Frequently Asked Questions

 
 
“Knowing we had prepared in advance with April and also had her as a resource consistently throughout the pregnancy, birth, and postpartum periods - eased our nerves and we felt very prepared to respond to just about any situation we might encounter.

Choosing a Doula is kind of like dating, you can have a list of everything you want but in the end it’s about a connection and a feeling that you just get each other and together you are stronger. ”
— AC

What is a birth doula?

You know those movie montages where the main character is putting together a team to do something big, like pulling off a heist, and the camera pans on each person to show what they bring to the table? Well in our version, you are the star assembling your birth team, and a doula is a vital member! Doulas offer a calm and comforting presence, educational guidance, emotional and physical support, and advocacy to help you have a safe and satisfying birth.

While doulas provide continuous one-on-one support, they are not medical providers and do NOT:

  • perform clinical tasks such as vaginal exams or taking blood pressure

  • give medical advice or diagnoses

  • make decisions for their client

  • judge their client’s birthing choices

What is the evidence on doulas?

Studies have shown that people who receive doula support in childbirth experience a:

  • 39% decrease in the risk of cesarean

  • 15% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth

  • 10% decrease in the use of medications for pain relief

  • shorter labors by an average of 41 minutes

  • 38% decrease in the baby’s risk of a low 5-minute Apgar score

  • 31% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience

There is also smaller evidence from a recent study which found that first-time mothers who were randomly assigned to receive doula support had less anxiety and lower average pain scores during labor compared to those with no doula support.

Does a doula replace a partner/spouse/support person?

Absolutely not! Teamwork makes the dream work! Doulas work with your support people to provide you with what you need. Doulas encourage them to take care of themselves - eat, drink, rest, etc. A doula’s presence can help take some pressure off of the support person as well.

Do I need to have a vaginal, pain-med free birth to have a doula?

Each birth is unique, and birthing people should make their own choices about what is best for them. A common misconception is that doulas are only for those who give birth vaginally, for low-risk pregnancies, or those who want to birth without pain medications/interventions. Doulas recognize that all births are valid and have tools to support you no matter how you give birth (i.e. having an epidural and/or needing a cesarean) or where you give birth ( i.e. hospital, birth center, or your home).