Frequently Asked Questions

Doula FAQ

What is a doula? Is that different from a midwife?

A doula and a midwife are very different. As a doula, I am a non-medical provider that focuses on providing emotional and physical support to birthing people before, during and after labor. As a doula, I help guide your labor by offering suggestions for comfort measures, positioning and pain relief techniques. A Midwife is a medical provider who focuses on the health and safety of you and your baby. Your midwife might also do some of the same things that a doula does but a doula does not assist with any medical procedures, including delivering babies. As your doula, I am a consistent support provider. I don’t have any other laboring people to monitor, unlike your doctor/OB or nurse. Continuous support during labor is one of the best ways to improve your birth experience.



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

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.



I want an epidural or c-section. Can I still have a doula?

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



When is the best time to hire a doula?

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.



Does health insurance cover doula services?

In most cases, no. However, there are some instances where you might be able to get doula services covered. I am happy to create a superbill for you to submit to your insurance for reimbursement. You can also use your FSA or HSA to cover birth doula services.



What are the benefits of a doula?

Birth doulas are statistically proven to improve outcomes*: 31% decrease in the use of Pitocin 28% decrease in the risk of C-section 12% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth 9% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief 14% decrease in the risk of newborns being admitted to the NICU 34% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience * https://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/



Can I set up a payment plan?

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. I am flexible.



Lactation FAQ

What is a lactation professional?

Lactation professionals hold a variety of different credentials, all with the goal of helping people who are interested in feeding their babies human milk. There are International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC), Certified Lactation Counselors (CLC), Certified Breastfeeding Specialists (CBS), Certified Breastfeeding Counselor (CBC), Breastfeeding Peer Counselors (with your local WIC office or La Leche League) and several others. Each type of professional has different education and training requirements. IBCLC is the hardest to obtain but that doesn’t always mean they are the most knowledgeable about your situation. However, IBCLCs are generally who you go to if you have a complex issue.



When should I hire a lactation professional?

Anytime, but the sooner the better. Establishing a relationship with a lactation professional during pregnancy is a good idea. You can take a lactation class as well get a general idea of what to expect in the early days of feeding your baby. If your baby is already born, reach out as soon as any issues arise. Don’t wait until you are feeling too overwhelmed to get help. Early support is important to securing a positive breast/chest feeding relationship.



What can I expect during a lactation appointment?

Before your appointment, I’ll request that you complete a thorough (and I mean thorough) intake form so I can truly assess what your issues might be. You’ll also get plenty of instructions on what to do before we meet so that we can get the most out of the session. I’ll do a complete lactation assessment for you and your baby. I’ll watch you latch and nurse your baby (and/or pump) and I’ll offer suggestions on how to correct any problems. After our appointment, I’ll create a care plan with the details we discussed and next steps.



Does health insurance cover lactation services?

They are supposed to. However, not all insurances do and not all insurance covers all lactation professionals and their services. I am happy to create a superbill for you to submit to your insurance for reimbursement and I can work with you if you get a denial. You can also use your FSA or HSA to cover lactation services.



I want to combo feed both human milk and formula. Can I still get help from a lactation professional?

Yes! As a lactation professional, I want to help you be successful and reach your goals, whatever those are. If you want to provide human milk in a bottle only by pumping exclusively, great, let’s chat! If you want to nurse your baby for 3 months and switch to formula, great, let’s chat! If you want to provide human milk during the night and formula during the day, great, let’s chat. If you want to nurse for 2+ years, great, let’s chat! Whatever your goals are, I want to help you reach those.