Here are some FAQs to answer most of your questions, but your best bet is to choose your doula according to their personality, your intuition, and overall personal dynamics.

So, once you get closer to choosing, let's talk over a cup o' tea...

Frequently Asked Questions

What training and education do you have?
I am a DONA certified labor doula. Certification consists of completing an extensive reading list, a training course, hands-on birth experiences, and evaluations from doctors, nurses and doula clients. There are also essays and a few other criteria but that basically covers certification for pretty much all certified doulas. I have been working as a doula for approximately the past 5 years. (However, I believe a doula's best qualification is her intuition and I would recommend choosing a doula according to your intuition.)

I am also a Lamaze certified childbirth educator.

In addition, I am a Natural Health Consultant, which is another passion of mine, and one of the things that led me to become a doula.

Do you also offer Postpartum Doula Services?
Currently, my doula services are solely available for Labor support. There are doulas who do both but I find it difficult because of scheduling. Labor support requires 24/7 oncall services. Doing both can be difficult to coordinate and potentially disappointing for one of my clients so I have opted to concentrate on one discipline.

What is your philosophy about childbirth and supporting women and their partners through labor?
My personal philosophy is that women were made to give birth naturally without much intervention and that everything should be done to support this. Of course my wish is for every woman to have the most natural of births that is right for HER… but only you and your partner can make those decisions… I am simply there to facilitate and guide you… everything else is up to you. I will assist you in making informed decisions about your care and I will be your hands-on guide throughout the journey.

When do you try to join women in labor - at our home or at the place of birth?
I prefer to join you at your home so that we can work together through early labor and determine the best time to go to your place of birth, but depending on circumstances and your preferences, I can also meet you there.

Will you meet with us to discuss our birth plans and the role that you will play in supporting us through childbirth?
Yes. Usually I meet with a couple at least 2-4 hours in order to conduct a prenatal interview and do some hands-on work with positioning and labor comfort techniques. And generally, this is our time to get to know one another and feel comfortable so that when I show up for your labor we are all on the same page and I don't need to ask you a lot of unnecessary questions when you've got "labor brain."

At this time we will also go over many aspects of your pregnancy and upcoming birth; your hopes and fears, your preferences for hypothetical scenarios we may encounter, medical and emotional history, why you chose to have a doula and what you want me to do and not do.

May we call you with questions or concerns before or after the birth?
Once we have signed a contract, I am your doula. You may call me for anything leading up to the birth and afterwards. I will help you gather information and resources, do research for you and assist you in any way that I can.

Do you work with one or more backup doulas for times when you are not available?
As doulas, we ALWAYS work with a backup to ensure that someone will be there for you during your labor and birth. I work with a few different backups, depending on availability and personalities, and can provide you with all their contact information once I have tailored the best match.

May we meet them?
That is up to you. Usually, clients are satisfied to speak over the phone since it is a very rare occurrence that a backup doula is required, but again that is up to you. FYI, I have never needed to use my back-up (knock on wood).

What are your doula fees, what services does it include and what are your refund policies?
My fees start at $800 for local births and for nyc births they start at $1200. There are circumstances when this will be more or less depending on your needs and wishes. Once we've talked we will determine within this range at what price your preferences for doula services fall. *If this is out of reach, I will consider any reasonable request.

A nonrefundable deposit is due at the first prenatal home visit and the remainder is due within 2 weeks prior to your due date. Any additional fees or tips may be paid at the postpartum visit.

My services include a pre-interview, about 2-4 hours of labor support preparation to get comfortable with each other and your desires for your birth. At this time we will also go over labor comfort measures, pregnancy complaints and hospital protocols.

I will be on-call 2 weeks before and up to 2 weeks after your due date. I will then either come to your house or meet you at the hospital when labor begins. I remain with you for the entirety of your labor and for at least one hour postpartum to initiate breastfeeding and establish a good latch.

Within a week I will usually follow up with a postpartum visit to your home to answer any questions, go over the birth and generally see how everyone's doing.

Refund Policy: I will make every effort to provide the services described within your contract. Sometimes this is impossible (for example, with a very, very rapid labor). If my failure to attend your birth is due to my error, I may refund a portion of the fee, depending on the amount of prenatal time we have spent together. If my failure to attend your birth is due to circumstances beyond anyone's control or your failure to call, I will retain the entire fee.

Other possible services:
Private Childbirth Education
Pregnancy Photography
Mother/Father & Baby Photography (postpartum)
Belly Casting, Belly Painting and Birth Art (commissioned)
Murals for the Nursery or Children's Rooms (commissioned)

Will you provide references?
Yes. I will give you names and numbers at your request.