Question 1

How is a doula different from a midwife?

Accepted Answer

A doula and a midwife serve different roles. As a doula, I provide non-medical emotional and physical support before, during, and after labor. I offer comfort measures, positioning, and pain relief techniques. A midwife is a medical provider focused on the health and safety of you and your baby, and may perform medical procedures, including delivering babies. As your doula, I offer continuous support, unlike medical providers who have other patients to monitor. Continuous support during labor can significantly improve your birth experience.

Question 2

What are your trainings and qualifications?

Accepted Answer

I am a DONA (Doulas of North America) trained and certified doula: CD(DONA).

I am a Certified Spinning Babies Parent Educator: SbPE.

I am a Certified Childbirth Educator with the Academy of Certified Birth Educators and am a participating member of Evidence Based Birth Academy: (CBE).

I am a CPST (Child Passenger Safety Technician) through Safe Kids Worldwide.

I am CPR and first aid certified.

I am also a Licensed Master Social Worker in Kansas and Missouri.

Question 3

What are the benefits of a doula?

Accepted Answer

Birth doulas are statistically proven to improve outcomes*:

39% decrease in the risk of C-section
15% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth
10% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief
38% decrease in low APGAR scores for the newborn
31% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience

Additionally, birth doulas:

Decrease in the use of Pitocin for labor induction/augmentation
Increase the partner's positive experience of the labor
Shorten overall labor time

* https://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/

Question 4

Why do I need a doula when I have my spouse/partner for support?

Accepted Answer

As a doula, my job is not to replace your partner. I want to work in conjunction with your partner to make your birth the best it can be. Birth can be very intimate and I don’t want to get in the way of these special moments. My job is to help facilitate a birthing environment that allows you both to have a memorable experience . Your partner knows you best. I work with your partner to support you and I support your partner. They also need to be reminded to rest, hydrate and breathe.

Question 5

I'm having an epidural or c-section. Can I still have a doula?

Accepted Answer

Yes! I support all types of birth. Even if you are having a scheduled c-section or are interested in an epidural, a doula can be an invaluable resource. I can still provide emotional and physical support during birth regardless of how the birth is happening. I can provide education on what to expect and I can provide support to partners and family who are waiting for you to come out of surgery. There as so many things to decide on, regardless of how you birth.

I truly believe that every birthing person who wants a doula, should have one.

Question 6

When is the best time to hire a doula?

Accepted Answer

Anytime. Doulas provide a variety of services for pregnant folks, folks looking to get pregnant and folks who have recently, or not, given birth. I provide a range of services for pregnant and birthing people. You can hire me as soon as you get a positive pregnancy test or as late as 40+ weeks pregnant. However, I only take a small number of clients every month, so the sooner you book the better.

Question 7

Do you have availability for my birth?

Accepted Answer

I only take a small number of clients every month, so the sooner you book the better. You can check my availability on the services page.

https://www.peachybirths.com/birth-doula-and-lactation

Question 8

Are doula services covered by health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Health insurance coverage for doula services varies by state and plan. If your insurance does not cover doula services, I can provide a superbill for reimbursement. You can also use your FSA or HSA.

I am an In-Network provider for Tricare, Kansas Medicaid, and Missouri Medicaid, which may cover your doula services. Commercial United Health Care and GEHA plans provide reimbursement for doula services. Read more here: https://www.uhc.com/news-articles/newsroom/doula-offering-news-release

You can also create a registry on BeHerVillage to fund your doula services. Add doula support, lactation support, or childbirth education from Peachy Births by clicking here: https://behervillage.com/partners/peachybirthsdoulaandlactationservicesllc.

If you have Medicaid or food stamps, ask about a sliding scale payment option.

Question 9

How much are doula services?

Accepted Answer

For self pay clients: I charge one flat fee of $1500 that covers 3 prenatal sessions, childbirth education classes, unlimited time for your labor and delivery and 1-2 postpartum visits with lactation support. You can also get a discount on your doula package if your insurance covers lactation services.

A deposit of $200 is needed to secure your spot on my calendar. Ask me about a payment plan.

If you have Mo or Ks Medicaid or TriWest, your doula services are covered.

Commercial United health care and GEHA plans provide reimbursement for doula services. Read more here: https://www.uhc.com/news-articles/newsroom/doula-offering-news-release

If you have WIC or food stamps, ask me about a sliding scale payment option.

Question 10

Can I set up a payment plan?

Accepted Answer

Birth can be very expensive. I know that trying to cover all the costs is stressful. Talk to me about a payment plan that suits your needs.

You can also create a registry on BeHerVillage to get your doula services funded. Add doula support, lactation support or childbirth education from Peachy Births to your registry by clicking here: https://behervillage.com/partners/peachybirthsdoulaandlactationservicesllc

If you have Medicaid or food stamps, ask me about a sliding scale payment option.

Question 11

How does the sliding scale work?

Accepted Answer

To be eligible for the sliding scale consider how accessible money is to your family. The minimum payment for doula services is $200. If you can afford to pay a little more than the minimum but not the full price, please reach out. We will come to an agreement that feels comfortable for us all.

You may be eligible if your family:
•Has significant debt
•Receives public assistance
•Has immigration-related expenses

You might consider making a donation to the community fund if your family:
•Owns the home you live in
•Has investments or retirement accounts
•Travels recreationally
•Has access to money and resources in times of need
•Has a relatively high degree of earning power due to level of education or gender and racial privilege, class background, etc.

While we ask you to take these factors into consideration, please don’t stress about it. We will come to an agreement that feels comfortable for us all. You can access the application for sliding scale here: https://intakeq.com/new/goqsbr

The sliding scale recommendations are based on the following blog post by Hadassah Damien: https://www.ridefreefearlessmoney.com/blog/2016/05/sliding-scale-1/

Question 12

What are the travel fees for prenatal doula appointments and births?

Accepted Answer

For prenatal doula appointments, if you live outside the "no travel fee" radius, a travel fee of $30, $45, or $60 will be charged per appointment.

There is no travel fee for the birth or postpartum appointment unless you live outside the birth travel area. This fee covers mileage and travel time and will be charged to the card on file. Insurance does not cover travel fees.

Prenatal appointments at Northland Wellness Collective have no additional travel fees.

For births, if you are delivering outside the "no travel fee" radius, a one-time travel fee of $60 will be charged, covering the birth and postpartum appointment.

If delivering outside the identified areas/hospitals on the travel fee map, a fee of $75 will be charged if under 80 miles, and $1 per mile if over 80 miles. Fees will be charged to the card on file.