What is a doula?
A woman who serves.
According to the dictionary…
“a doula is a person trained to provide advice, information, emotional support, and physical comfort to a mother before, during, and just after childbirth”
My goal as a doula is to hold space for women who want to have a healthy pregnancy, empowering birth, and healing postpartum no matter where they choose to give birth.
FAQs
Can I hire a doula if I have an OBGYN or Midwife?
Yes! A doula does not have any kind of medical training or a license. Their training is specifically for emotional and physical support and comfort before, during, and after the baby is born. They are not able to give medical advice, do physical exams, deliver babies, etc. They do not take the place of your medical provider, but can work well with your provider to ensure you have a beautiful birth experience.
Often, doulas arrive as early in your labor as you would like them to and stay after your medical provider has gone. If you are having a hospital birth, your doula may arrive at your house in early labor to help you clean, prepare your hospital bag, manage labor at home for as long as possible, then will go to the hospital with you. If you are having a home birth, your doula may help you to know when to contact your midwife or will communicate with the midwife on your behalf so she knows when to head your way.
What if I’ve had babies before?
Each birth and postpartum experience and baby is unique. I think anyone and everyone could benefit from doula support if the mother and family desires it.
What areas do you service?
I will go within 2 hours of Farmerville, LA.
Do you travel?
Not usually, but I would be willing to discuss how I can support you virtually!
Will a doula take the place of my birth partner?
A doula is not a replacement for your birth partner! Just because you have a birth partner does not mean you wouldn’t benefit from having a doula… and just because you have a doula, doesn’t mean you don’t need your birth partner. A birth doula is your biggest cheerleader, but they’re also your partner’s biggest cheerleader. They can guide your partner in ways to comfort you and support you best, be there to support your partner if they have any fears or uncertainty, run errands so they can stay by your side, and be a resource if your partner has questions at any point! A postpartum doula can be a wonderful support for you and your partner as well. Giving you and your husband time to process the birth experience alone together, letting your mom take a nap or a shower, giving your sister a chance to run home to check on her family while the doula spends time with you, the baby, cleaning, cooking, etc. It takes a village… a doula can be a large part of that!
Do I NEED a doula?
Nope. A doula is a wonderful advocate and support person for you and your family, but she is not needed. She does not replace the need for education and preparation for you, your partner, and your provider. However, she can be a wonderful addition to help you prepare physically, mentally, and emotionally for your birth.
Should I hire a doula if I am having a hospital birth?
If you want the support of a doula, absolutely! A doula is a valuable support person to walk beside you as you prepare for your baby, labor, delivery, etc. They can also help you find information and plan for your birth experience and help your birth partner advocate for you while you focus on birthing your baby. They can also support you before you head to the hospital in whatever way you decide, in labor while at the hospital, run errands for you and your family after the baby has been born, and can support your transition at home. Doula support can be very versatile and look different for each person and situation.
What about a cesarean section?
A doula can still be wonderful support for a scheduled cesarean section!
Check out this article that discusses the benefits of a doula for cesarean section: https://www.verywellfamily.com/doula-for-cesarean-birth-2759906
Any birthing experience can find support through postpartum care as well. Doula care postpartum can support healing emotionally, physically, and mentally!