Frequently Asked Questions
"Will you take over my partner’s role during the birth?"
Not at all! I support partners too, and help them support the birthing person.
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Most partners have never seen a woman give birth. It makes sense they wouldn't have the special tools and skills most labors demand.
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Once I figure out how to best physically or emotionally support the woman, I hand over the reins to the partner if I can. I want them to be involved!
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I am trained to support families as a whole, not just the birthing person!
"How is a doula different from a labor and delivery nurse?"
"Do you perform any physical examinations?"
No, I am not a medical professional. In no way am I a replacement for your doctor, midwife, etc.
My services require a qualified medical provider managing your care during pregnancy, and to be present at the time of delivery.
"Do you accept health insurance or Medicaid?"
I am currently only accepting private pay clients.
Some employers provide reimbursement for doula services as a benefit to their employees. I provide all of my clients with invoices that they may submit to their employer to seek reimbursement.
"What are your interactions with medical staff like?"
I uphold the fundamental belief that you should be at the center of your own perinatal care experience. I foster client autonomy and support informed decision making.
I encourage you and your partner to primarily speak directly to staff including expressing your values, preferences, and goals. With deep respect for your hopes, needs, and choices, I actively listen, honor your voice, and amplify it within the broader care team.
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My Standards of Practice include speaking up when it is safe to do so in your best interests and when obstetric violence is witnessed.
While it is true that some of my doula work overlaps with that of a nurse's, nurses and doulas do not have the same scope of practice.
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Nurses are responsible for a slew of tasks outside of support such as clinical care, maintaining equipment, monitoring fetal health, documenting, etc.
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These responsibilities don't allow them to spend the majority of their time supporting you, or even in your room.
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While nurses may have many patients they are responsible for, my main focus as a doula is on my client.
Nurses must answer to their hospital. As a doula, I serve only my clients.