FAQ
What is a doula?
A doula is a trained labor support person. Most doulas attend classes through an education organization and get hands-on experience with expectant parents while supporting them through their labor and delivery.
We are companions and comforters who join you in your sacred labor space to help empower you, remind you of your choices, and support you throughout your labor.
When should I start looking for a doula?
It’s never too early in your pregnancy to start interviewing doulas! Make sure you interview more than one and feel connected to your doula. Your doula should make you feel secure, confident, and like they’ve known you forever.
In my experience, it is best to select a doula by the 28-30 week mark. This gives your doula enough time to build a relationship with you, understand your preferences, and fill in any educational gaps and recourses necessary for you to have the best experience possible.
Do I need a birth plan?
The short answer is no! While some people find that a written plan helps to facilitate conversation and reflection that maybe you wouldn’t have otherwise thought about, you don't need to arrive at your birth location with a written plan.
Some providers, nurses, and doulas find that it is helpful to have a written list of your goals, plans, and wishes. It is important to remember that births don’t always go as planned and sometimes the more you plan for something the more it unfolds in a completely different direction. I view birth plans as a manifestation practice for the best-case scenario in your birth, as well as a way to brainstorm your goals, needs and desires.
What if I have a planned induction or Cesarean?
A doula can still be very helpful in these scenarios!
Inductions are sometimes based in medical necessity and are sometimes simply a choice made by the birthing person. Neither of these are wrong, and your doula can still support you every step of the way.
Before the induction, I will provide detailed education on the processes,, procedures, and steps of the induction process. Inductions can be long, so I will help ensure that you’ve planned an adequate packing list and have planned for all of the essentials such as child or pet care.
During the induction, non-pharmacologic pain management techniques such as pressure point massages, breathing techniques, heat/cold therapy and position changes can be used to move you through labor. I will be by your side every step of the way.
During a Cesarian, you still have so many options. A doula can sometimes (but not always) accompany you into the OR. If I cannot attend the OR for the birth itself, I will be with you in the L&D room leading up to the cesarian helping you to review all of your options and help you form any questions you may have.
What if I have an epidural?
Choosing an epidural is a bold and powerful way to take control of your labor. Pain is imminent in labor, but suffering can usually be relived by an epidural and a long nap! If this is part of your plan, or if this becomes part of your plan during your labor, I am here to cheer you on!
While you cannot get out of bed once you have the epidural, a doula can still help you rotate in the bed into ergonomic positions that make gravity your friend and open your pelvis. A doula can help you use labor tools such as a squat bar, a birth ball, a peanut ball, positioning skills, and relaxation techniques to help ease your contraction pressure and ultimately guide you toward birth.