Frequently asked questions:
What is your philosophy about birth and supporting women and their partners through labor?
Our role as your doula is to fully support our client’s decisions through their individual birth experience. We wholeheartedly believe that this is your body, your baby and your birth experience, and we pride ourselves on being supportive, open-minded, and adaptable. We make a point of establishing good communication with our clients and their partners. It is our intention to help our clients feel safe, strong, supported, and well-informed. It is our hope that our clients will look back on the day that their baby was born and feel empowered, safe, and nurtured, and supported regardless of how their birth unfolds. We support clients who choose to give birth at hospitals or at their homes, as well as clients who desire un-medicated or medicated births.
My partner(s) wants to be involved, how will you work with them during the labor? I am the partner of the mom, what would my role be with you as our doula?
While not every woman has a partner who will accompany her during birth, for those that do, We recommend this article by DONA.
We feel that it is important to address the common concerns that partners may have leading up to the birth. For partners wanting to be actively involved, we support and enhance their ability to assist the mother during the birth.
Even with the best of intentions, some partners may at times become overwhelmed or unsure of what they “should” be doing or saying. It is at these times that we are available to provide guidance, make suggestions, answer questions and offer encouragement specifically for the partner. If they need a break, there is peace of mind knowing that the mother will be supported while they are away. This allows them the opportunity to be involved in the ways that they are comfortable and to the level they feel able to provide at the time. Also, in the event that the baby needs to be taken to another room or even another hospital, it is often the decision of the parents that the partner will go with the baby. During this time, we can remain with the mother and provide the companionship and support that she needs.
The role of the partner and our role as doula will be further discussed and practiced during prenatal meetings prior to the birth.
Do you work with single moms?
We love working with single mothers and take it as a great honor and responsibility to be their doula.
May we meet to discuss our birth plans and the role you will play in supporting me through birth?
Yes! We truly enjoy meeting potential clients, getting to know each other, and discussing our services. Once we agree to work together, we will schedule prenatal meetings to discuss the specific details of your birth plans and the role that we can play in supporting you through your pregnancy, labor, birth and postpartum journey.
May we call you with questions or concerns before and after the birth?
We encourage all of our clients to contact us at anytime with any questions or concerns. We are committed to responding quickly to phone calls, texts, and emails.
When do you try to join women in labor? Do you come to our home or meet us at the hospital?
Once your labor begins, we ask that you call us and let us know. Even if you are unsure that you need additional support at that time, we are able chat with you a bit about how you’re doing, and make sure that we are able to come to you as soon as you are ready. We do not have a specific point within labor that we go to my clients. Instead, we leave it up to you to determine when you feel our presence would be beneficial. Once you request us, we will come to you wherever you are at that point (home or hospital) and remain with you throughout the birth.
Do you meet with us after the birth to review the labor and answer questions?
We will remain with you until after the birth and make sure you are doing well before leaving. Within a day or two of the birth we will schedule the postpartum meetings where we will have time to process your birth experience and focus on any questions or concerns you may have at that point.
Do you work with one or more back-up doulas for times when you are not available? May we meet them?
We always work with at least one back-up doula. Our agency is well staffed with reliable doulas, and we can guarantee that you will never be without doula support for your birth.
Compete details regarding retainer fees, payments and refunds are included in the contract that you will receive at our complimentary meet-and-greet interview. Please contact us with any questions you may have.
