Frequently Asked
Questions

A doula is a trained professional who provides non-medical support to families during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Doulas offer emotional, physical, and informational support, helping you feel more confident, empowered, and informed as you navigate your birthing experience.

Doulas offer a wide range of services tailored to your individual needs. Here's how Doulas can support you:

• Emotional Support: Offering encouragement, reassurance, and calming presence throughout your birth journey.

• Physical Support: Assisting with techniques like massage, breathing, positioning, and comfort measures to help you cope with labor.

• Informational Support: Providing evidence-based information and helping you understand your options, so you can make informed decisions.

• Postpartum Care: Assisting with newborn care, helping you adjust to life with your baby, and offering support as you recover physically and emotionally from childbirth.

While doulas play a vital role in supporting you during your birth, there are some things they do not do:

• Not a Medical Professional: A doula is not a doctor, nurse, or midwife and cannot provide medical care, diagnose conditions, or make medical decisions.

• Not an Advocate for Medical Interventions: A doula’s role is to support you in your choices, not to push for or against specific interventions. We work alongside your medical team to ensure you feel informed and empowered in your decisions.

• Not a Replacement for Your Birth Team: A doula complements the work of your medical providers but does not replace their roles. Your doctor, midwife, or nurse remains the primary source of medical care and oversight.

Doulas offer numerous benefits to expectant families. Research shows that having a doula can significantly improve your birth experience and outcomes. Some key benefits include:

• Shorter Labor: Studies show that labor is, on average, 25% shorter for women who have a doula present.

• Lower Risk of Interventions: Doula-assisted births are associated with lower rates of cesarean sections, epidurals, and the need for pain medications.

• Increased Satisfaction: Women who have a doula report feeling more satisfied with their birth experience, regardless of the type of birth.

• Better Birth Outcomes: Doula support is linked to lower rates of preterm births, reduced need for interventions, and improved breastfeeding success.

According to a study published in the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing (2017), laboring women who had continuous labor support (such as from a doula) were 28% less likely to have a cesarean birth, 31% less likely to use synthetic oxytocin, and 34% less likely to rate their birth experience negatively.

Doulas don’t just support the birthing person—they also assist partners. We guide them in how to provide physical comfort, emotional support, and stay involved in the process. This ensures that both you and your partner feel confident and prepared during your birth experience.

Absolutely! Doulas are helpful in all types of births, whether you’re planning a natural birth, using pain medications, or even having a cesarean section. We help create a calm, supportive environment, offer comfort measures, and advocate for your preferences, ensuring you feel informed and supported regardless of your birth plan.

It’s never too early to start! Ideally, I recommend hiring a doula during your first or second trimester. This allows time to build rapport and make a personalized birth plan. However, it’s never too late—doulas can step in during any stage of your pregnancy to offer guidance and support.

Yes! Doulas are welcome in most hospitals. We work alongside your medical team to provide the support you need. We encourage communication with your hospital and care providers in advance to ensure there are no barriers to having a doula present.

Yes, my doula ministry is rooted in faith, and I believe that God calls us to serve others with love, compassion, and respect. My faith shapes the way I approach supporting families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care.

Not at all! While my ministry is faith-based, I welcome families of all beliefs, backgrounds, and spiritual practices. My primary goal is to provide support and care in a way that aligns with your personal values and preferences. I respect your unique journey and will work with you to create a birth experience that feels right for you.

My faith encourages me to approach every family with compassion, patience, and a heart for service. It inspires me to provide holistic care that nurtures the body, mind, and spirit. I do enjoy incorporating elements of scripture, prayer, and uplifting music into the birth space if you desire, but these are optional. I will always respect your personal beliefs and will not impose anything you’re not comfortable with.