Frequently Asked Questions
What is a birth doula?
A birth doula provides emotional and physical support, along with resources and birth preparation to an expecting family prenatally, during birth and shortly after.
What does a birth doula do?
Birth doulas meet with you prenatally, offer support throughout your labor and birth, and is there for you as you transition into your postpartum chapter. Some things that are included in doula work: prenatal visits, telephone/email support, on-call availability, continuity of care, assistance and support during labor and birth, assistance with optimal fetal positioning (which can be discussed prenatally and utilized during the birth process), aromatherapy, massage, photography, breastfeeding support, resources and much more.
What is the difference between a doula and a midwife?
A doula is a non-medical support person who focuses on caring for you emotionally and physically, and helps you to feel informed and empowered. While they often have similar approaches, a midwife differs from a doula in a very large way. A midwife is a *medical* professional, meaning that the primary focus of their care is on the health and safety of you and your baby. Both doulas and midwives work with you prenatally, support you throughout the birth and follow up with you postpartum. Specifically at a birth, doulas are often found doing hip squeezes, refilling your water bottle, providing guidance and reassurance (to you and your partner), and repeating affirmations that empower you. At a birth, midwives may be found doing similar things to a doula, but their top priorities include: ensuring that you and baby's vital signs are stable, assessing you and your baby, completing cervical exams when needed, administering medication if necessary, and catching the baby you are birthing
When should I hire a birth doula?
The earlier the better really. Typically, the beginning of your third trimester is a good time to have your doula secured by. We often recommend that you start your search in your second trimester, talk to and interview a couple of doulas, and really determine who is the best fit for you. You deserve someone you feel an easy connection with and someone who you feel fits your personality and needs.
*If you consider yourself a planner or someone who experiences anxiety more often, hiring a doula earlier in your pregnancy might be more beneficial. This allows you to really form that trusting relationship and feel unconditionally supported as you navigate the emotional and mental ups and downs
What is a postpartum doula?
A postpartum doula comes with endless resources, support and guidance during the transition into parenthood from the first few weeks to a few months postpartum.
What does a postpartum doula do??
Postpartum doulas work with you during those first moments at home, typically ranging from a couple weeks to a couple months. Postpartum doulas provide unbiased, evidence-based information, and create a safe space for you to feel comfortable and cared for. You will receive assistance with newborn care, light household tidying, food preparation, lactation, laundry and more. Postpartum doulas provide critical support during the often overlooked "fourth trimester."
When should I hire a postpartum doula?
This depends on you and how you are anticipating your postpartum needs will be met.
Some families hire a postpartum doula while they are still pregnant. Maybe a previous experience has encouraged them to secure a postpartum doula early on.
Other families start their postpartum journey on their own and then recognize that they would benefit from a doula or wanted to wait to see if they would require the support.
The timing of when you hire a postpartum doula is completely up to you! Even if you do not hire one ahead of time, researching and knowing your options while pregnant can be helpful for when you end up searching for one after you give birth.