Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Doula?
The word Doula is a Greek word meaning "woman servant". Doulas are trained and experienced in the Childbirth and Post Partum period. The role of the Doula is to provide non-medical emotional, physical and informational support before, during and after childbirth. We feel that giving birth is one of the most memorable and transformational events in a family's lifetime. We want your experience to be as close to your ideal vision of what you want it to be as possible.
What does a Doula do?
A Birth Doula provides continous non-medical support during labor and childbirth. This support comes in many forms including emotional support, physical comfort, and helping you advocate for the birth you want. At our prenatal visits we can discuss in further detail what sort of support you want for your birth. We can be with you as early in labor as you feel we are needed, we will stay with you throughout labor and birth, and for about an hour after the birth of the baby to help establish breastfeeding and get you settled in with your new baby.
A Postpartum Doula supports the family after the birth of their new baby. They provide non-medical care in your home after the birth of your baby. This may include,but is not limited to, emotional support, breastfeeding help, newborn care assistance, cooking and light house keeping. As a Postpartum Doula we are there to help you with whatever you need at the time.
Does a Doula take the place of my Partner?
NO! We are there to support both the Mother and her partner. We will help a partner become involved in the birth to the extent that they feel comfortable.
Does a Doula take the place of nursing staff?
No. Doulas do not perform clinical or medical tasks. They are there to comfort and support the Mother and enhance communication between the Mother and the Medical professionals.
Will my insurance cover Doula Services?
~*~*~*~*~NEW INFORMATION~*~*~*~*~
Starting October 1st, 2009, Certified Doulas may now apply for an NPI number which allows them to be reimbursed from some insurance companies! Check with your insurance provider to see if they cover our services and we can work out an arrangement. Typically, we will still require payment in full as designated, with the reimbursement back to you after we have received payment from your insurance company.