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1.What are the benefits of hiring a Doula? Studies repeatedly show that doulas help women have better birth experiences. )Having
continious trained labor support results ina 50% reduction in the cesarean rate,a 25% shorter labor,a 60% reduction in epidural requests, a
40% reduction in oxytocin use,a 30% reduction in analgesia use, and a 40% reduction in assisted deliveries.
(Mothering the Mother: How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier and Healthier Birth, by Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus 1993)
2. My husband / partner will be with me - isn't that enough? Doulas DO NOT replace your husband or partner. The support and encouragement that you receive from those that you are closest to is of the utmost importance during your labor and birth. Instead, doulas use our expertise to make the experience much more positive for everyone, including your support team, by offering suggestions as to how they can better assist you during labor. They may not feel the pain that you're feeling, but they often feel anguish and a sense of helplessness while watching you go through the birth process. A good doula helps take care of the details and busywork of labor, leaving your loved one refreshed and energized so that they may focus their attention on you.
3. Why do I need a Doula if I’ve decided to get an epidural? It is not unusual for women who receive epidurals to still experience physical discomfort or even pain. If that happens, having a doula familiar with these kinds of issues can be helpful. Often your Doctor will want you to be dilated to 4-5 cm before administrating pain medication. (The risks that go along with having an epidural become higher the longer it’s in place.) This can take several hours of active labor. When you get the epidural, your doula will be there to help explain the procedures that go along with an epidural (IV, catheter, monitors, etc.) Once the epidural is in place, you will be restricted to bed, but will still need to change positions frequently to help move the baby down the birth canal. You will also experience the emotional impact of the labor as your body moves through the process. You may get discouraged, fearful, tired or weepy. An epidural may also slow your progress, and the doula can stay with you while other family members or support persons take a break or catch a nap.
4. What’s the difference between a Doula and a Midwife? Doulas do not perform medical tasks. We are there to offer you information, encouragement and physical and emotional support. Midwives are medically trained and licensed professionals who, by law, may perform exams, administer medications, suture and evaluate the medical condition of mom and baby.
5. Do Doulas come to my home when I'm in labor? You may spend early labor at home with your doula or you might meet the doula at the hospital. If you plan to stay at home for most of your labor, your doula can help make you comfortable and offer support during active labor.
6. How do Doulas work with my other care providers? A good doula will try hard to work in harmony with your medical team. Unfortunately, in most hospitals the nursing staff is simply not able to spend considerable time addressing your emotional needs. Most nurses appreciate the fact that you have continuous trained support. When speaking with the Doctor, please understand that we do not challenge or argue with him or her at any time. We do not ever speak for you in medical situations. We will advocate for you by giving you accurate information and then supporting your choices. If an unexpected medical situation comes up, a doula can help you understand what’s happening. (If your Doctor has any questions concerning my service I am glad to provide information that outlines my standards of practice and my code of ethics.)
7. Are Doulas covered by insurance? Some women have received reimbursement by their insurance companies but it is not a standard covered charge at this time. We can give you a receipt for your payment along with supporting information that you can submit to your insurance company if you would like to attempt to be reimbursed for our services. (Although i am not currently covered by insurance, I am able to accept most major credit cards.)
8. What if I end up having a Cesarean? To quote Forrest Gump's momma, "Life is like a box of chocolates...you never know what you're gonna get." Childbirth can and does take some unexpected turns, and a doula will be there to help you navigate through what may be a very stressful time. If you need a Cesarean, your doula will be there to offer support. Sometimes a doula will be allowed in the OR. If we are not allowed to go with you, we can use the time while you're in surgery to move your belongings to the postpartum area or we can stay with friends and family members and give them emotional support while they wait for news.
9. What should I look for in a Doula? The doula client relationship should be just that; a relationship. The most important thing to ask when hiring a doula is “How does this feel? Do I feel comfortable, confident and supported by this person?” A doula may have attended a hundred births, or may just be starting out. Either way, your labor and birth will be a completely unique experience for both of you. Don’t choose someone based solely on their experience or credentials. Start with a few phone interviews, and then meet the ones you really like in person. You will know “your doula” when you find her.
10. What are the costs for a professional Doula? In this area the price can range from $300 to $700. When you consider the many proven medical and psychological benefits of having the continuous support of a trained doula, the investment is well worth it. Many people spend much more than that on the flowers for their wedding... and those quickly fade away. The memory of your childs birth will stay with you for a lifetime. Shouldn't you do all you can to make sure that it's one you enjoy?
