What are the Benefits of Hiring a Doula...
WHAT DOES THE WORD DOULA MEAN? It is Greek for most favored female servant. As a labor doula, we accompany women in labor to help ensure a safe and satisfying birth experience. We draw on our knowledge and experience to provide emotional support, physical comfort and, as needed, communication with the staff to make sure that you have the information you need to make informed decisions in during your labor. |  |
WILL THE DOULA TAKE THE PLACE OF MY HUSBAND OR PARTNER?
She fills the role you need her to fill. She does not take away the role your partner wants, she only assists and provides guidance. The role they have is the one they always have- your lover, provider, protector, best friend, and whatever else they have always been. They do not have to be the birth "guru" and remember everything perfectly from birth classes. The pressure is removed from that role so they can experience labor and birth with less worry.
COULD I BENEFIT FROM USING A DOULA FROM A HOMEBIRTH?
Sure, you may still need emotional support and helpful guidance during your labor. The doula is there for you without worry about any clinical management. Her attention is not divided in any way.
HOW DO DOCTORS AND MIDWIVES FEEL ABOUT THE DOULA?
Most doctors and midwives love to have the additional support for you. It makes their job easier.
I AM VERY PRIVATE, HOW DOES A DOULA HONOR THAT NEED FOR PRIVACY?
Part of a doula's job is to create a space for you to have privacy so that you can have your ideal birth. Discuss your needs with your doula and she will respect your boundaries. She is there to support you in any way you need to be supported.
WILL THE DOULA COME LABOR WITH ME AT HOME?
Many times, your doula will labor with you at home until you are ready to go to the hospital or birth center. Sometime, if distance is an issue, your doula might make arrangements to meet you at the hospital or birth center.
WILL THE DOULA BE CHECKING ME TO DETERMINE HOW DILATED I AM?
Doulas don't do any clinical procedures. Some may have training in this, but it is outside of her scope of practice as a doula. Your doula is highly trained to read your labor signs and contractions and many times she will be able to estimate your rate of dilation.
WHAT TYPES OF THINGS DOES THE DOULA DO TO HELP ME COPE WITH LABOR?
We can provide reassurance and perspective to you and your partner, make suggesting for labor progress, and help with relaxation, massage and positioning and other techniques for comfort. We listen to you and anticipate your needs. We provide guidance as it is needed.
I LOVE MASSAGE, WILL THE DOULA MASSAGE ME IN LABOR?
Yes but the massage of labor is different from a regular massage or pregnancy massage. Sometimes it will consist of light stroking or pressure might be used to relieve pain. Reflexology is often used to help move labor along. All of the doulas in our group offer touch as part of our services.
WHAT IS THE COST OF A DOULA?
Our fees are based on a sliding fee scale. Generally, doula services range between $350.00 and $1,000.00. Remember you are paying for prenatal contact, her being on call for you for four weeks as well as being there for labor support during your labor, birth and just after the birth.
WILL INSURANCE OR MY PRE-TAX PLAN PAY FOR A DOULA?
Most insurance companies do not cover doula services, but that is changing. We provide you with a super bill to submit to your insurance carrier. And yes, most pre-tax plans do offer this as covered.
WHAT TYPE OF TRAINING DO DOULAS RECEIVE?
You can be a doula without any training, but our doulas have had training through either or both CAPPA or DONA which are internationally recognized certifying organizations.
HOW ARE DOULAS AND MIDWIVES DIFFERENT?
Midwives offer clinical and medical support and sometimes emotional, a doula does not provide clinical or medical but instead provides emotional and educational support.
IF I HAVE A MIDWIFE, WILL I BENEFIT FROM A DOULA AS WELL?
Absolutely- we work great as a team. The doula is continuous care and the midwife may have others in labor and will not be with you continuously. Also a labor doula offers a different support system than your midwife during your pregnancy.
DO DOULAS DELIVER BABIES?
Not if we can help it! It is not something we plan to neither do we want to do- but if we are doing it in the line of a good Samaritan- as in an emergency we may assist you in you catching your baby.
I AM TOO BUSY TO TAKE A CHILDBIRTH AND BREASTFEEDING CLASS, CAN I JUST SKIP CLASSES AND HAVE MY DOULA TEACH ME WHAT I NEED TO LEARN?
The two are different things, to be best prepared it would be good to do everything you can to prepare for your labor - reading informative books, taking an exercise or yoga class, going to childbirth and parenting classes, and hiring a doula- it is a complete package of preparation. In the event that time does not permit you to attend classes, your doula will go over much of the information at the prenatal appointment or the postnatal appointment.
DOES A DOULA MEAN YOU HAVE TO HAVE A NATURAL BIRTH?
This is your birth, not ours. We are there to help assist you in the birth of your choice. But if you are planning on a natural birth, a doula can certainly help you achieve this goal!
ARE DOULAS ANTI-MEDICATION?
Touched By An Angel Doulas are not anti-medication. We are very supportive of all of the decisions made by the mother, even if it includes the use of pain medication.
IF I PLAN TO GET AN EPIDURAL, COULD I BENEFIT FROM USING A DOULA?
You may still need support emotionally and physically - in helping with questions, help with the pushing part of birth, help just after the birth and perhaps with breastfeeding. Remember, epidurals don’t always work and you might not get the pain relief you had planned on. Doulas specialize in 'optimal fetal positioning' and with an epidural, positioning is extremely important to facilitate a vaginal birth.
HOW LONG WILL THE DOULA STAY WITH ME AFTER THE BIRTH?
Usually until you are settled- an hour or so after the birth, sometimes longer if you need her to depending on your particular situation following the birth.
WILL MY DOULA HELP ME WITH BREASTFEEDING?
Absolutely, we all have breastfed our babies and have had further training in helping you with getting started.
IF I NEED A CESAREAN, WILL IT BE BENEFICIAL TO HAVE A DOULA?
Sure, sometimes after a long labor, having your doula accompany you for a surgical birth is available. We help by staying afterwards to assist with bonding and breastfeeding also.
DOES THE DOULA WORK WITH SPECIFIC HOSPITALS?
Touched By An Angel doulas are available for all hospitals in the area, home births and most local birth centers.
HOW WILL A DOULA ADVOCATE FOR ME?
By helping you have a voice. Sometimes when we feel vulnerable, we forget what our goals were and we forget to share what we are feeling. A doula does not speak for you, but instead reminds you of your goals and tried to make sure you are able to communicate those to others. She is also there to make sure you understand the procedures and situations as they arise.
DOES THE DOULA HAVE A BACK UP IN CASE SOMETHING HAPPENS AND SHE CAN'T MAKE THE BIRTH?
One of the benefits to having a Touched By An Angel Doula is the back up doulas we have to provide in case that rare occurrence does come up. Although it is not always certain, you can choose the back up you desire and if she is available, she will be the one to fill in for your primary doula. This is very rare that this is needed.
WHAT IF I HAVE A LONG LABOR, IS THERE AN ADDITIONAL FEE? WHAT IF I HAVE A SHORT LABOR, IS THERE A REDUCTION IN FEE?
You can't control the length of your labor- well actually being relaxed and prepared does offer a shorter labor for most moms, but we charge the same regardless of the length of your labor.
