Question 1

What is a doula?

Accepted Answer

A doula is a birth companion who provides support to mom as well as her partner. She actively listens and will hold space without judgment, while empowering you to make the right decisions for you and your baby. Doulas work intuitively to understand the needs of you and your family and create a bond of trust, comfort, knowledge, and understanding. You can think of your doula as a birth sister whom you can share your feelings and desires with the assurance that you are receiving evidence-based information and compassionate care. She has the ability to make your most challenging moments more manageable with her uplifting presence. She brings knowledge and experience recognizing what dialogue, comfort measures, and techniques will most benefit you throughout your pregnancy and birth. A doula lends herself to your elevated experience by offering her heart, time, and energy.

Question 2

Why should I hire a doula?

Accepted Answer

A doula is a birth companion who provides support to the birthing parent and their partner or support team. She actively listens and holds space without judgment, while empowering you to make the right decisions for yourself and your baby. Doulas work intuitively to understand the needs of the family and create a bond of trust, comfort, knowledge, and understanding. You can think of a doula as a birth sister with whom you can share your feelings and desires, with the assurance that you are receiving evidence based information and compassionate care. She has the ability to make the most challenging moments more manageable with her uplifting presence. She brings knowledge and experience, recognizing which dialogue, comfort measures, and techniques will most benefit you throughout pregnancy and birth. A doula lends herself to an elevated birth experience by offering her heart, time, and energy.

A doula ensures you are up-to-date with protocol and standards of care within the birth setting, while helping you to evaluate your options under a variety of conditions specific to you. The expanded awareness she offers allows you to feel safe, cultivate the necessary mindset for birth, and gain confidence to advocate for yourself in an unfamiliar space. Her contribution to your birth experience is sacred, irreplaceable, and essential.

Question 3

Will a doula labor with me at home or meet me at the hospital?

Accepted Answer

Your doula may engage with you by telephone during early labor until she joins you in your home or at the hospital. She will make herself available in whatever arrangement you’ve agreed upon. For scheduled hospital procedures, like an induction or a scheduled C-section, your doula will meet you at the hospital by the agreed upon time whether night or day.

Question 4

How will my doula support me if I have an epidural?

Accepted Answer

Your doula advocates for all birthing choices, ensuring you're equipped with the necessary information to make decisions that feel right to you at the time. Before you get an epidural, your doula can help facilitate proper positioning so that baby is still able to navigate the pelvis while you are lying down. Your doula helps to educate you on the optimal time to receive an epidural during your birth process in order to support a vaginal delivery and prevent an epidural from slowing down labor. Additionally, before opting for an epidural, there are sensations that require attention and focus. Your doula assists in maintaining your comfort through various means such as breathing techniques, adjusting positions, massages, and other supportive tools until an epidural becomes available to you. While an epidural can alleviate some labor sensations, it may not eliminate all. Throughout your birthing journey, your doula strives to keep you as calm and comfortable as possible.

Question 5

If I have a c-section can I still benefit from a doula?

Accepted Answer

Advocacy is extremely important whether it’s a c-section or vaginal delivery. Doulas sometimes are allowed in the operating room for support. When things are moving quickly she can help you to gain perspective of the situation and help to slow things down and take the “emergency” out of a non-emergency situation. Doulas are there to help remind the partners, doctors and nurses of your birth wishes and help to keep you calm and relaxed.

Your Doula will also be a part of your recovery process to facilitate an uninterrupted “Golden Hour” and the initiation of breastfeeding and bonding. When you return home from the hospital, we are there to help you understand what to expect during your recovery and to support your healing process, while also assisting you in caring for your baby.

Question 6

Do I still need a doula if I have a midwife?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Your midwives are your medical care providers, and as such, they must always prioritize your medical health before emotional and mental support. Kindness, informed consent and shared decision making are built into midwifery care, however, it is helpful to have a doula there who’s dedicated role is for emotional and mental support – not only for you, but for your partner, and even your other children and family members. It is also within the doula’s role to accompany you in transfer situations. This can be a huge support for clients that may need to transfer to the hospital, as they are trained in hospital protocols and supporting you and your partner in a hospital environment. Doulas also offer additional postpartum care and visits, which is beyond helpful to families in the first few weeks of adjusting to life with a newborn.

Question 7

Should I hire a midwife or an OB?

Accepted Answer

There is no universally "best" option - it depends on your individual circumstances and preferences. I recommend researching thoroughly, touring facilities and talking to different providers to determine the best fit for you and your family.

Here are some resources to get started:
Choosing a birth setting  
Choosing a provider  
Cesarean Rates in Los Angeles by Hospital

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