Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a doula?
A: A doula is a non-medical birth support person.
Q: What does a doula do?
A: A doula supports the birthing person and their partner during late pregnancy, labor, birth, and early postpartum. A doula helps with answering questions, making birth preference lists, supporting the partner, laboring positions, pain relieving massage, encouraging words, and supporting the birthing person with self-advocacy.
Q: Are doulas certified or licensed?
A: Doulas do not have to be certified to practice, however I am birth doula certified through DONA International, postpartum doula certified through Doula Trainings International, and Childbirth Educator Certified through CAPPA.
Q: Are doulas covered by insurance?
A: Typically insurance does not cover doula care, however at this time TriCare is covering doulas and I am in their system as a covered out of network provider. Often HSA’s or FSA’s will cover doula care retrospectively and you can ask your insurance company if this is the case for you.
Q: Do doulas make partners feel unnecessary or disconnected from labor and birth?
A: No, the role of a doula is to support the birth team together. I focus on guiding the partner in supporting the person giving birth. An empowered partner is the best birth support person.
Q: Should I have a doula if I don’t have a partner?
A: Yes, doulas are a great resource in this case. You should be upfront and tell the doula the role you hope for her to play in your labor, so she will be able to make a solid plan with you.
Q: Do I have to hire a doula by a certain week of my pregnancy?
A: No! I will most likely be able to fit you into my schedule even if you hire me at the last minute! I will also keep a space for you months in advance if you are planning ahead.
Q: I am not sure if I want a doula, can I still reach out?
A: Yes. Contact me and we can talk about my services and your hopes. If you want to move forward together, great. If not, that’s okay too.
Q: Can I have a doula at my hospital birth? And can I have a doula at my home birth?
A: Yes. I support families birthing at home, birth centers, and hospitals.
Q: Can I still have a doula if I am having a planned caesarean birth?
A: Yes, having doula support for a caesarean birth is wonderful, she can help make a birth preferences list, and empower you during birth.
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