Why should I hire a doula?

A doula clarifies the labor stages and guides you in communication with your medical team of doctors, nurses, or midwives.  As labor draws near, a doula coaches expectant birthing families on comfort and relaxation techniques, offers nurturing emotional support, provides information on labor and the birth, and offers information about options and medical procedures available during labor. While other staff on your medical team will need to tend to other patients,  A doula never leaves your side.

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Can I benefit from a doula if I am considering pain medication?

Yes. A doula is beneficial assisting with planned mediated or un-medicated births. Some expectant mothers prefer no pain medications, others want to begin with no medications, but reserve the right to change that decision. Others choose a planned medicated birth. A doula offers information on all procedures, including pain medications and potential side effects, and interventions. She will discuss options with you and your partner and facilitate a dialogue between you, your partner, and hospital staff. She will translate medical terms and proposed procedures. Your doula’s goal is to advise, support, and champion your decisions. She appreciates that birth preferences may change. The choice to use pain medication or not is up to you. 

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If I have a C-section, can I still benefit from a doula?

Yes. Even in a surgical setting, a doula is there to explain what is happening and guide you though the procedure. She is also there during recovery to help with the first bonding. With the permission of your doctor and anesthesiologist, your doula may accompany you into the operating room, unless it is an extreme emergency requiring general anesthesia. 

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How does a doula interact with my partner and family during birth?  

The presence of a doula at your birth complements and strengthens a partner's role. During pre-natal visits, your doula discusses your partner’s comfort level with participation during labor and collaborates with your partner to best support you. Studies show that partners participate more actively during labor when a doula is present. Your partner and your family bring a loving emotional connection and an intimate knowledge of you that your doula does not have. In combination with your doula's professional expertise, the team creates the very best support system. 

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How can I ensure the doula I hire will be available the day I go into labor? 

A doula limits the number of clients she takes each month, optimally no more than 4 clients a month, so she can be at your side during labor. In an emergency, a back-up doula will support you in the same professional and caring manner. Your doula will assign one of her back-up doulas, with equal skills and experience, who you will have an opportunity to speak with; she will learn your history and birth preferences, and will support you in your primary doula’s absence. 

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What happens if the baby comes early or late? 

Once you retain your doula, she is committed to serving you whether your baby is born before or after the estimated due date.

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Are consultations free?

Yes. Consultations are free up to 1 hour; any consulting after 1 hour fees will apply. 

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Will my health insurance pay for reimburse or birth doula services?

Some insurance companies will reimburse for doula services as ‘out of network’ care services.

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Do doulas travel?

Yes. Your Faithful Doula travels.

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