FAQ

Frequently Asked
Questions

What does a doula do?

I walk alongside you during your pregnancy and postpartum period, supporting you to have a joyful, safe, and empowering birth experience.

How does a doula work together with my partner?

Your partner knows you…I know birth. My role is to work with your partner to support you by guiding, answering questions, providing evidence based information, comfort techniques, physical and emotional support, and giving them an opportunity to rest when needed.

Do I have to have a natural birth?

My motto is “Your birth, your way”. Doulas are beneficial in the birth space regardless of the type of birth that you want to have. Whether you have chosen a birth center, home birth, or a hospital birth, a doula’s role is to educate, empower, and support women to achieve their goals. The care of a doula can help decrease the length of labor, your chance of a c-section and the interventions that are used, as well as the negative feelings about childbirth.

What is your philosophy about childbirth and supporting women and their partners through labor?

I believe you should be informed about all options in childbirth and be wholeheartedly supported in your choices regarding your birth. I believe the partner plays a pivotal role in the preparation, labor and delivery. This is such an intimate experience for you and your partner, whether it’s your husband, friend, mother, or sister. Both may realize strength, confidence and a love for each other in a way they have not experienced before. My role, as a birth doula, is to provide you and your partner with information, support, encouragement, comfort,  and confidence throughout the birth experience. I will support your birth, your way.

When do you join women in labor? Do you come to our home or do you meet us at the place of birth?

This depends greatly on your progression of labor and at what point I am contacted. If you are more comfortable having me with you earlier as you labor at home, I will come to your home and help with comfort techniques and with determining the best time to change locations. However, if your labor is progressing quickly or if I am not contacted until you are farther along in your labor, I may decide to meet you at the place of birth.

May we meet with you to discuss our birth plans and the role you will play in supporting us through childbirth?

My doula services include 2 prenatal visits at your home to discuss the details of your birth, your desires and needs for your birth, and any fears or concerns you may have. We will also discuss comfort measures in labor and your partner’s role.

May we call you with questions or concerns before or after the birth?

I am available by phone, text, or email before and in the weeks following the birth. Beginning at 38 weeks I will be available by phone 24 hours.

Do you meet with me (us) after the birth to review the labor and answer questions?

My doula services include 1 postpartum visit at your home. This visit gives us a chance to talk about your birth and discuss any questions you may have about newborn care, breastfeeding, and your personal physical and emotional wellness.

Do you work with a backup doula for times when you are not available?

As a part of the Charlotte Birth Collaborative, I work closely with other doulas and birth professionals. We all have similar philosophies and practice. You will have the opportunity to meet with both myself and my backup doula for your prenatal visits. In the event that I am unable to attend your birth, you will already have a relationship with this backup and will be comfortable and confident in her. If she attends the birth in my place, I will pay her out of the fee you have provided to me. There is no extra cost to you!

What if I need a c-section?

Parents who require a cesarean section can still benefit from a doula’s services. In this case, the services include preparing the mother and her partner for what to expect during the procedure, informing them of their options during the surgery, and assistance in preparing an alternate birth plan, and guidance on how to present that plan to the care provider. I will meet the parents at the hospital to prepare for the surgery, will assist with breastfeeding, be available to answer questions after the birth, and will follow up with a regular postpartum appointment. I will make all reasonable efforts to support the mother during the surgery and in recovery, but this may vary due to hospital policies.

What is your fee, what does it include, and what are your refund policies?

My fee for doula services is $1200. This includes 2 prenatal visits, phone and email support, 24-hour phone or text support from week 38, continuous care during labor and birth, 1-2 hours support following the birth, including assistance with infant care and breastfeeding, and 1 postpartum visit. A $400 retainer fee is to be paid to me with the signed contract and confidentiality form to reserve your due date on my calendar. The remainder is due by 38 weeks when I go on call. If a c-section is scheduled, and you do not desire my support at the surgery, the retainer fee cannot be refunded, but there will be no further charges. This is also outlined in our contract.