You aren’t the only one who has thought “what does a doula even do”??? Here is a place for you to feel supported in those thoughts and wonderings while finding the answers to some of my frequently asked questions. 

Frequently Asked Questions Favorites: 

“Do doulas support people who give birth in the hospital? that get an epidural?”

“Do doulas take the place of my partner?”

“Will you make it in time if you live in Ohio?”

Let’s Talk About What You Are Wondering…

What is a doula?

”Like travel guides in a foreign country, birth and postpartum doulas help support new families through the life changing experience of having a baby!” -DONA International

DONA defines a doula as a trained nonmedical professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to a pregnant woman before, during, and after childbirth to help them achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible. 

What do doulas even do?

Doulas use evidence-based research to help you plan the birth you envision. Doulas help you stay confident and strong through pregnancy, labor & birth, and postpartum. We discuss birth options which helps reduce decision fatigue by getting all the big questions out of the way… Questions like: how do you want to deliver your baby; what kind of pain management do you want to use; does your facility offer that type of pain management; do you want to delay cord clamping; do you want a relaxing or energized environment? Each experience is individually tailored to your desire for birth and the type of support you need.

Do doulas support people who give birth in the hospital?

One of my favorite questions and favorite myths. Doulas do support people who give birth in hospitals. While I love supporting home births, the majority of my clients give birth at hospitals. It doesn’t matter if you give birth at home, a birth center, or a hospital a doula will support you during your birth. 

Do doulas support people who get an epidural?

It may sound crazy, but you betcha! We are there with you while you get the epidural and we help you switch positions to help your body and baby do what it needs to do for labor progression.

Do doulas take the place of my partner?

NEVER. Think of your partner as your right hand and a doula as your left hand. We are there to add additional comfort measures with your partner. This allows your partner to provide more emotional support while I provide physical support in whatever way you need. Doulas are there to whisper suggestions to your partner, so they can continue to support you. Doulas are here to stay with you while they grab a bite to eat or run to the bathroom. Each birth experience is unique and we will come up with what works best for you and your partner during our prenatal visits.

Why do people use doulas?

People want to feel supported. People want to feel heard. People want to experience a positive birth. People want to be as comfortable as possible physically, mentally, and emotionally during labor. People want continuous support. People want to be respected. There are many different answers to this question, but to sum it up, people use doulas to feel continuously supported by someone who knows birth.

Will you make it in time if you live in Ohio?

Absolutely! I live right on the Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania border. I have supported births in Pittsburgh, Boardman, Wheeling, Morgantown and surrounding areas without any issue. I always tell clients to give me 2 hours to make it to you for support.  

Do you offer discounts on doula services?

I offer a wide range of payment options including sliding scale, payment plans, and bartering. Package pricing is listed as top tier and can slide in the downward direction based on each families needs. Each package with a * is available at an Ohio Valley Rate and on a sliding scale. If your insurance offers payment for doulas, I typically qualify as a DONA certified doula. I will work with you as much as possible because I believe everyone deserves support.

Are you certified/what type of training do you have?

I attended a DONA (Doulas of North America) International training in April 2022. I completed the certification process and became a DONA certified doula in April 2023. While training provided the foundation, I find that each birth I attend builds a new layer of learning.  I have continued my education in water immersion, using TENS units during labor and birth, debriefing after birth, keeping doulas in the hospital, VBAC, and Outpatient Breastfeeding Champion training.

Do you offer virtual support?

I get it… some people just aren’t comfortable with being seen naked. JK. Some people do not want someone else in the room, but are interested in support. I do offer virtual support and would love to discuss this option with you.

What is the evidence on using a doula?

*Decreases the risk of C-section by 39%.

*Decreases the use of pain medication by 10%

*Decreases the likelihood of being dissatisfied with birth experience by 31%

*Increases likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth by 15%

*Shortens labor by roughly 40 minutes (I know that doesn’t seem like a long time, but when you are experiencing it…. 40 minutes IS A LONG TIME)

*Decreases the amount of pitocin used

Are you still on the fence?

…when nurses change shifts, your doula is there.

…when your partner needs a break, your doula is there.

…when you need an extra set of hands, your doula is there.

…when you need gentle nudge of reassurance, your doula is there.

If your questions aren’t answered, click below to contact me to set up a free 30 minute consultation.