Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Doula & a Midwife?
Midwives are medically trained professionals who are capable of offering medical care for the whole childbearing year. They are experts in normal; they provide prenatal care, labor, birth, postpartum care, and newborn care.
Doulas are non-medical professionals who specialize in offering emotional, physical, and informational support before, during, and after childbirth
Do you perform medical procedures as a doula?
I do not.
Midwives and OBs have medical training to deliver babies and perform medical procedures.
Doulas have undergone training in supporting mothers emotionally and physically. They are not trained or qualified to perform medical procedures.
If a hire you as a doula, does that replace my OB or Midwife?
A doula absolutely does not replace your provider.
Instead, we often work within your care team in order to provide the most well-rounded care.
Do you communicate with my provider?
Ideally your doula is an integrated part of your birth team.
If you hire me as your doula, we will schedule a prenatal appointment with your provider where we can all get to know each other and discuss the best way to serve your growing family.
Many providers in this area I have worked with already and have strong relationship with.
What if my labor exceeds 24 hours?
It is not unusual for first-time labors to exceed 24 hours. This is something that I have prepared for.
In order to ensure you have the best support during all of your labor and birth I will often have a backup doula available to swap out. Then I would continue with the remainder of postpartum care as normal. I encourage my families to have the backup doula attend a prenatal visit so that we all have a chance to know one another.
Do you support clients choosing epidural or other medical interventions?
Whole heartedly!
My job and honor as a doula are to meet my clients where they are at. Every step of the way I am there with you. Regardless of if you want a medication-free homebirth or are scheduled for an elective cesarean section, you have my complete support.
This is your unique journey.
Do you follow evidence-based guidelines?
I proudly follow evidence-based practices.
I have 8+ years of experience in being a doula and 6+ years of experience in medical field. I strongly believe in continuing education and have seen first-hand the benefits of that experience. Clients receive a better quality of care, have improved outcomes, and report a more satisfying experience.
Will you advocate for me if I disagree with me provider?
Guess who is in charge of your pregnancy and birth.
You.
As a doula I will never take your voice or presume to know what’s best for you. I will always encourage you to find your own voice. If at any point you disagree with a member of your care team, we can absolutely approach the situation together. Ultimately my goal is to empower you to advocate for yourself.
Do you offer 24/7 text access?
When you hire me as your doula, you will get 24/7 text access to me. I accept phone calls anytime during the day and urgent phone calls at night.