These are some of the most frequent questions we get on Doulas, birthing and the postpartum period. Also check out our Resources page and Blog, which contain useful additional information. Of course, your Doula will also be more than happy to discuss any question you have as there is much more to tell!
1. What is the difference between a Doula and a midwife?
A Doula provides physical, emotional, and partner support. She helps you to be a better advocate for yourself and provides you evidence based information. She doesn't do any medical examination. A doula is a non-medical assistant in prenatal care, childbirth and during the postpartum period. The word doula is Greek and refers to a woman who personally serves another woman. The midwife checks on you on a regular base (measuring the baby, blood pressure) and she delivers your baby.
2. Ten Benefits of a Doula:
less likely to need Pitocin
less likely to have a cesarean birth
less likely to use any pain medication
more likely to rate their childbirth experience positively
Always someone with the mom in the room
Partner can relax
Someone to share your worries with
Helps you to be a better advocate for yourself
Someone around with experience about the birth process. What is normal, what is not normal.
Helps you with initial breastfeeding
3. Will insurance cover a Doula?
For now, Doulas are considered out of network with a majority of insurance providers. However, we strongly encourage you to submit your receipts for this out-of-pocket investment to your provider, as we’ve had a lot of success with partial or full reimbursement from many insurance companies. We are also open for a payment plan.
4. Questions to ask when selecting a care provider:
What do you see as my role and responsibilities during pregnancy & birth? How do you prefer to work with your clients?
How do you feel about my partner, other family or friends or a doula attending my birth?
What are your feelings about childbirth preparation classes? Do you have any recommendations for good classes?
What are the chances that you will be present when I give birth? Who covers when you are not available? Will I have a chance to meet that person?
How do you feel about birth plans? If I prepare one, will you check in for safety and compatibility with your practices and hospital policies?
Do you have the flexibility to accommodate individual preferences or needs of your clients?
How far can I go over my due date?
5. What to bring to the hospital:
Extra pillow
Music/playlist
Charger phone
Birth plan
Snacks & Gatorade
Chapstick
Slippers
Headbands
Massage lotion/tools
Nursing bras/pads/cream
Car seat
Baby outfit
Baby hat
Toiletries
Cloths parents/underwear
Insurance
Info pediatrician
6. When do you need to go to the hospital? Sooner than the "511".
If you vomit with contractions
If you feel rectal pressure
If you are unable to talk or walk-through contractions
If you think that your "water" has broken
If you have vaginal bleeding
If you are tested strep B positive
If you live far from the hospital
If you progress quickly
7. What are the advantages of baby wearing?
Baby wearing are for example: the cotton wraps, ergo baby, baby Bjorn, baby K'tan, Moby ring sling, Boba wrap
Promotes secure mother baby attachment
Baby cries less
Aids baby's healthy psychical development
Makes mother more responsive to baby
Reduces reflux symptoms
Helps depressed mothers to nurture their babies
Improves breastfeeding rates
Soothes baby when distressed
Encourages wellbeing and relaxation in both mother & baby
Baby spits-up less
Lowers risk of otitis media
Improves baby's digestion
Eases transition in to world by mimicking womb
Baby less fussy
Meets newborn's needs to be close to mother
Humans are biologically adapted to carry their infants
Touch & motion physiologically calm baby
May lessen postpartum depression
Reduces risk of flat head
Uses less energy than in-arm carrying
Synchronizes mother & baby biologically
Supports physical growth in preterm infants
May increase mothers' resilience and parental confidence
8. How do you know if a baby latch on well?
The following are signs that the baby is sucking properly at the breast.
Upon initial latch baby will begin to suck quickly
These quick sucks will trigger mothers letdown reflex.
Baby’s sucking will become longer and a suck-suck-pause pattern should develop as the milk lets down.
Baby’s ear and temple will wiggle with each suck.
Mother should feel a gentle tugging, but no pain.
Baby’s lips should be flanged and tongue should cup the breast.