Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between a doula and a midwife?
A: Doulas and midwives both provide support to the laboring woman, however midwives are clinically trained and handle all of the “medical” aspects of birth and prenatal care (monitoring fetal heart tones, cervical examinations, etc.). Doulas provide emotional, mental, and educational support, and help with physical pain management. They are also there to guide dads and help them to be the best support for you that they can be!
Q: What can I expect at the prenatal & postpartum visits?
We will talk about your goals/wishes/desires for your birth, practice labor techniques with you and your partner, discuss/create a postpartum plan, and cover additional topics like babywearing, exercises to prepare for birth, or anything else you may want to know more about. I do recommend all of my clients take a childbirth education class, as 2-3 visits isn’t enough time to cover everything there is to learn about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
Q: What can I expect from you during labor?
A: I am there for anything that you need! Every mom’s needs are different, and I go based on what YOU need from me. That may look like words of encouragement as you labor, using movement and positioning to keep labor progressing, physical pain relief through counter pressure or heat, and so. much. more. I will help your partner know how to best support you, or give him a break when he needs to leave your side to use the restroom or grab a snack. I will remind you to drink water or take a walk or try to get in the tub or shower for relief. It is your birth and I am here for you in any capacity you need.
Q: Should I still hire a doula if I am planning a hospital birth?
A: Absolutely! In fact I believe that doulas are more necessary in a hospital than any other setting. In a hospital you won’t have continuous professional support unless you hire a doula. Your nurse will likely have other patients to care for and will be in and out of your room for brief checks, and your doctor likely won’t be with you until you are ready to push. Continuous support has been statistically shown to improve outcomes for both mother and babies. This article from Evidence Based Birth has more information regarding these statistics.
Q: Will my insurance/medicaid cover a doula?
A: I’m going to be straight with you - probably not. There have been instances where people have been reimbursed for a portion of the cost by their insurance company, but it is not common. Texas Medicaid also does not cover doulas. However, you CAN use your FSA, HSA, or HRA to pay for doula services, and I can walk you through how to do this!
Q: What if I can’t afford a doula?
A: Here are a number of creative ways to help you cover the cost:
Add doula services to your baby shower registry. A few family members can pitch in and gift this to you.
Use your FSA, HSA, or HRA.
Discuss payment plan or customized package options with your doula. I have both options available!
Use money from your tax return if you get one.
Remember, you will only birth this baby once. This moment will change your life forever. Most people spend at least 5 times more on their wedding than their birth, but I would argue that your birth is at least as (if not more) important than your wedding. Treat it as such! Save up and find little things that you can sacrifice to give you and your baby the best birth experience possible.