Frequently Asked Questions 

Concistency - so often pregnant people talk about the Midwife or Doctor that they really love and they hope is "on call" for their labor and delivery. Doulas offer continuous support throughout your pregnancy.   Physical Support - hands-on comfort measures like Yin & Restorative Prenatal Yoga, counter pressure, and breathing techniques.  Emotional Support -Whether a birth is completely unmedicated or medically very complex, every family can benefit from nurturing and connection. Doulas help families to feel supported by helping to create a space that promotes ease. Partner Support - Doulas are there to support every birth partner (Romantic, Family, or Friend) in being as involved as they’d like with the birth. Evidence-Based Information and Advocacy - Doulas serve as a bridge of communication between women and their providers, lifting them up to help them find their voices and advocate for the very best care. We are trained to help families connect with evidence-based resources so they can ask great questions and make informed decisions about their births.

Although our bodies are inherently intelligent, adaptable, and resilient childbirth is something you want to prepare for not, just let happen. Wouldn't you want to train for a marathon before running the race?  Research shows that baby birthers' who use a birth doula are less likely to use pain medication, to experience preterm birth, rate their experience negatively, or have a ceserean. Most notably, more likely to have a shorter labor. They also more likely to rate their childbirth experience positively. 

We hold space and offer compassion to the baby birthing person who is simply tired, needs support, craves a connection to the community, or experiencing difficulty embracing their new identity. In addition to Physical, Emotional, and Partner support - Postpartum Doulas provide practical support that can help the days go by more smoothly by helping with newborn care, sibling adjustment, household organization laundry, doing the dishes or preparing simple, nourishing meals. 

Studies show that the support of a postpartum doula can help reduce postpartum mood disorders and improve breastfeeding success. What studies don't show is that we help save you from burnout (which is a real thing). 

Birth Doula - My initial response will always be the sooner the better, ideally prior to entering the 2nd trimester of the pregnancy. Postpartum Doula - I recommend hiring a postpartum doula 4 weeks prior to the estimated due to date this allows plenty of time for your doula to foster a relationship with the family and become familiar with how your family functions. 

Absolutely. The four stages of the childbirth process are based on changes happening in and around you during labor. Although there may be less time to prepare, the doula provides support during those pivotal moments, including explanation and discussion of practices and procedures, and assistance in acquiring the knowledge necessary for the birthing person to make informed decisions about their own care.

A Midwife is a medical professional who actually delivers the baby. Midwives also provide medical care throughout the duration of the pregnancy. A Birth Doula is a non-medical professional who provides physical, educational, and informational support throughout the duration of the pregnancy, labor, birth, and immediately afterward.