FAQs

How do I choose a doula?

I encourage you to interview a few doulas who you think might be a match for you and the rest of your birth team. Ask questions and get a feel for how they plan to support you. Ideally, the right match will feel like someone you can be yourself with and face the unknown with. You should feel comfortable and safe around this person, knowing they will have your back and understand your wishes even in potential moments of vulnerability.

Should I hire a doula?

If you have the means, yes.

Most doulas offer very fair payment plans and often implement sliding scales to meet client needs; they want to support you!

The bottom line is that your birth experience will be cushioned by the presence of a doula.

This exists on a scale too - one established to meet your needs - and can look like someone who is very involved in offering physical or emotional support or, on the flip side, can be a knowledgeable advocate whom you can turn to if needed. A doula is first and foremost a witness to your experience and should act as an extension of you so that you can focus where you need to.

will a doula also support my partner/family?

Yes, a doula supports a partner by acting as a guide in their experience. This will be unique to the individual(s) but can look like offering reassurance, providing tools and ideas for how they might choose to offer support to the person giving birth, helping to curate reading materials so you are walking into birth feeling prepared as a support person, and ready to enjoy your moment as well. Leading up to birth, I am prepared to answer your questions and guide your concerns. During labor and birth, having a doula present ensures a primary partner can care for themselves (think food and rest) if needed.