Books:
- Babies Are Not Pizzas by Rebecca Dekker, PHD, RN
- Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn The Complete Guide by Penny Simpkin
- The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin
- Natural Hospital Birth by Cynthia Gabriel
@mamastefit
@builttobirth
@labor.nurse.mama
@mommy.labornurse
@bodyreadymethod
@popthatmumma
for birth prep:
instagram accounts:
@hellopostpartum
@the_postpartum_therapist
@mothers_haven_
for postpartum:
Doulas do not have to be certified to practice, however I am birth doula certified through DONA International, and Childbirth Educator Certified through Lamaze.
Are doulas certified or licensed?
Are doulas only for home births?
Do you have a backup doula in place?
I would suggest as soon as you can, doula’s schedules usually fill up fast. I’ve been hired as early as 8 weeks and as late as 36 weeks. The ideal time would be during your first trimester or early in your second trimester.
When should I hire a doula?
An epidural can be a great tool for pain management. Keep in mind that there is still discomfort in early labor before the epidural is even an option. Additionally 1 in 10 epidurals do not work, so a doula is great insurance. Your doula can also help with things like effective positioning and pushing techniques that are specific to moms with epidurals.
I am pretty sure I want an epidural. Do I need a doula?
Midwives are medical providers, trained and licensed to attend birth and catch babies. They have the tools and expertise to ensure that the baby and the mother are safe. Doulas do not perform clinical tasks or exams and do not replace medical care providers. My focus is the emotional health and physical comfort of the mother.
What’s the difference between a doula and a midwife?
What does a doula do?
A doula supports the birthing person and their partner during late pregnancy, labor, birth, and early postpartum. A doula helps with answering questions, making birth preference lists, supporting the partner, laboring positions, comfort measures, a calm environment, encouraging words, and supporting the birthing person with self-advocacy.
Of course, life happens! In the event of an emergency or sickness I work with several backup doulas that are happy to meet you ahead of time in case I would need to use one of them.
Cesarean birth is still a birth. A doula is your support and advocate as you are prepped for surgery and recover from surgery. Depending on hospital policies and your situation, your doula may be able to support you in the operating room. I will be at your side in the recovery room and can help you and your family with any questions or concerns that may arise, helping you understand what your care providers are saying, and attending to your comfort and needs.
What if my baby is born by cesarean?
I have a partner supporting me, do I need a doula?
Most, but not all of my clients have a partner supporting them throughout this process. My clients find that their partner is more involved in the process when they have a doula there to guide them on how to best provide support. Although my main focus is you, I support partners as well!
Do you take insurance?
Insurance companies don’t typically cover doula services. However, many insurance companies offer reimbursement for doula services through a HSA or FSA account. If your employer offers Carrot services, I am a pre-approved Carrot birth doula.
Nope! I support hospital births all the time. Doulas support births whenever you decide to birth your baby.
What is a doula?
A doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to a birthing person and their family before, during, and after birth.