Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a Birth Doula?
- Why Do I Need a Doula?
- What Training is Involved in Becoming a Doula?
- When should I start looking for a Doula?
- What role does a Doula play if I get an epidural?
- How does a doula team work?
- What is the cost for Doula Services?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What is a Birth Doula?
Doula is a Greek word meaning "woman servant". A Birth Doula refers to a supportive companion, professionallly trained and experienced in childbirth. The Doula's role is to provide physical, emotional and informational support to women and their partners during the prenatal period, during labor and birth. A Doula offers help and advice on comfort measures such as breathing, relaxation, massage and postioning. A Doula role is to nurture and protect a woman's memory of her birth.
Why Do I Need a Doula?
Today, the reality is that many women experience birth in unfamiliar settings, without constant reassurance. Since a doula is present for the entire birth, she is a constant presence that can help relieve some of the strain on the parents. The support and encouragement a doula provides plays a vital role in childbirth. Parents that receive support from a doula generally feel more secure and have greater confidence in their birthing experience. They often have less postpartum depression and greater success with breastfeeding. These are a just few reasons a doula is so beneficial.
What Training is Involved in Becoming a Doula?
- Attend a DONA approved doula workshop
- Read five books from the required reading list and the DONA International Birth Doula Position paper
- Complete one of the following: Training in Childbirth Education or Midwifery, work experience in Labor & Delivery as a Registered Nurse, observation of a 12-hour Childbirth Education series (not as an expectant parent) or Introduction to Childbearing Class in conjunction with approved birth doula workshop
- Submit one of the following: Completion of Lactation Consultant, Breastfeeding Peer Counselor or Community Breastfeeding Educator Training
- Provide doula service to a minimum of three clients (after doula training)
- Document each of the three births with: a Birth Record Sheet, a 500-700 word account of each birth, and a Client Confidentiality Release Form
- Provide good evaluations of your doula services from at least three clients, three care providers and three nurses or midwives
- A typewritten essay on the Value and Purpose of Labor Support
When Should I Start Looking For a Doula?
Make sure you allow plenty of time (2-3 months prior to your due date) to start looking for the right doula, although you can start at any time during your pregnancy. Choosing an additional support person is a very important decision, so take your time and make sure you choose the person you and your partner connect with best.
What Role Does a Doula Play if I Get an Epidural?
A doula can and should be supportive of your decision to use an Epidural. She can provide information about when it's a good time to get an Epidural, as well as continuing to provide for your physical needs (blankets, pillows, helping you change positions, and more). When it is time to deliver your baby, she will be helpful in providing suggestions on pushing positions, and pushing techniques.
How Does a Doula Team Work?
Doula teams provide you with two doulas to attend both prenatal meetings (becoming familiar with your desires for birthing), one doula to attend your birth, and two doulas to attend your postpartum visit. Working as teams allows us to provide you with un-interrupted on call services and labor support (whether illnesses or family emergencies may arise).
What is the Cost for Doula Services?
The cost for doula services is $600. This fee covers prenatal visits, phone support, on-call services, continuous labor & birth support, and a postpartum visit.