FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a Doula?
A doula is an advocate, companion, and cheerleader. They are part of your village. Doulas complete special training but they are not medical staff. They assist you and your family before, during or after childbirth by providing physical assistance and emotional support.
How can a Doula support me?
A doula can provide continuous support during labor and allow your partner or other support people to get rest and recovery as well. They can help you create a birth plan that outlines your ideal experience and help to amplify your voice with medical staff during labor and delivery.
Why would I want a Doula?
You are more likely to have a healthy birth and a healthy baby with the support of a doula. According to the Journal of Perinatal Education, doula-assisted mothers were four times (4X) less likely to have a low birth weight (LBW) baby, two times (2X) less likely to experience a birth complication involving themselves or their baby, and significantly more likely to begin breastfeeding.
When should I contact a Doula?
Ideally anytime between a positive pregnancy test and your last trimester (12-32 weeks into your pregnancy). However, if you’re outside of this timeframe, feel free to contact us and we can discuss how we can support you.
What is Respite Support?
After you have your baby, a doula can help you in many ways. You and your doula can discuss together what would be the most helpful while you recover from birth and get to know your new baby.
Some ideas for how to use Respite Support include:
- Infant care education
- Assistance with infant feeding
- Emotional support
- Mother care
- Developmental education and anticipatory guidance
- Sleep strategies
- Caring for baby while parents rest/sleep/shower
- Sibling care and adjustment
- Meal preparation
- Light housekeeping
- Errands
- Guidance in prioritizing daily tasks
What other services do you offer?
We also offer virtual doula support, lactation support, placenta prints, maternity photos, and visual birth plans. Some of these additional services may cost a little extra, please talk to us if you’re interested and we will make a plan that is affordable for you.