What does having a doula look like?

Once you decide which doula you want to work with, we usually request a retainer to be paid upfront to begin prenatal visits. At these prenatal visits, we give childbirth education, discuss your birth options and help you create a plan that best fits your wishes, and practice some hands on labor coping techniques. We request that the remainder of your balance be paid before you call us to your birth! Whenever you feel as though you need in person support, we will be there with you for the duration of your labor and delivery. Until that point, we are available 24/7 via phone call/text support. At your birth, we help with position changes, comfort measures, emotional support and information along the way. We are there to serve you in whatever ways you need!

Can I hire a Doula if I’m delivering at the hospital?

Absolutely can and SHOULD. Doulas are not just for home births (though we definitely do those too!). We attend births at hospitals and birth centers as well. There are benefits to hiring a doula no matter where you choose to deliver!

Can I hire a Doula if I’m planning on getting an epidural? 

Just as doulas are not just for home births, they are not just for unmedicated births either! Having a doula by your side is helpful for coping techniques in the time spent before you get the epidural, as well as helping you into different position changes with the epidural. We are still there for informational and emotional support along the way as well.

Can I hire a Doula if I’m planning on having a C-section?

Sometimes hospitals will allow doulas into the OR during a c-section but this is dependent on provider/hospital policies. If you don’t have any other support person willing to go into the OR with you, we absolutely can be your person! But many providers limit support to one person at time of surgery. However, a doula can still be there to support you while they prep you for surgery, as well as after delivery to help in recovery and with initial breastfeeding.

When should I hire a doula?

It is never too early OR too late to hire a doula, HOWEVER.. if you are certain you’d like to hire a specific doula.. please reach out as early as possible! Most doulas limit the amount of clients they take per month and you don’t want to risk them booking up before you get a chance. Remember a doula is also there to give you information during pregnancy, so to get the most benefit, it is recommended to hire your doula during early pregnancy.

What if my birth doula is unavailable at the time of my birth?

Since birth is extremely unpredictable, we always make sure to have reliable back up doulas on standby! We try not to book vacations within 2 weeks before or after your due date… however sickness happens and there is always the chance of having another client in labor. If this happens, we will make sure you have another qualified doula at your birth.

Are doulas covered by insurance?

Unfortunately, most insurance companies do not cover doula care at this time. It is something in the works that we hope will happen in the near future!

What if I can’t afford doula care?

We hate for financial situations to get in the way of being able to hire a doula. If this is the case for you, please reach out to discuss payment plans. There are also doulas that are looking for experience that may be willing to attend births for a reduced fee. We would be happy to help you find someone to meet your price range!