Frequently Asked Questions
How do you support me throughout my pregnancy?
I am a resource to you from the time you decide to hire me. During your pregnancy I can help you gather information, prepare a birth plan, answer questions, or just be someone to reach out to in order to process things. I offer several birth support packages with different numbers of prenatal meetings. It's up to you how much time you feel you need to prepare for your birth. I encourage you to call, text, or email throughout the pregnancy and beyond if you have questions or updates.
I am a resource to you from the time you decide to hire me. During your pregnancy I can help you gather information, prepare a birth plan, answer questions, or just be someone to reach out to in order to process things. I offer several birth support packages with different numbers of prenatal meetings. It's up to you how much time you feel you need to prepare for your birth. I encourage you to call, text, or email throughout the pregnancy and beyond if you have questions or updates.
When do you come to the birth?
I come to you when you feel that you need my help in person. Early in the labor we stay in communication so I can provide reminders and encouragement over the phone, and so we can decide when it's time for me to come help. I do offer to come to your home and assist with laboring there before going to your chosen birthplace if that is your desire.
If I have a long labor, do you stay the whole time?
During the labor it is always my goal to be present for the entire process except for short breaks to eat or use the restroom. Rarely will I need to call in a backup for a long labor, but it is possible if I am no longer able to provide you with the best support because of exhaustion. When this happens it is a very gradual changing of doulas so the new doula can observe and see how to offer support in a seamless way.
I come to you when you feel that you need my help in person. Early in the labor we stay in communication so I can provide reminders and encouragement over the phone, and so we can decide when it's time for me to come help. I do offer to come to your home and assist with laboring there before going to your chosen birthplace if that is your desire.
If I have a long labor, do you stay the whole time?
During the labor it is always my goal to be present for the entire process except for short breaks to eat or use the restroom. Rarely will I need to call in a backup for a long labor, but it is possible if I am no longer able to provide you with the best support because of exhaustion. When this happens it is a very gradual changing of doulas so the new doula can observe and see how to offer support in a seamless way.
Is the fee for the doula services a flat rate or are there additional costs (for example if I have a long labor)?
Each package has a flat rate with no additional fees for a long labor or for back-up support. If you choose to have more than one type of support there would be a separate fee for each (a birth package is separate from a postpartum package for example).
Would there ever be a situation where you wouldn't be available and would need to send a backup doula?
It is possible but happens rarely. If I am sick or happen to be with another client in labor I would need to send a backup doula. Sometimes a backup is needed for a short time until I can arrive and other times a backup may be needed for the entire birth. I work with two wonderful doula groups that I feel confident can provide the same quality care that I would give. We offer regular meetings for clients to meet the backup doulas in case a backup situation became necessary during your labor. It is my responsibility to make sure you are supported and I will coordinate a backup plan when necessary so that you can absolutely count on having the help you need.
Each package has a flat rate with no additional fees for a long labor or for back-up support. If you choose to have more than one type of support there would be a separate fee for each (a birth package is separate from a postpartum package for example).
Would there ever be a situation where you wouldn't be available and would need to send a backup doula?
It is possible but happens rarely. If I am sick or happen to be with another client in labor I would need to send a backup doula. Sometimes a backup is needed for a short time until I can arrive and other times a backup may be needed for the entire birth. I work with two wonderful doula groups that I feel confident can provide the same quality care that I would give. We offer regular meetings for clients to meet the backup doulas in case a backup situation became necessary during your labor. It is my responsibility to make sure you are supported and I will coordinate a backup plan when necessary so that you can absolutely count on having the help you need.
How do you support my partner?
During the pregnancy our meeting(s) help me learn more about your personalities and individual birth goals. Some partners want to be the main supporter and rely on me for guidance, while others want to be present but want me to provide most of the physical support, and it is my goal to fit in to this picture and enable a comfortable experience for your partner. In practical ways I support your partner by encouraging self-care breaks for meals and rest when appropriate, and through providing information and dialogue about the birth process - what's normal? giving options, explaining procedures, etc.
What is your philosophy of birth?
I have seen enough births to know that there is no one right or wrong way to give birth. I know that birth works best when a woman is in a safe supportive environment and that may not be the same place for every woman. I also know that each woman comes to birth with unique goals that will make her birth a positive one. My philosophy as a doula is to help each client navigate their own experience of birth, equipped with information and support for the decisions they make no matter what those decisions are.
During the pregnancy our meeting(s) help me learn more about your personalities and individual birth goals. Some partners want to be the main supporter and rely on me for guidance, while others want to be present but want me to provide most of the physical support, and it is my goal to fit in to this picture and enable a comfortable experience for your partner. In practical ways I support your partner by encouraging self-care breaks for meals and rest when appropriate, and through providing information and dialogue about the birth process - what's normal? giving options, explaining procedures, etc.
What is your philosophy of birth?
I have seen enough births to know that there is no one right or wrong way to give birth. I know that birth works best when a woman is in a safe supportive environment and that may not be the same place for every woman. I also know that each woman comes to birth with unique goals that will make her birth a positive one. My philosophy as a doula is to help each client navigate their own experience of birth, equipped with information and support for the decisions they make no matter what those decisions are.