FAQs

 Labor Support Doula Services




What is a  Birth Doula?

The word doula is derived from the Greek language and means woman’s servant. Today, a doula’s purpose is to support, guide and honor each family’s journey through pregnancy, labor and beyond.

What’s the difference between a doula and a midwife?

A midwife does the prenatal and clinical care and catches the baby. A doula is a support person for the mother and partner. She provides emotional, physical and informational support. 

If my caregiver is a midwife, do I need a doula?

A nurse-midwife will also have to care for other women at the same time and may not be able to offer continuous support. If you are planning a home birth, your midwife may come only once active labor is established, so you may still have need for a doula. Check with your midwife to see when her at-home care will begin.

Are you on call 24/7? If I go into labor at 2AM, will you be there?

Yes, We are available to you any time of day or night.

Will my insurance cover your fees?

Most major insurance companies pay for midwifery fees, while expectant parents typically pay for doula services themselves. However, there are exceptions as the insurance companies are beginning to recognize that doulas do decrease the cost of giving birth significantly. We can help you write a letter to your insurance company explaining your request. The more requests they get, the more likely they are to look at this issue and realize it’s to their advantage to cover doula fees! Some companies are now leaning in this direction by allowing employees to pay for birth support services with their Health Savings Account or HSA.

Will you disapprove if I decide to take pain medication?

No, we won’t. We will support you and your decisions with all our understanding and love.

Will a doula interfere in the relationship between the mother and her partner?

No... While we are here to support the mother, the love of a partner is special and unique to your relationship. We can help the partner be as active a participant in the birth as s/he wants.

The doula's calm knowledge may reduce the partner's anxiety towards the birth process... For the partner a doula may offer tips on comfort measures, provide emotional and informational support, and encourage necessary, guilt-free breaks to get food or visit the restroom.

For more information, read this article by Penny Simkin.

Postpartum Doula Care


What does a postpartum doula do?

The role of the postpartum doula is similar to the role of the birth doula: she is there to offer physical, emotional and informational support to the mother and her partner. A postpartum doula’s primary goal is to support the woman in her role as mother. This can take the form of breastfeeding support, an experienced ear or an extra pair of hands to fix some food to keep everyone nourished. Our tasks will vary from day to day depending on the needs of your family.

Will my doula clean my house?


While we don’t do full housecleaning, we are willing to tidy up the house, do baby laundry, fix meals or load the dishwasher. We do offer housekeeping as a separate service at a different rate.

What is the difference between a postpartum doula and a baby nurse?

A baby nurse is typically in the home to focus on the baby and take on a role as a primary care provider. The postpartum doula is in the home to support the whole family through its transition to a new independent family unit. While we may provide some infant care to offer you a short respite, we may also provide sibling care or guidance on baby care to your partner. 

What hours is a postpartum doula available?

Typically, a postpartum doula is available during the day when you may be on your own. However, we do have some flexibility and understand that evenings can be a difficult time, especially if you already have other children to feed. Please contact us to discuss your situation. We do not offer night nursing services.

Do postpartum doulas help with postpartum depression?

Yes, however, a postpartum doula does not treat depression nor can they diagnose you. As your doula, we will make every effort to make you feel comfortable and safe. In this environment, we can encourage you and support you on your path to motherhood. It is from this position that we are able to recognize many of the symptoms of a postpartum disorder and discuss your feelings with you. If it seems at that point that you may need extra support, we will recommend contacting your care provider for an appropriate referral. 

Does a postpartum doula teach a particular parenting style?

No, a good postpartum doula does not have an agenda. We will meet you where you are and offer fact-based information and support you in identifying what works best for your family.