Frequently Asked Questions

Q - What is a Birth Doula?
A - A doula is a person that provides support to a woman during her pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period. A doula is trained and experienced in childbirth and is there to provide education, emotional support, and physical comfort.
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Q - Why do I need a Doula?
A - It is proven that the continuous support of a doula were more likely to have vaginal births and less likely to have a C-section, use pain medications, or have interventions such as forceps used. Here are some evidence based figures representing doula support:
  • 31% decrease in the use of Pitocin
  • 28% decrease in the risk of C-section
  • 12% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth*
  • 9% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief
  • 14% decrease in the risk of newborns being admitted to a special care nursery
  • 34% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience


Q - What is the difference between a Midwife and a Doula?
A - One of the main reasons Doulas are so effective is because they provide continuous support while a midwife may be tending to numerous other patients. A midwife has many other responsibilities and cannot physically stay with you throughout your entire labor. Your midwife and nurse's support ends when their shift is over. A doula's only obligation and focus is on YOU.
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Q - Will my partner feel included?
A - Absolutely! You partner knows YOU, a doula knows BIRTH. We will work together by using different techniques to make you feel most comfortable.
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Q - What if I plan on using pain medication or having a C-section? Do I still need a Doula? 
A - I believe every woman should have a doula regardless of her birth intentions. No matter how you give birth a doula is very valuable. Labor and delivery is not the only time I am there to help you. I will be available throughout your pregnancy, labor, as well as your postpartum period. I am trained in breastfeeding and will be there to help you get comfortable with your new baby.
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Q - Does my insurance cover Doula services? 
A - Every insurance policy is different but many insurance companies do cover doula services. You can contact your insurance company to verify. I will be happy to provide an invoice so you can seek reimbursement from your insurance company.

​Q - What exactly does a Doula do?
A - A doula is there to tend to your needs. She may educate you on what to expect during birth, help you make your birth plan, massage (and other comfort measures) during labor, suggest ways to help baby come down into position, provide encouragement, offer breastfeeding support and so much more.
What a Doula will NOT do:
  • Perform clinical tasks such as checking dilation, blood pressure, etc. This is outside our scope of practice.
  • Make decisions FOR you - They will provide information to you so that you and your partner can make an informed decision.