doula f.a.q.

If an L&D nurse, midwife, or partner will be there, will I still need a doula? 

Nurses are generally knowledgeable, skillful, and kind helpers during labor. I have seen nurses go out of their way to advocate for patients. Ultimately though, they are beholden to hospital protocols. I work for you and you alone. Nurses are busy and they change shifts. I provide continuous support, before, during, and after birth. If you are working with a midwife, they will typically join just a couple of hours before your baby arrives. Although midwives provide incredible support, their primary focus at the birth will be to ensure the safety of you and your baby. I love working alongside midwives and making their job easier by anticipating your needs, filling the birth pool, bringing warmed blankets, remaking the bed, feeding you and your partner, and making your birthing space feel wonderful. For partners, a doula can be indispensable. Birth can be unpredictable and overwhelming, even when (or perhaps especially when) you are on the outside looking in. Your partner knows you and anchors you in a way that no doula can. I will be present for you both, and your partner and I will form a strategic alliance to support you. I offer unlimited text support to both parents throughout your pregnancy and in the weeks postpartum.

Are doulas medically trained?

No. Doulas do not diagnose nor give medical advice. We do not make decisions for you, and we certainly never speak for you. Doulas empower you with information and encourage you to speak for yourself.

What if I want/need an epidural, or have a cesarian?

There are pros and cons to epidurals, and we will talk through that information in detail prenatally. Different people experience the sensations of birth differently; it is complex and unpredictable. I support you unconditionally and I want you to come through birth feeling clarity and pride in your choices, including the choice for or against pain relief. In some cases, during a long intense labor, an epidural may help you sleep and gather energy for pushing, to avoid a cesarian. If you plan to have an epidural, or plan to keep it as an option, we can strategize about how to make it the most positive experience possible. Cesarian section is a life-saving surgery that has been overused. I will do my utmost to help you avoid it. If it is needed, I will make sure that you are fully informed of your options. There are ways to make the process gentler for you and your baby. My son was born by c-section (after a planned home birth) so I understand the physical and emotional particulars.

When will you join me in labor?

It depends on you. Some parents need in-person support before the onset of active labor. Sometimes in early labor the most productive thing you can do is to go back to sleep or take a nap, and wait to call in your birth team until labor builds in intensity. It’s important to listen to your instinct. I’m here for you, regardless of what “phase” of labor you’re in. If you have a hard time asking for help, I am likely to arrive a bit early.

Do you have backup?

I always have a backup. You will have the opportunity to meet via Zoom.

What do you charge?

$2600. This includes three prenatal sessions with bodywork and informative followup emails, unlimited text or phone support prenatally and in the first month after birth, on-call from 38 weeks of pregnancy, undivided attention at your birth, and two postpartum sessions with lactation support and bodywork if desired.

Beyond this comprehensive doula package, I offer extended postpartum care on a case-by-case basis at the rate of $65/hour.

Postpartum Structural Integration is $200/session.

I set my rate so that I can offer sliding-scale and pro-bono services for families in need. Please inquire if you are unable to pay the full rate. Everyone deserves a doula!