If I have a doula, do I still need to take childbirth education classes?
If I take hypnobirthing, do I need to take childbirth education classes?
What is your fee structure?
What if I find out I need a C-section in my ninth month?
Do I need a doula if I plan to labor with an epidural?
What is your perspective on pain medication?
Are doulas welcome in the hospital setting and how do you interact with the medical staff?
What should I look for in a doula?
How will my partner be involved in the birth experience if I have a doula?

If I have a doula, do I still need to take childbirth education classes?
Absolutely. The more knowledgeable you are about the birth process the calmer you will be in labor and you will be able to make educated decisions along the way. The doula is there to support you and guide you but you still have to labor and deliver your baby and the more prepared you are for that task the easier it will be.
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If I take hypnobirthing, do I need to take childbirth education classes?
It depends on how in depth the instructor explained the labor and delivery process as well as alternate comfort measures for pain. Hypnosis works beautifully for many women in labor and some women need hypnosis along with other relaxation techniques and pain relief options. It is also important to learn about possible medical interventions, pushing technique and positions, breastfeeding, and newborn care as well.
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What is your fee structure?
I charge an all-inclusive flat rate for my doula services. The fee includes: one prenatal appointment (1-3 hours in your home), the entire labor & delivery (home & hospital time- no matter how long it takes) and one postpartum visit (45min. in your home 2-6 weeks after delivery). My fee is available upon request. I do offer payment plans.
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What if I find out I need a C-section in my ninth month?
This is considered an unexpected change in the birth plan. It is an opportunity to have the help you will need during this stressful medical procedure. The doula can come to your home the day of the surgical delivery and help you pack and transfer to the hospital. She will stay with the couple during the admitting process and help the mother relax as she is prepped for surgery. The doula can get food for the family as the baby is delivered and she is there with the mom in the recovery room immediately post-op. to make sure she is not in pain and to help the mom breastfeed as soon as she feels well enough to try. She will also keep mom company while dad goes to the nursery to accompany the baby for its measurements and bath. The doula will stay as long as the family needs after the surgery, usually until the couple is transferred into their postpartum room.
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Do I need a doula if I plan to labor with an epidural?
Yes!!!  Many times the woman will not be admitted to the hospital or administered any anesthesia until at least 3-4cm dilation and regular strong contractions. Early labor (0-4cm) lasts anywhere from 9-20 hours and sometimes longer. There is a lot of work to be done before you are ready for that epidural. Also, the epidural does not stop labor hopefully it only takes an edge off the pain or takes the pain away so one feels only pressure. There work of the doula only changes with the epidural it is certainly not diminished. The doula will help the mom change positions in bed to keep the anesthesia even on both sides of her body. She will massage her hands, feet, and pressure points to improve circulation and keep labor progressing (sometimes labor slows or stops due to epidural anesthesia). She will help her manage any pain she may feel (it is not uncommon to still have some pain, even with an epidural, or have hot spots localized pain in certain  areas of the body). Most importantly, the doula is their to coach the woman through the pushing stage as pushing tends to be prolonged and more challenging with epidural anesthesia.
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What is your perspective on pain medication?
My main goal is to help women and families have positive birthing experiences. Therefore, I am not pro nor anti pain medication. Every situation needs to be assessed individually and it is the laboring woman's decision in every case. I believe all women have the right to give birth free from medical interventions in a supportive and nurturing environment. Although, I have seen many situations where a woman is too exhausted, too stressed or too caught in the cycle of pain to progress in labor and the epidural works wonders to relax her body and help her dilate effectively. Unfortunately, I have also seen situations where the epidural lowers the woman's blood pressure and the baby does not recover well resulting in fetal distress or the epidural stalls labor to the point that the woman does not continue to progress even with Pitocin resulting in C-section.
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Are doulas welcome in the hospital setting and how do you interact with the medical staff?
I have had many positive experiences working in hospitals and coordinating with the medical staff. Everyone is grateful for the doulas' helping hands. The doula makes the birth easier for everyone. I keep the laboring couple calm and focused, explain medical procedures, assist with technical procedures like adjusting or unplugging the fetal heart rate monitor when necessary, changing soiled linens, and providing cool compresses, ice chips, pillows, and blankets for mom. The doula is a convenient liaison for the couple and the hospital staff.
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What should I look for in a doula?
The doula should be someone you feel comfortable with. She should be knowledgeable and professional. You trust her to be reliable. She needs to be soothing enough to calm you and yet strong enough to motivate you in the tough times of labor. Your doula should be someone you could potentially spend many hours with in labor.
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How will my partner be involved in the birth experience if I have a doula?
The doula calms laboring couples, reassuring them that the pain of labor is normal and everything is progressing well. This support allows partners to feel at ease and more wholeheartedly encourage their loved one in labor. The doula will discuss the partner?s strengths and weaknesses during the prenatal visit. So at the birth she can guide partners to be involved in a way that is most comfortable i.e. massage, hand holding, labor positions, eye contact, verbal support, or strong silent sidelines support whatever will work best for the couple.
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