Your Doula Questions Answered
What is a doula?
A doula is a professionally trained support person who provides physical, emotional, and informational support before, during, and after birth. Pregnancy & childbirth can come with so many questions and decisions, so we take some of that mental load for you and help to create a peaceful, empowering experience. We advocate for your wishes, offer comfort measures, and ensure that you are heard and supported. Doulas do not provide medical care, make decisions for you, speak for you, or replace your partner.
When should I hire a doula?
Most parents hire doulas in the second trimester, which allows plenty of time for birth planning, prenatal visits, and forming a strong relationship! But if you’re in your first trimester and already know that you want support, booking early helps secure your spot. If you’re further along and realizing a doula could help, don’t worry! I support parents at any stage of pregnancy. I will do my best to accommodate your family or help you find other doulas if necessary.
What does a doula do during labor and birth?
During labor and birth, my role is to be your steady, calming presence while offering physical, emotional, and informational support. I provide hands-on comfort measures like massage, counterpressure, and position changes to help with pain management. I guide you through breathing and relaxation techniques, remind you of your preferences, and help you navigate through decisions so that you feel informed and in control. Most importantly I offer constant reassurance and encouragement, to remind you of your strength!
What does a doula do during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, I provide emotional support and informational guidance to ensure that you feel fully supported, prepared and confident. I help you explore options, and assist with creating a birth plan that aligns with your wishes. I also offer coping techniques and solutions to common pregnancy symptoms and discomforts, suggest exercise and relaxation plans, and provide evidence based information so you can feel confident in making informed decisions. Whether you need encouragement, someone to listen to your worries, or help sorting through all of the information out there, I’ll be here for you!
What kind of births do you support?
I support all types of birth! Whether you’re planning an unmedicated birth, an epidural, a home birth, a birth center delivery, or a C-section, I’m here to support your choices. I believe that all forms of birth are equally powerful. However, if you have significant medical concerns or a high-risk pregnancy, I’d recommend looking into working with an antepartum doula who specializes in high-risk care to ensure you get the best possible support for your specific needs throughout your pregnancy.
What if I can’t afford your services?
I understand that budget can be a concern in this process and I am here to work with you. I offer payment plans to make my services more accessible and will do my best to accommodate whatever works for your family. If finances are still a concern, feel free to reach out and see if I have any pro bono spots available! Your support should not be out of reach, lets talk and figure out the best plan for your family together!
What areas do you serve?
I serve in Minnesota, from Minneapolis to Mankato! If you are anywhere in between, or outside of this area, please reach out and we’ll see what I can do for you!