childbirth and who may provide support to the family before and after the baby is born.
DONA’s definition: a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a mother before, during and shortly after childbirth to help her achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible.
Q: Why should I hire a Doula?
A: Why not?! I can be so helpful in so many aspects in pregnancy, labor/delivery and during the postpartum stages. Doulas are known around the world for assisting laboring and postpartum moms through this huge transition in life. Doula’s are also helpful to not only the mother, but the father or others involved in the laboring or postpartum phase.
Q: Do I have to be a “hippie” in order to have a Doula present at my birth?
A: I accept all mothers wanting to mother. “Hippie” or “non-hippie”, doesn’t matter to me.
Q: The dad wants to be involved, are you going to steal his thunder?
A: Absolutely NOT! I am just as much the fathers doula as I am the mothers. Many times, the fathers benefit the most from having a doula present. My role as a doula is to not at all to take the place of the father or any other special person you have with you, but to enhance the moment.
Q: Do I have to birth at home in order to hire a doula?
A: Not at all! You can birth in a hospital, birthing center, home or (my favorite) on a tropical island if you so wish.
Q: I want an epidural, will a doula still be helpful?
A: Oh yeah. Even with epidurals, complete pain relief is not a guarantee. With or without an epidural, tools to cope and relaxation techniques from me really can help with the discomforts of labor.
Q: Does a Doula provide any medical services or deliver my baby(s)?
A: No. You can rest assured, the ones that spent many many years in medical school are the ones providing that service.
Q: I want a doula, when should I set up an appointment to meet you?
A: Ideally, when you are about 24-28 weeks pregnant. If life got away from you and you’re counting down the days, please still contact me. I’d be happy to do what I can to attend your birth.
Q: Do you take insurance?
A: That depends on your insurance plan. Sometimes certain insurances allow you to pay with an HSA account. (check with your carrier and/or HR department to verify).
Q: Do you have a back up and/or refund policy if you miss my birth?
A: Absolutely. My refund and backup policies are clearly outlined in my contract, which I am happy discuss with you further during a consult.
I’m hoping you found this helpful. Feel free to contact me with any additional questions you may have, either by email or phone. I’d be happy to answer whatever I can. My phone number is (480)204-3540.
Ooh La La Doula 