Frequently Asked Questions
What is a doula and why do I want one?
A doula is a person who provides emotional and physical support to you during your pregnancy, childbirth, and post-partum period. Doulas are not medical professionals. They don't deliver babies or provide medical care. A certified doula has taken a training program and passed an exam in how to help pregnant women and their families during this exciting but challenging experience.
​
When it comes to your birth experience, a doula will help you navigate all the emotions and questions that come up during pregnancy so you can focus on connecting with your baby and know what to expect during delivery and post-partum.
What are your interactions with medical staff like?
Doula support is welcomed in the delivery room- especially if you will have your baby in a birth center or your own home. Nurses and other staff know that doulas offer additional comfort measures and support to laboring women so they can take care of the medical side of monitoring the progression of labor.
Doulas do not intervene or speak on your behalf- we do encourage and educate so that YOU can make informed decisions about your medical care. We will advocate for your voice to be respected when you have made your decisions known and for time to make a decision if you feel overwhelmed or rushed into unwanted interventions. Our main goal is that you understand what is happening with your body and that everyone helping with your care during this critical time is presenting their best knowledge in a caring, supportive environment.
How will hiring you affect my partner’s role during the birth?
Do you perform any physical examinations?
Your partner will be encouraged to support you even better with a doula as their coach! Sometimes partners are left feeling overwhelmed and don't know how to comfort a woman in labor. A doula is trained and experienced when it comes to helping mothers feel supported. We aren't there to replace the other parent in providing comfort; we're there to help guide them in supporting mom. And because a doula isn’t emotionally attached to the birthing woman in a way her partner is, we can keep our mind calm and focused, and provide a sense of calm and connection during such an emotionally intense experience.
No- doulas, unless otherwise certified, are not medical professionals. Some doulas extend their practice with bodywork and other certifications, but that does not replace the care of your midwife, OB/GYN or primary care physician. We work WITH your providers to make sure you are supported emotionally and physically during your pregnancy and delivery.