Are you ready to contact a doula? Wondering if we would click?
The most important thing is you need to feel connected and comfortable with any doula you choose. Here is our opportunity to get to know one another during the meet and greet. If you choose to hire us, we will set up your first prenatal visit to begin our journey together!
What is a doula exactly? What does she do?
That is an excellent question! The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves." A doula assists a woman with physical and emotional support during pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum. A doula can help you plan your birth in advance of labor. When you are in labor your doula will come to you when you call her. While a midwife or OB tends to other patients, your doula is there for your every need - emotional or physical (most times both) - and never leaves your side.
What doesn't a Doula do?
You've read all the things that we do, but here are somethings that we don't do:
Do you take the place of my Partner?
100% NO! This is the most asked question and the one most partners are apprehensive about when looking into a doula.
Partners - you fill a role that doulas, care providers, or other family members do not. No one in the labor and delivery room knows mom like you do. She gains strength from your foundation together. I take cues from you, the partner, about mom. To a doula, partners provide a lot of insight on how to assist mom while working with the relationship that already exists between the two of you.
I expect the partner to be the primary support person. I am often in the background while you and your partner are working together. They are there to love, support, and encourage mom during their journey to bring baby safely into the world. While I am there to give helpful suggestions and reminders, no one loves mom like her partner does, and they are the ones in charge. My goal is to answer questions for the partner and helping to make them feel comfortable in what they are doing. It's a very emotional experience for the partner to see the intensity that mom is going through as she births their baby. I relieve partners when labor is long, not going exactly “as planned”, or when your partner just simply needs to take a break.
Do I have to have a home birth with no drugs to have a doula?
Nope! A doula can be a calming presence in a hospital setting where all the hustle and bustle can add stress to a laboring mom.
As your doula, I will labor with you wherever you would like. My goal is to get you as comfortable as I can and to make sure that your needs are being met, no matter what the setting is - whether you are laboring naturally or with the aid of an epidural I am are there for you!
Hopefully I've answered your questions, but if you have more, head over to the contact page so you can schedule a meeting. I really hope to hear from you soon!
The most important thing is you need to feel connected and comfortable with any doula you choose. Here is our opportunity to get to know one another during the meet and greet. If you choose to hire us, we will set up your first prenatal visit to begin our journey together!
What is a doula exactly? What does she do?
That is an excellent question! The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves." A doula assists a woman with physical and emotional support during pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum. A doula can help you plan your birth in advance of labor. When you are in labor your doula will come to you when you call her. While a midwife or OB tends to other patients, your doula is there for your every need - emotional or physical (most times both) - and never leaves your side.
What doesn't a Doula do?
You've read all the things that we do, but here are somethings that we don't do:
- I do not speak for you. I am there for you and your partner to explore concerns and options so you can be prepared to speak confidently and directly to clinical staff.
- I do not make decisions for you. I will eagerly help you gather the info you need to make informed choices.
- I do not perform clinical tasks such as exams and tests. Though I am an invaluable part of your birthing team, I am not a medical professional.
Do you take the place of my Partner?
100% NO! This is the most asked question and the one most partners are apprehensive about when looking into a doula.
Partners - you fill a role that doulas, care providers, or other family members do not. No one in the labor and delivery room knows mom like you do. She gains strength from your foundation together. I take cues from you, the partner, about mom. To a doula, partners provide a lot of insight on how to assist mom while working with the relationship that already exists between the two of you.
I expect the partner to be the primary support person. I am often in the background while you and your partner are working together. They are there to love, support, and encourage mom during their journey to bring baby safely into the world. While I am there to give helpful suggestions and reminders, no one loves mom like her partner does, and they are the ones in charge. My goal is to answer questions for the partner and helping to make them feel comfortable in what they are doing. It's a very emotional experience for the partner to see the intensity that mom is going through as she births their baby. I relieve partners when labor is long, not going exactly “as planned”, or when your partner just simply needs to take a break.
Do I have to have a home birth with no drugs to have a doula?
Nope! A doula can be a calming presence in a hospital setting where all the hustle and bustle can add stress to a laboring mom.
As your doula, I will labor with you wherever you would like. My goal is to get you as comfortable as I can and to make sure that your needs are being met, no matter what the setting is - whether you are laboring naturally or with the aid of an epidural I am are there for you!
Hopefully I've answered your questions, but if you have more, head over to the contact page so you can schedule a meeting. I really hope to hear from you soon!