Frequently
Asked Questions
My partner/friend/family will be there with me. Why do I need a doula?
It is so important to have a solid support person there with you. However, they may not be trained in the latest evidence-based information or equipped to handle the challenges that can arise during labor and delivery. As your doula, I am committed to ongoing education and have the training to remain calm and professional in any situation that may come up.
I encourage you to have whoever you want at your birth, and will work with them to provide the best support for you throughout your birthing experience.​​​​​​
Can I have a doula if I am delivering at a hospital?
Absolutely! There is a common misconception that doulas only support home births or births in birthing centers, but having a doula during a hospital birth can be incredibly beneficial. A doula provides continuous, personalized support and helps clarify procedures or options that may arise during your hospital experience. While your medical team, including nurses and doctors, focuses on ensuring the health and safety of you and your baby, a doula is dedicated exclusively to your emotional well-being, educational needs, and physical comfort throughout the process.​​​​
Will a doula advocate for me?
A doula’s role is not to speak on your behalf during labor and birth but to empower you and your partner to confidently advocate for yourselves when needed. By providing information and guidance, a doula helps you gain the knowledge and understanding necessary to make informed decisions about your care. Your doula is not your voice but instead encourages you to use your own, offering unwavering, nonjudgmental support for the choices you make.​​​​​​​​
Is a doula the same as having a midwife?
No, a doula is not the same as a midwife. A midwife is a trained medical professional who focuses on the clinical aspect of the birthing experience. A doula, on the other hand, is not a medical provider. Instead, a doula offers continuous, personalized support, focusing on your emotional well-being, educational needs, and physical comfort. While your midwife handles your medical care, your doula is there solely to support you through every step of your birthing experience.​​​​​
Will having a doula make my partner feel excluded?
Not at all! My role is to support both you and your partner throughout the birthing process. Your partner knows you better than anyone, and their presence, reassurance, and familiarity can be incredibly grounding for you. I see them as an essential part of the birth team and work to ensure they feel confident, supported, and empowered in their role.
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Rather than replacing your partner, I enhance their ability to support you by offering guidance, reassurance, and practical help. By working together, we can create a calm, supportive environment that allows both of you to focus on the birth experience. My goal is for your partner to feel involved, prepared, and able to be there for you in the ways that matter most.​​​
What if I have a C-section? Can I still have a doula then?
Absolutely! Doulas provide support for all types of births, including cesareans. Some hospitals allow doulas to accompany the birthing person inside the OR, but even if that’s not possible, I will be with you in pre-op and recovery. As your doula, I’m there to support you emotionally, help manage challenges, and explain procedures in simple terms. I can also assist with breastfeeding or newborn bonding if that’s your choice.
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Even for a planned cesarean, you have options for a more gentle, family-centered experience. I’ll work with you to identify your priorities, communicate them to the staff, and create a birth plan that reflects your preferences, ensuring you feel empowered and supported throughout.
