FAQ's

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A birth doula is a companion who provides continuous labor support during labor and birth. Doulas provide physical, emotional, and informational support. Doulas are trained professionals and understand the stages of labor. They know how to support moms through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. 

Physical support from a doula includes the use of massage, counter pressure, and soothing touch. Doulas create a calm environment in the birthing location of your choice. 

Emotional support from doulas helps parents feel a sense of pride and empowerment after the birth. Examples of emotional support include encouragement and praise, helping you see your situation more positively, keeping you company, showing that they care for you, and helping you debrief after the birth.

Doulas can also support you with information during pregnancy and birth. They guide you and your partner through labor and suggest techniques like breathing, relaxation, movement, and changing positions. 

Doulas support you in your right to make decisions about your body and your baby. They will also help you with advocacy techniques such as encouraging you to ask questions and speak up for what you want. Doulas also enhance communication between parents and providers.

Absolutely not! Doulas and partners work together to improve the mother's birth. Studies have shown that the most positive birth experiences for fathers are the ones where they have continuous labor support by a doula. 

Ideally, it would be great if medical providers could offer their patients continuous labor support. They usually have more than one patient laboring at the same time and it's not practical for your medical provider to be with you for hours at a time. Their focus is the health of the mother and baby. Doulas provide non-medical continuous labor support. 

Of all the ways birth outcomes could be improved, continuous labor support seems like the most important basic need for a birthing mother. Research has shown that labor support from doulas is both risk-free and highly effective. 

There have been 26 randomized trials that tested the effects of continuous labor support on more than 15,000 women giving birth. Overall, women who receive continuous labor support are more likely to have a normal vaginal birth and less likely to have pain medication, negative feelings about childbirth, and Cesareans. In addition, their labors are shorter and their babies are less likely to have complications at birth.  

-Dekker, Rebecca. Evidence Based Birth

Most doulas only take on a few clients per month to minimize the need for a back up. In case of an extreme emergency, a backup doula will be provided. At this time, this option does not apply to Tricare beneficiaries.