FAQS:

Mom Holding Baby What is a Doula?

A doula is a Professional Labor Support Specialist who accompanies women in labor to help ensure a safe and satisfying birth experience. As a doula I draw on my knowledge and experience as a childbirth educator and trained labor support specialist to provide emotional support, physical comfort and, as needed, communication with the staff to make sure that the pregnant couple have the information needed to make informed decisions as they arise in labor. I can provide reassurance and perspective to you and your partner, make suggestions for labor progress, and help with relaxation, massage, positioning, and other techniques to help minimize pain. I am independent and self-employed. As your doula, I am working for you, not your caregiver or the hospital.

What is the partner’s role when a doula is present?

A doula is never there to replace the role of the partner. No one knows the mother emotionally like her partner does. A doula is there to help the father, help the mother. If her partner would like to take the lead, then I will provide suggestions to help the partner aid in the mother’s comfort. If the partner would rather I take the lead, then I can do the majority of the coaching while the partner simply aids in encouraging. Often time’s dad feels an overwhelming sense of relief when a doula is present because it takes the "soul pressure" off of him. If dad needs a break he can take it, without having to worry about the well being of the mother. The doula and partner work together as a team to help the laboring mother have the support and comfort she needs.

If I have a cesarean section, is a doula still necessary?

A cesarean delivery is still the birth of your baby; it is just a different style. However, a cesarean is major abdominal surgery and can be frightening for the mother and her partner. A doula can provide an added sense of support in the operating room to help make the birth a more family centered event. Often times once the baby is born, the infant is taken directly to the warmer to be assessed. After that, the baby is then taken to a separate recovery room along with the support partner. The mother is left by herself for the remainder of the surgery. This is where a doula becomes helpful. A doula can remain with the mother for the remainder of the surgery, so that the father can feel free to go with the baby and not have to worry about the well being of mom. Her needs will be met while the baby is being watched. If baby is doing well, then most often the mother can hold the baby for the remainder of the surgery. With the help of the doula, breastfeeding can then be initiated immediately in the recovery room rather then having to wait for several hours.

What if I choose to get an epidural? Will that change the doula’s role?

The great thing about having babies in this generation is that you have many options available to you. This is your birth and you get to do it your way. My goal is to give the birthing couple a positive birth experience. Sometimes an epidural allows that to happen. My role of supporting the mother does not change if an epidural is administered. I am still there to provide support, encouragement, and answers to any questions they may have. I can still suggest positive birth positions to help the labor progress even with an epidural in place. And provide relaxing massage to promote a more positive restful atmosphere. I am here no matter what choices the couple should choose.

What if I need help in the middle of the night?

I am on call for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If something should arise in the wee hours of the night, I am happy to assist you. Whether it is to answer a simple question due to a pregnancy discomfort, or to assist you with labor beginning. I am available for unlimited consultation, even in the middle of the night.

What will happen if I have a labor that is longer then expected?

Every labor is different. Some labors are short, and others can last over 24 hours. I am there for you from the moment you have your first contraction to the last contraction, even if it lasts longer then expected. In the event that something should arise that would cause me to have to leave for duration, then my back-up doula will come to assist until I am able to return. Regardless, you will have continual care for the entire length of your labor and birth experience.

If I choose to breastfeed, can my doula assist me in getting started?

Absolutely!! I will stay for up to two hours after your delivery, to help initiate breastfeeding for you. Babies are more willing to latch on in those first two hours of life. After we have been able to successfully get through that first feeding, I will be available to you for basic breastfeeding help. When I come for your postpartum follow-up appointment, I can again help with proper latching positions, and suggest some different techniques for helping enable a positive breastfeeding experience. However, if a more complicated breastfeeding scenario should occur, and I am unable to help, I will then refer you to a lactation consultant who will be able to provide further assistance.