~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, 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.  I believe that most laboring women, given the proper time and space to labor, can manage her labor without pain medication.  I believe that 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 the control over your birth choices and that they are given with informed consent and made with confidence and acceptance.  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 hugely 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.

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 and sometimes her clientele.  (Postpartum and antepartum doula fees range from $20-$40/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, 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.  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.

Doula fees are actually quite reasonable when you break it down. You receive two in home prenatal meetings to discuss your wishes for birth and how we can work together to try to achieve the best birth for YOU. You receive an in home postpartum meeting to discuss your birth experience and address any other postpartum needs, including breastfeeding.  Your doula is also on-call 24/7 and she will stay with you for the duration of your labor, throughout all hours of the day and night, no matter how long your labor lasts.  The benefits are statistically proven and if you ever ask a woman (or partner) who has had a doula - she'll tell you... Doulas are worth it!

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!

Can I get reimbursed through my insurance company for the doula fees I pay out of pocket?

Yes, you may be able to collect a portion or all of your money back.  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 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.