Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Doula?
A doula is a person “experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother (birther) before, during, or just after childbirth” (Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus 1993).
What Exactly Does a Birth + Postpartum Doula Do?
Well it is better to ask “What don’t we do?”
From Prenatal to Birth to Postpartum, Doulas are there for you every step of the way.
Before the baby comes, we go over what to expect during labour and what comfort measures to use to help keep you feeling safe and grounded during each contraction. We then can help you figure out a birth plan that works out for both you and your partner(s) whether that be at home or at the hospital. We also go over any other information that you feel that you are entitled to, to make sure that you go into your birth informed. From the planned to the unplanned, we help make sure that you and your partner(s) are as prepared as you can be. We can also support you mentally, by being a sound board to what is going on in your mind and also help quell any fears that may be lingering from any previous experiences with birth (whether it be your own, your friend’s, or your family member’s).
When the time comes for baby to arrive, we meet you at either your home or the hospital to support you and your partner(s). Our role then changes as the situation unfolds, we can go from being right beside you helping you with your affirmations to making sure your partner(s) are able to get a bite to eat or rest. There will be times where we will just “be”, by witnessing, listening and holding space for you.
After baby is born (you did amazing, by the way!) The role of a doula changes again and we become your mother, your sister, your judgement free sounding board, your personal chef, and your housekeeper.
Is a Doula the Same Thing as a Midwife?
No, doulas do not provide medical care. Midwives are medically trained care providers whose primary focus is on monitoring the physical health of you and your baby. Midwives and doulas often have similar philosophies and values surrounding birth, and enjoy working side by side to support birthing people.
When Should I Hire a Doula?
Of course, when you choose to hire a doula is completely up to you. The current standard is to start looking sometime in the second trimester, but we value connection.
Some clients even hire us before they start their hunt for a care provider. We love assisting families as they walk through the process of finding a care provider that has the birth ideologies and skills that match their unique wants and needs.
Will my Doula Replace my Partner’s Role in our Birth Experience?
Not in the slightest! We believe that partners are the perfect intimate advocate and our intention is to encourage their involvement every step of the way. We like to think that we enhance a birth partner’s role in any given birth experience, and here is why:
1. Doulas remember what a partner learned in their prenatal education
Even if partner attended every class, during the stress of childbirth they may not remember all of the things that they can do to provide their partner with physical and emotional support. Fortunately, doulas are trained to do exactly that. The doula can help the birth partner be the best possible labour coach for their birthing counterpart by providing hints, reminders, and advice during birth.
2. Doulas can give partners a much needed break
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Many labours can stretch over a few days and nights. A doula’s presence allows partners to get a bite to eat, take a break, or take a nap without feeling guilty for leaving the birthing person’s side. These breaks can give the birth partner the chance to recharge, while ensuring that their birthing companion feels supported and cared for through the entire experience.
3. Doulas know their way around a hospital
A doula will be familiar with many of the policies and resources available at specific hospitals. They can inform the birthing team about tools they can request in the hospital that can be helpful in labour, such as hot packs, yoga balls, extra pillows, birthing tubs etc. that the parents may not otherwise know they have access to.
4. Doulas speak the language of labour
Sometimes midwives, doctors and nurses answer questions or explain what’s going on with the birth in complicated medical jargon. A doula can take the time to translate care provider talk in a way that the birthing person and their team can understand, which can decrease anxiety and makes for a more positive experience.
5. Doulas keep partners calm so they can experience childbirth to its fullest
Childbirth can be an overwhelming experience, especially for first time parents. A doula not only provides emotional support to the birther, but also a critical source of reassurance for their parental counterpart or birth support person.