FAQ

Q. Are birth outcomes better with doulas?

A. Many randomized control studies find that having a trained doula can benefit everyone involved. The studies consistently show that doula care is associated with less use of epidurals and other interventions, shorter labors, lower episiotomy rates, and reduction on C-section rates. A doula’s support can be invaluable, especially in the hardest phases of labor. Doulas also provide care for the mother’s partner, assist the busy hospital staff, and can save you money. In general, mothers who hire a doula report great satisfaction with their birth experience.

Q. aren’t doulas and midwives the same thing?

A. Nope! Doulas do NO clinical care. Because doulas have only one client at a time, they give undivided, complete attention to the mother for the entirety of her labor and birth.

Q. Will a doula take the place of my partner?

A. A good doula will NEVER do this! She understands that the partner is far more emotionally connected and depended upon for support than a doula can be. Your person knows you best! Doulas see the partner as an irreplaceable member of the birth team! Working their hardest, doulas show the partners how they can be involved in the whole process, through comfort measures and emotional support etc. Partners are often glad to have another person in the room to guide them in the process and be there to support them as well as the mother. Having a doula often gives the partner peace of mind in what can be a very overwhelming experience!

Q. can a doula help, even if I have an epidural?

A. Yes! Prior to the epidural, a doula’s help is especially rewarding, during the epidural process, and beyond. Like any other birth, she will care for the mother for the remainder of the process. There are still many positions and comfort measures that aid in labor, while having an epidural.

Q. will a doula force her opinions on me? Or shame me for my choices?

A. Again, a good doula will NEVER do this. This is not the doula’s birth, but the mother’s! The doula will do her best to inform the mother of possible outcomes and scenarios of different birth choices BEFORE the birth so that in the birthing room she feels equipped to confidently make decisions for herself, if the need arises. The doula will support the mother’s choices with the techniques and comfort measures required for the options chosen.