~FAQ~
If my partner is going to be at the birth, do we need a doula?
A doula is there to support both the mother and her partner. Partners tend to be much more at ease during labors where they are sharing the support role with a doula. They usually appreciate when doulas are able to show them ways to help support the mom better. Instead of being worried about not knowing what to do or if the labor is normal, they are more able to focus on loving the mom. Because your partner is likely to be more informed and prepared if you hire a doula, he or she will be more relaxed when labor occurs. And, partners need breaks! It can be a long and exhausting process for them as well as for the laboring woman, but minus the wonderful hormones. A doula will be able to continue supporting you while your partner meets his own needs such as using the restroom, eating meals, and getting rest. CHECK OUT THIS ARTICLE
I plan to use medication. Can I still benefit from having a doula?
Traditionally, many women seeking out doula support for their births have desired non medicated births, as it is healthier for mom and baby for a variety of reasons and can eliminate the cascade of interventions that often lead to complications and cesarean births. However, my role as a doula is to support you and your partner, whether your labor and birth includes medication or other pain coping practices. My training through Birth Arts has prepared me to be a doula for any kind of woman in any kind of situation, and to do it with understanding and love in my heart. I take my role at your birth very seriously, and have confidence in myself to change as needed for each mom. There are plenty of moms who want a doula’s support to just make it further in labor before requesting an epidural. A doula can definitely be helpful with that. Also remember that your need for support and encouragement continues even with an epidural. You may have questions regarding the management of your labor after your epidural, and you will benefit from having the continued 1 on 1 informational and emotional support through the pushing stage and after the birth.
What if I decide during labor that I want medication - will you support that?
As your doula, I will support whatever choice you make regarding medication. Most laboring women, given the proper time and space to labor, can and will manage her labor without pain medication. Women who have had preparation for labor through an independent childbirth educator and a doula are even more prepared to manage labor normally and naturally. When a woman has support of a doula with her during labor, she will have even more 'tools in her toolbox' to help her manage. When arriving at the hospital, though, with staff suddenly talking to you and requiring answers of you through your contractions while you are in bed for a certain time being monitored, your ability to manage is greatly compromised, especially in longer labors. As each mother has unique needs, this issue will be discussed in detail at our prenatal visits, so that I will have a complete understanding of your wishes and needs during labor. I would never want anyone to fear that I would be disappointed in their choices during labor – medication does not equal failure, even for the mom who desires a non-medicated birth prior to labor and then changes her mind during it. Most important is you having control over your birth choices and that they are made with confidence and acceptance. I will give you information when asked and help you communicate with staff when it is time to make decisions, from the simplest to the more difficult. I will support you no matter what.
My baby will be born by planned cesarean. What are some ways I can benefit from having a doula?
As your doula, I can help you and your partner plan for a more family centered cesarean birth so that you can both focus on the celebration of your baby’s birth, not the surgical process. I will help make the space yours so that everyone involved with the birth is reminded that this is not just another medical event, even when medical care is involved. You may need to get special permission for me stay with you during the birth. Even if that is not possible, I can join you after the birth while your partner goes to the nursery with the baby. It is important for a mom not to be left unsupported in the surgery room and/or when moved to recovery. Breastfeeding and caring for your baby are sometimes more challenging after a cesarean birth, and as your doula, I will provide support and encouragement while you overcome those challenges.
If I am planning to give birth at home or in a birth center with midwives, do I still need a doula?
In short, YES. Both Certified Professional Midwives (CPM's) and Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM's) are there to serve as your care provider, not a full-on support person for long periods of time. They are wonderful supports to women, but they also have the important role of caring for your birth and making sure all is going well for you and your baby during the labor process. You never know how long your labor will be. The last thing you want is a midwife that has been put into a full on emotional and physical support person for you for an extended time and then she is exhausted by the time your baby is being born. You want a well rested, well fed, completely clear headed midwife with you and your newborn at the time of birth. Just like partners, midwives appreciate the presence of a doula as well. If you are planning a homebirth and are unsure how a doula will work with you, just ask me for references.
But why does it seem so expensive?
