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Wise Words

"The whole point of woman-centered birth is the knowledge that a woman is the birth power source. She may need, and deserve, help, but in essence, she always had, currently has, and will have the power." Heather McCue

Common Questions

What is a birth doula?

“A birth doula is a person trained and experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth (DONA)”. As your doula I will provide support throughout your pregnancy and during labor, birth and postpartum. A birth doula is an expert on support; she does not perform any clinical assessments.

What are the Benefits of having a birth doula?

“Numerous clinical studies have found that a doula’s presence at birth:

• tends to result in shorter labors with fewer complications
• reduces negative feelings about one’s childbirth experience
• reduces the need for pitocin (a labor-inducing drug), forceps or vacuum extraction
• reduces the requests for pain medication and epidurals, as well as the incidence of cesareans

Studies have shown that babies born with doulas present tend to have shorter hospital stays with fewer admissions to special care nurseries, breastfeed more easily and have more affectionate mothers in the postpartum period (DONA).”

Will you replace the role of my partner?

A doula’s role is not to replace a partner, but to support the intimacy of the laboring couple. It is my job to take some of the “coaching” pressure off partners so that they can focus on closeness and tenderness. I love working with partners, and helping to facilitate their involvement. I will also relieve partners when necessary, make suggestions, and support their emotional needs as well. Take a moment to read DONA’s position paper on Dads and Doulas.

Do you provide prenatal and/or postpartum visits?

Yes. I provide at least two prenatal visits, and will schedule up to four. Postpartum follow-up includes email and phone support for 6 weeks, and one scheduled visit.

What can I expect during these visits?

Prenatal visits will be tailored to meet your needs, but generally include identifying and discussing your labor and birth options. We may work on your birth plan. We will practice comfort measures, and may work on emotional preparation through birth art, role-playing and other exercises. We will discuss any pregnancy issues you have, and our prenatal visits will be an opportunity to borrow books and DVDs. I will also accompany you to an appointment with your care provider. Post-partum visits are different for every client – we can discuss breastfeeding, and I will make any necessary referrals. We can discuss newborn issues, post-partum depression, or any other concerns you may have. Often, we will simply share memories of the birth; I’ll answer questions and do a load of dishes. Every family’s needs will be different.

Can you provide references?

I will provide you will a list of references during our consultation.

What form of training have you had?

I am a Certified Doula through Doulas of North America International. Part of the certification process involved professional training through DONA; I attended DONA Birth Doula training in September, 2006. I also attended births with a Doula Mentor. In addition to my training as a doula, I am a student midwife and a new apprentice. The experience and knowledge I have gained in that role has helped me tremendously in my passion to support women and families during the childbearing year.

What types of births have you witnessed?

I have experience working with moms planning to use epidural anesthesia, and have experience supporting women who desire (and achieve) unmedicated birth. I have attended births at home and the hospital, and have worked with women having VBACs (vaginal birth after cesarean) and HBAC (home birth after cesarean). I have experience with Cesarean birth as well.

Do you have back-up arrangements available?

If, for some extraordinary reason I am unable to attend your birth, I have two back-ups who are available.

What will your role be in early labor?

In the very early, or latent stage, I will keep in contact with you over the phone, and may drop in for a quick visit. We will have discussed or prepared an early-labor plan, and I will support your desires for early labor.

Will you provide labor support at our home prior to going to the place of birth?

Yes! I really enjoy supporting families laboring at home. Once you need support I am happy to help at home. I am comfortable supporting your choices, whatever they may be, about when to leave for the hospital or birth center, and feel confident that together we will know when it is time.

Are you familiar with many methods of childbirth?

I believe that with privacy and support, women will discover what the best way is for them to labor and birth. However, I am familiar with, and support various methods of childbirth including Lamaze, Bradley, Birthing from Within, and Hypnobirthing.