Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a doula?

      A doula is a non-medical support person who educates, advocates,        and motivates during the prenatal, labor and birthing, and                    postpartum stages.​

• When should I hire a birth doula?

      A doula can be hired in the very beginning of pregnancy or late in        the third trimester depending on your needs and thoughts. Most              people hire me after the 20 week scan in the second trimester.​

• How can a doula help prepare me for birth?

      I teach people essential movements for body balance, strength,              flexibility, and optimal positioning through Spinning Babies.                  Additionally, I make nutritional recommendations and provide                emotional preparedness.​

• Do I need a doula if I'm planning to have an epidural?

      You're still working hard and making decisions with an epidural. If          it is your choice to have one, you can still take advantage of many          beneficial positions in labor to help make progress.​

• What does a doula actually do during labor?

      I create a soothing environment, suggest and apply comfort                    measures both physically and emotionally, implement positioning,          explain things, advocate, document details, photograph, support

      the golden hour, help with breastfeeding, guide you to the

      postpartum stage, and more.

• Do I need to take additional classes such as childbirth education or breastfeeding?

      I integrate essential childbirth education elements into my prenatal          meetings and I'm happy to answer questions beyond that plus

      provide additional resources. I also provide an overview of                    breastfeeding and offer more support in our postpartum

      follow-up visit.​

• What is provided in your prenatal support visits?

      The first visit covers Spinning Babies movements and daily routines,        childbirth education components, Evidence-Based Birth topics,                nutrition, your birth vision, and a professional resource list.

      The second meeting covers the labor process, comfort measures,

      how we communicate in early labor, breastfeeding, postpartum,

      and more. These visits should also include your partner.​

• Are you available for questions outside our prenatal meetings?

      Absolutely! Please consider non-urgent matters contact 8am-8pm​

• What happens if I go into labor early? Or late?

      Birth is unpredictable and this happens more often than not! I am            on call 37-42 weeks based on your due date. Most likely I am on

      call anyways. If I need help for coverage, I will contact my backup.​

• Can a doula support me during a C-section?

      Yes. Although most of the time an additional support person (doula)        is not allowed in the OR, I always ask. I provide emotional support        beforehand and keep you calm. I am then present to support in

      recovery and help with breastfeeding. Having a constant during a          changeup can be very comforting.​

• What should I pack for a hospital birth?

      I provide a list to help organize items by type including essentials,          snacks, and things you forgot to consider!​

• What does postpartum doula support look like for overnights?

      I focus on baby's and mom's needs and carry out your goals                  whether that is breastfeeding success, creating a routine,

      getting some sleep or all of the above!​

• How can a doula help my partner during labor?

      A partner can be one of the most essential constants so I teach them        comfort measures and communication techniques to help during

      labor. Helping them feel involved and staying calm is part of what I        do. If there is a sensitivity towards details, I try to honor that as well.​

• Do I have to have a birth plan?

      A birth vision helps organize your thoughts, focus on your priorities,        and convey these elements to the supporting team.

      It's best to keep it to one page and be succinct.​

• When should I contact a lactation consultant?

      It's good to contact an LC at the first signs of needing help. If you            are having difficulty feeding, baby is not satiated, having

      difficulty latching, nipple or breast pain, low output, or a variety

      of other reasons.

• What happens if you are at another birth when I go into labor?

      I always work with backup!​

• Do you offer payment plans?

     First payment is due at the signing of the contract, second payment

     is due (in full) at 36 weeks by our next meeting. If you need to break

     it into smaller chunks, we can arrange that.​

• Do you accept insurance or provide documentation for reimbursement?

      While I do not accept insurance directly, my credentials qualify me        with many companies including; Carrot, Maven, and Progeny.​

• How do I schedule a consultation?

      Go to my BOOKING link below and pick a time. Or you can email.​