In the Philadelphia area, birth doula fees range from $500-$1200, depending mostly on the doula's experience, her area base, and whether it is a solo practice or an agency or group of doulas. Postpartum and antepartum doula fees range from $25-$45/hr. Doula fees may seem high because it is an expense that was not anticipated. We have come to expect expenses such as diapers, clothes, carseats, strollers, cribs, bassinets, nursery furniture, and even larger cars or houses in some cases. But, every family needs support and encouragement before, during, and after labor and birth. Many people view doula support as a luxury instead of a necessity because they just do not yet realize the benefits of having one! Our society, in general, places much higher value on our mommies and babies having other stuff instead. Having a professional who becomes personally involved with you and your family and is knowledgeable and comfortable with all things regarding pregnancy, labor, birth, and breastfeeding is extremely valuable! There used to be a tradition of women being surrounded by other women in birth so that the process feels as normal and natural as it really is. This tradition has been all but lost from our culture because we are disconnected from birth in general - most women don't see births and don't know how to support another woman through her labor. So ultimately women are left to go through labor at the mercy of her doctor and nurse on staff at the time, a few beeping monitors, and usually a partner who (even the best ones) is typically feeling concerned, helpless, alone, and vulnerable as well. So, yes, today women need to actually hire someone trained and experienced with childbirth to play that traditional role! The birth of your child, especially a first, is one of the most important and memorable events that undoubtedly shapes a woman in one way or another. The childbirth experience can be either empowering or disempowering for her as she enters motherhood. Doulas want to help women feel empowered regardless of the circumstances, and we have great success in doing just that! Of all proven benefits of doulas, the one benefit that speaks volumes is that mom’s who have birth doulas tend to be happier with their overall birth experience. If the surveys and evidence found consistently over the years cannot convince you, ask anyone who has had a doula!
Doula fees are actually quite reasonable when you break it down. I could not possibly write it any better than Jodi Green, another local doula - "What's in a Fee?"
And as the saying goes, a picture says a thousand words. Even if it doesn't look like this physically, it IS this emotionally. Doulas are worth it!!!
A doula is there to support both the mother and her partner. Partners tend to be much more at ease during labors where they are sharing the support role with a doula. They usually appreciate when doulas are able to show them ways to help support the mom better. Instead of being worried about not knowing what to do or if the labor is normal, they are more able to focus on loving the mom. Because your partner is likely to be more informed and prepared if you hire a doula, he or she will be more relaxed when labor occurs. And, partners need breaks! It can be a long and exhausting process for them as well as for the laboring woman, but minus the wonderful hormones. A doula will be able to continue supporting you while your partner meets his own needs such as using the restroom, eating meals, and getting rest. CHECK OUT THIS ARTICLE
I plan to use medication. Can I still benefit from having a doula?
Traditionally, many women seeking out doula support for their births have desired non medicated births, as it is healthier for mom and baby for a variety of reasons and can eliminate the cascade of interventions that often lead to complications and cesarean births. However, my role as a doula is to support you and your partner, whether your labor and birth includes medication or other pain coping practices. My training through Birth Arts has prepared me to be a doula for any kind of woman in any kind of situation, and to do it with understanding and love in my heart. I take my role at your birth very seriously, and have confidence in myself to change as needed for each mom. There are plenty of moms who want a doula’s support to just make it further in labor before requesting an epidural. A doula can definitely be helpful with that. Also remember that your need for support and encouragement continues even with an epidural. You may have questions regarding the management of your labor after your epidural, and you will benefit from having the continued 1 on 1 informational and emotional support through the pushing stage and after the birth.
What if I decide during labor that I want medication - will you support that?
As your doula, I will support whatever choice you make regarding medication. Most laboring women, given the proper time and space to labor, can and will manage her labor without pain medication. Women who have had preparation for labor through an independent childbirth educator and a doula are even more prepared to manage labor normally and naturally. When a woman has support of a doula with her during labor, she will have even more 'tools in her toolbox' to help her manage. When arriving at the hospital, though, with staff suddenly talking to you and requiring answers of you through your contractions while you are in bed for a certain time being monitored, your ability to manage is greatly compromised, especially in longer labors. As each mother has unique needs, this issue will be discussed in detail at our prenatal visits, so that I will have a complete understanding of your wishes and needs during labor. I would never want anyone to fear that I would be disappointed in their choices during labor – medication does not equal failure, even for the mom who desires a non-medicated birth prior to labor and then changes her mind during it. Most important is you having control over your birth choices and that they are made with confidence and acceptance. I will give you information when asked and help you communicate with staff when it is time to make decisions, from the simplest to the more difficult. I will support you no matter what.
My baby will be born by planned cesarean. What are some ways I can benefit from having a doula?
As your doula, I can help you and your partner plan for a more family centered cesarean birth so that you can both focus on the celebration of your baby’s birth, not the surgical process. I will help make the space yours so that everyone involved with the birth is reminded that this is not just another medical event, even when medical care is involved. You may need to get special permission for me stay with you during the birth. Even if that is not possible, I can join you after the birth while your partner goes to the nursery with the baby. It is important for a mom not to be left unsupported in the surgery room and/or when moved to recovery. Breastfeeding and caring for your baby are sometimes more challenging after a cesarean birth, and as your doula, I will provide support and encouragement while you overcome those challenges.
