Frequently Asked Questions:

What is a doula?

The term doula (pronounced doo-luh) is derived from the ancient Greek word, doule, meaning a woman who serves another woman. Today, the word means a woman experienced in childbirth that provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during, and just after birth.  A professional labor assistant, in other words. Doulas essentially, mother the mother. In addition to labor doulas (sometimes called birth doulas), there are postpartum doulas who assist the mother in her home after the baby is born. The doula is an emerging phenomenon, perhaps, because of the great pioneering midwife, author and activist, Ina May Gaskin, and the mother of all doulas, Penny Simkin.

Is a Doula the same as a Midwife?

No.  Doulas are not midwives.  This is a common misconception because doulas advocate for the midwifery model of care, and refer women to midwives. Sometimes a doula may be on the path to becoming a midwife, and sometimes midwives offer doula services.  Doulas do not catch the baby, nor does she provide any clinical type care. It is not within the doula's scope of practice to provide any medical care or advice. Midwives (meaning 'with woman') catch babies, are experts in normal birth, trust that the woman's body knows how to give birth, and will provide the medical care and assessments. Midwives also know when to refer a client to an obstetrician (trained surgeons and experts in high risk pregnancy) should the need arise. Why choose a midwife?


Why should a woman use a doula?

The short answer is because she wants one. Women should use a doula because childbirth and the act of becoming a mother is magical, life changing. Women should have a positive experience in addition to a healthy mom and baby . A doula is someone who will educate her about her choices, and accept those choices regardless of her own beliefs.  A doula provides continuous and individualized support throughout the entire birth process. There are no shift changes, and she works only for the woman and her family, while blending professionally with attending staff.   Before the medicalization of childbirth, women always attended other women during childbirth, usually a female family member, or friend who had experienced childbirth.  Many communities had lay midwives, gatekeepers of birth, who attended birthing women at home. Pregnancy and birth were not seen as medical emergencies, but a normal, natural part of life. In today's world, in the face of our industrialized nation, we are far removed from the 'natural way' of life, including childbirth. Doulas try to bring trust back to the normal birthing process and women's bodies. Holding that sacred space so women may listen to their bodies and trust it's wisdom.

What if I want an epidural?

As your doula, I do not make decisions for you, so if you choose to have an epidural I will totally support that choice. This is your journey to motherhood, and I want to enhance your birth experience not take away from it. Many women seek the support of a doula because they desire a natural, or unmedicated birth, but this isn't always the case. I have supported both unmedicated births, and births with epidurals. I adhere to a code of conduct and scope of practice, as a CAPPA Certified Labor Doula. Good doulas do not interfere with the care you receive from your care providers -doctor/midwife, nursing staff, but work as a team to assist you to your benefit. The risks and benefits of interventions are provided for informational purposes (not to be construed as medical advice). This is to assist you in making informed choices, and to facilitate communication with your care provider. A healthy mother & baby, and a positive birth experience is the ultimate goal!    

Sometimes, the mother will want a doula, but the partner will be unsure, feeling the doula may replace him, or not worth the money. Doulas do not replace the partner, but provide practical advice and support, while partners provide the strength and love. The partner not knowing what to expect from childbirth, can become nervous, while the doula provides a confident and calm environment. Doulas can answer questions as things come up, or facilitate communication with the birth team. The doula does not leave the Mom, so that the partner may use the bathroom, or have a bite to eat, reassured the mother isn't left to labor alone. Dads and doulas can make a great team. The combination of her knowledge and experience with his loving words and touch creates less stress on the father and complete support for the mother.  The doula may be forgotten long after the birth, however, the Dad's role will never be forgotten.
Birth is an intimate family event, the doula is an honored guest who strives to protect the sacredness of that moment.