Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a birth doula?
- Doula is a greek word meaning "woman's helper," and originated when women gave birth in their homes surrounded by other women. A birth doula provides informational, emotional & physical support and comfort to a woman & her partner throughout the pregnancy, birth, & postpartum period.
- Why should I hire a doula?
- Recent studies found the following benefits for women who enlisted the help of a doula...
- 25% shorter labor
- 33% less likely to be dissatisfied with their birth experience
- 36% reduction in use of pain medications
- 40% reduction in pitocin use
- 50% reduction in forceps delivery
- 52% reduction in cesarean rate
- 60% reduction in epidural requests
And six weeks postpartum, mothers were
- less anxious and depressed
- more confident with baby
- 23% more likely to be breastfeeding
- I thought all doulas were super "crunchy" and only assisted home births or water births or whatever. Are you opposed to hospitals or epidurals?
- Not at all! I think every woman should have a doula support them throughout their pregnancy, birth & postpartum period, regardless of their choices for labor & delivery. Our culture & society are not set up well to support women through this major life transition so a doula is essential. My hope as a doula is for you & your partner to have the best possible birth experience, in whichever setting you feel most comfortable, with or without pain medication. We will work as a team to ensure that you are confident, comfortable, and informed as you make the decisions and plan for your labor & delivery.
