FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a doula? What does a doula do?
A doula is a woman who acts as a non-medical labor assistant. The word comes from Greek and translates to “woman of service.” A doula provides emotional support, pain management and relaxation techniques, and information to pregnant people and their families. What a doula does varies based on the people she is working with, but what a doula can do to help you relax, focus and have the birth experience you want is vast. Having a doula can provide pregnant people with the tools to self-advocate in a medical setting and ensure that their experiences are honored and that they are safe. In addition, doulas are there to help validate the women’s experiences and choices surrounding their pregnancy outcomes, on their terms.
As DONA International states, “During labor these skills are medically proven to make a true difference in the experience of birth, decreasing interventions, including cesareans, and increasing maternal satisfaction. … Effects on babies include shorter hospital stays with fewer admissions to special care nurseries when a birth doula is present; and higher occurrences of successful breastfeeding and better bonding experiences. For partners a doula can help them share in the birth at a more comfortable level, including offering guidance and making suggestions for physical comfort measures. In the postpartum period, the doula can help partners with reassuring support and encouragement in developing their parenting style.”
Here is an excellent video by doula, childbirth educator and author, Penny Simkin, on the role of a doula:
Why do I need a doula if I have my husband/partner/mom/sister/friend as my birth partner?
A doula is not a replacement for your birth partner, but she is the only person in the room who is totally devoted to you. Your husband or partner or other relative is experiencing the birth on their own terms, with their own excitement and anxiety, and a doula can help both you and your birth partner focus on your birth plan (it is hard to remember in the heat of the moment), remember and implement relaxation techniques and allow your partner to be more fully present with you. Perhaps your husband will hold you while the doula gets a cold cloth to wipe your forehead, or your husband rubs your feet while the doula rubs your back. There are numerous ways a doula is an invaluable addition to your labor support team. Studies have shown that the mere presence of a doula in the room with you, doing nothing more than saying “you’re doing great,” or other encouraging comments dramatically increases a woman’s peace of mind and lowers the need for interventions.
I’m having a hospital birth. Can I still have a doula?
Absolutely! There are so many ways a doula can support you in your labor, delivery and immediately postpartum in or out of the hospital. I often feel that women birthing in a hospital need a doula more than homebirth mothers do!
What training have you had?
I have been trained with DONA (the first and primary doula organization) and the Aviva Institute. I have applied for certification, and expect to receive it soon (though certification is not required anywhere for a doula to practice).
Do you have one or more backup doulas for times when you are not available? May we met her/them?
I have built good relationships with several other doulas in the area, and, if at all possible, one will attend a prenatal meeting with me, so that you can meet her and make sure you are comfortable with her in the event of my unavailability.
What is your philosophy about birth and supporting women and their partners through labor?
I believe that birth is a natural process that should be empowering to a woman and her partner, and I will work to help her achieve her ideal birth, as well as help her to accept when that is sometimes not possible. I believe everyone has the right to have a labor assistant with them to ease their pain and prevent suffering. I believe there is a great distinction between pain and suffering. I think that the birth process is beautiful, and a wonderful time for a woman and her partner to grow closer as they share in this miracle of life. I believe in working with each woman on an individual level, doing what best supports her. I believe in the importance of information and I work to keep my clients informed of the range of options available to them during their pregnancy, birth and postpartum time, providing them with resources for a variety of needs. I believe an informed woman has an easier time managing her labor and delivery and helping her doula and partner help her in the most effective way. I could talk about this for hours, so if you want to know more, feel free to ask!
May we meet to discuss our birth plans and the role you will play in supporting me through birth?
Absolutely! We can have an initial meeting before you hire me to see if we click and then we will schedule two prenatal appointments discussing these very things. You may also contact me any time day or night when I am your doula.
May we call you with questions or concerns before and after the birth?
Please do! I am here to help you! Unless it is an emergency or the birth, though, please only call during regular business hours. Doulas need to be well-rested for all the births we attend!
When do you try to join women in labor? Do you come to our home or meet us at the place of birth?
That’s really up to you. I like to be with women before they reach active labor, to help them rest and relax and conserve energy during early labor, so they remain strong for the hard work of active labor and pushing. I’m always happy to stop by and check on you to see if you want me to hang around to help keep you relaxed and make sure labor is progressing. Many women prefer to spend as much time at home as possible before going to the hospital or birth center, if they are not planning a home birth, so it makes sense for me to meet you at your home, then follow you to the place of birth.
Do you meet with us after the birth to review the labor and answer questions?
Yes! This is one of my most important roles, in fact. I will visit you the day after birth, at home or in the hospital, to check in on you and then again about two weeks after the birth to go over your birth story, fill in any gaps or things you might have missed and answer any questions you have. This is a great opportunity for me to hear your side of things, since I know my own point of view on the birth, I love to hear it from your perspective. It is so important to be able to process your birth; it is such a huge moment in your life, so it is important to step back and take stock.
I’m having a caesarean. Can I still have a doula?
Of course! Depending on the hospital, the doula may or may not be allowed in the operation room with you, but a doula can support you before and after surgery, helping you avoid complications after surgery and helping you with lactation and recovery.
How much does it cost to hire a doula?
It varies by region, but an experienced doula can earn $2000 in a large city. My services cost $300. This includes 1-4 1.5-2 hour prenatal visits, continuous labor support, 2 postpartum visits, email and phone support, access to my vast lending library of books and DVDs. I do not charge for travel costs within the Salt Lake City area, though I may ask for you to help pay for gas if you live int he surrounding area or farther. I do offer a sliding fee scale, and am always willing to work out payment plans, trade or barter for my services.
Are you or your partner in the military? Then there is a 10% discount for you!