(Mothering the Mother: How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier and Healthier Birth, by Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus 1993)
2. My husband / partner will be with me - isn't that enough? Doulas DO NOT replace your husband or partner. The support and encouragement that you receive from those that you are closest to is of the utmost importance during your labor and birth. Instead, doulas use our expertise to make the experience much more positive for everyone, including your support team, by offering suggestions as to how they can better assist you during labor. They may not feel the pain that you're feeling, but they often feel anguish and a sense of helplessness while watching you go through the birth process. A good doula helps take care of the details and busywork of labor, leaving your loved one refreshed and energized so that they may focus their attention on you.
3. Why do I need a Doula if I’ve decided to get an epidural? It is not unusual for women who receive epidurals to still experience physical discomfort or even pain. If that happens, having a doula familiar with these kinds of issues can be helpful. Often your Doctor will want you to be dilated to 4-5 cm before administrating pain medication. (The risks that go along with having an epidural become higher the longer it’s in place.) This can take several hours of active labor. When you get the epidural, your doula will be there to help explain the procedures that go along with an epidural (IV, catheter, monitors, etc.) Once the epidural is in place, you will be restricted to bed, but will still need to change positions frequently to help move the baby down the birth canal. You will also experience the emotional impact of the labor as your body moves through the process. You may get discouraged, fearful, tired or weepy. An epidural may also slow your progress, and the doula can stay with you while other family members or support persons take a break or catch a nap.
4. What’s the difference between a Doula and a Midwife? Doulas do not perform medical tasks. We are there to offer you information, encouragement and physical and emotional support. Midwives are medically trained and licensed professionals who, by law, may perform exams, administer medications, suture and evaluate the medical condition of mom and baby.
5. Do Doulas come to my home when I'm in labor? You may spend early labor at home with your doula or you might meet the doula at the hospital. If you plan to stay at home for most of your labor, your doula can help make you comfortable and offer support during active labor.
6. How do Doulas work with my other care providers? A good doula will try hard to work in harmony with your medical team. Unfortunately, in most hospitals the nursing staff is simply not able to spend considerable time addressing your emotional needs. Most nurses appreciate the fact that you have continuous trained support. When speaking with the Doctor, please understand that we do not challenge or argue with him or her at any time. We do not ever speak for you in medical situations. We will advocate for you by giving you accurate information and then supporting your choices. If an unexpected medical situation comes up, a doula can help you understand what’s happening. (If your Doctor has any questions concerning my service I am glad to provide information that outlines my standards of practice and my code of ethics.)
7. Are Doulas covered by insurance? Some women have received reimbursement by their insurance companies but it is not a standard covered charge at this time. We can give you a receipt for your payment along with supporting information that you can submit to your insurance company if you would like to attempt to be reimbursed for our services. (Although i am not currently covered by insurance, I am able to accept most major credit cards.)
8. What if I end up having a Cesarean? To quote Forrest Gump's momma, "Life is like a box of chocolates...you never know what you're gonna get." Childbirth can and does take some unexpected turns, and a doula will be there to help you navigate through what may be a very stressful time. If you need a Cesarean, your doula will be there to offer support. Sometimes a doula will be allowed in the OR. If we are not allowed to go with you, we can use the time while you're in surgery to move your belongings to the postpartum area or we can stay with friends and family members and give them emotional support while they wait for news.
9. What should I look for in a Doula? The doula client relationship should be just that; a relationship. The most important thing to ask when hiring a doula is “How does this feel? Do I feel comfortable, confident and supported by this person?” A doula may have attended a hundred births, or may just be starting out. Either way, your labor and birth will be a completely unique experience for both of you. Don’t choose someone based solely on their experience or credentials. Start with a few phone interviews, and then meet the ones you really like in person. You will know “your doula” when you find her.
10. What are the costs for a professional Doula? In this area the price can range from $300 to $700. When you consider the many proven medical and psychological benefits of having the continuous support of a trained doula, the investment is well worth it. Many people spend much more than that on the flowers for their wedding... and those quickly fade away. The memory of your childs birth will stay with you for a lifetime. Shouldn't you do all you can to make sure that it's one you enjoy?
I'm glad you asked...