If I am planning to give birth at home or in a birth center with midwives, do I still need a doula?
In short, YES. Both Certified Professional Midwives (CPM's) and Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM's) are there to serve as your care provider, not a full-on support person for long periods of time. They are wonderful supports to women, but they also have the important role of caring for your birth and making sure all is going well for you and your baby during the labor process. You never know how long your labor will be. The last thing you want is a midwife that has been put into a full on emotional and physical support person for you for an extended time and then she is exhausted by the time your baby is being born. You want a well rested, well fed, completely clear headed midwife with you and your newborn at the time of birth. Just like partners, midwives appreciate the presence of a doula as well. If you are planning a homebirth and are unsure how a doula will work with you, just ask me for references.
But why does it seem so expensive?
In the Philadelphia area, birth doula fees range from $500-$1200, depending mostly on the doula's experience, her area base, and whether it is a solo practice or an agency or group of doulas. Postpartum and antepartum doula fees range from $25-$45/hr. Doula fees may seem high because it is an expense that was not anticipated. We have come to expect expenses such as diapers, clothes, carseats, strollers, cribs, bassinets, nursery furniture, and even larger cars or houses in some cases. But, every family needs support and encouragement before, during, and after labor and birth. Many people view doula support as a luxury instead of a necessity because they just do not yet realize the benefits of having one! Our society, in general, places much higher value on our mommies and babies having other stuff instead. Having a professional who becomes personally involved with you and your family and is knowledgeable and comfortable with all things regarding pregnancy, labor, birth, and breastfeeding is extremely valuable! There used to be a tradition of women being surrounded by other women in birth so that the process feels as normal and natural as it really is. This tradition has been all but lost from our culture because we are disconnected from birth in general - most women don't see births and don't know how to support another woman through her labor. So ultimately women are left to go through labor at the mercy of her doctor and nurse on staff at the time, a few beeping monitors, and usually a partner who (even the best ones) is typically feeling concerned, helpless, alone, and vulnerable as well. So, yes, today women need to actually hire someone trained and experienced with childbirth to play that traditional role! The birth of your child, especially a first, is one of the most important and memorable events that undoubtedly shapes a woman in one way or another. The childbirth experience can be either empowering or disempowering for her as she enters motherhood. Doulas want to help women feel empowered regardless of the circumstances, and we have great success in doing just that! Of all proven benefits of doulas, the one benefit that speaks volumes is that mom’s who have birth doulas tend to be happier with their overall birth experience. If the surveys and evidence found consistently over the years cannot convince you, ask anyone who has had a doula!
Doula fees are actually quite reasonable when you break it down. I could not possibly write it any better than Jodi Green, another local doula - "What's in a Fee?"
And as the saying goes, a picture says a thousand words. Even if it doesn't look like this physically, it IS this emotionally. Doulas are worth it!!!
photo from Fundacion Camino Claro, shared on facebook Aug 2012
(COMING SOON is a blog post on creative ways to pay for your doula or midwife! I'm finally going to throw all my ideas down - but if you need some before I've got it written, shoot me an email! I am always willing to help people figure it out!)
Can I get reimbursed through my insurance company or FSA/HSA for the doula fees I pay out of pocket?
Yes, you may be able to collect a portion or all of your money back! Most of my clients who have an FSA/HSA and have submitted a receipt I've provided them with, have been successful using their accounts to reimburse them for my fee. Insurance providers are starting to cover doula services as the requests are rolling in more often and they are seeing their costs lowered because of the overall reduction of routine interventions and less cesarean surgeries. I will supply you with all the paperwork you need, already filled out for you with applicable coding to turn in to your insurance company along with some letters that have statistics of how doulas are proven helpful and cost effective for them. Try once, and if denied, try again. More and more, women are having luck getting some sort of reimbursement.
Can I get reimbursed through my insurance company or FSA/HSA for the doula fees I pay out of pocket?
Yes, you may be able to collect a portion or all of your money back! Most of my clients who have an FSA/HSA and have submitted a receipt I've provided them with, have been successful using their accounts to reimburse them for my fee. Insurance providers are starting to cover doula services as the requests are rolling in more often and they are seeing their costs lowered because of the overall reduction of routine interventions and less cesarean surgeries. I will supply you with all the paperwork you need, already filled out for you with applicable coding to turn in to your insurance company along with some letters that have statistics of how doulas are proven helpful and cost effective for them. Try once, and if denied, try again. More and more, women are having luck getting some sort of reimbursement.