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Frequently Asked Questions
For the Families
What is the benefit of having a doula?
Our doulas are professionally trained in support. A professionally train doula will also educate you, and the family and help you navigate the healthcare system. Doulas have been researched and documented to decrease labor time, decrease the need for pain medication, decrease interventions, decrease anxiety, and decrease the chance of a cesarean section while increasing mobility, increase self-esteem, increased rates of vaginal birth, better infant outcomes, higher personal accomplishments, and overall better patient satisfaction.
What kinds of births can a doula support?
A doula can support all types of births, including home births, hospital births, or birth center births. They can support unmedicated births or, if you choose, to have an epidural. Doulas are invaluable to teen birthing people, with or without family support. Doulas can support a pregnant person with a singleton, twins, triplets, or quads. A doula is an essential part of the perinatal care team. They work with medical professionals as an integral part of the birthing person's care team. A doula will help you advocate for yourself, including reviewing what questions you should ask or things to expect.
What does a birth doula do?
Provide emotional, physical, and educational support to the birthing person and their family during the perinatal period and through the immediate postpartum period. They offer non-judgemental evidence-based support, along with practical hands-on techniques and comfort strategies to help manage the challenges of labor. Doulas promote self-care, basic perinatal education and facilitate communication between the provider and their client. Doulas encourage and support parent/infant bonding and encourage breast/chestfeeding. Doulas improve birth outcomes and overall satisfaction with the birthing process.
What does a birth doula NOT do?
Birth doulas do not perform medical procedures such as blood pressure or vaginal exams. They do not offer medical advice, diagnose, treat medical conditions, or make medical decisions. A doula does NOT replace anyone on the medical team and will not directly assist with the delivery of a baby. The Doula Exchange doulas will not be present at an unassisted birth. They will not speak for you or communicate with your medical team on your behalf.
What should I expect from my birth doula?
When you work with a birth doula, you can expect communication on a regular basis, more as you get closer to your due date. The doula will have a three (3) prenatal visits where you'll get to know your doula, she will help you craft your Birth Preference list, prepare for your birth, and learn a variety of comfort measures. Labor support begins in active labor through birth. Support in the immediate postpartum period (up to 90 minutes after the birth), and up to four (4) additional postpartum visits within the first 4-6 weeks after the birth.
If I am in labor can the doula take me to the hospital?
No, the doula is not permitted to transport you in her vehicle. This is a liability issue. So, if you need to get to the hospital or your birthing location and you are not able to drive, and there is no one else to drive, EMS must be called. Note: EMS is for emergencies, so they are required to take you to the closest hospital, which may not be the hospital you were planning to give birth.
Can I choose my doula?
Yes, you will have the opportunity to speak with up to three (3) doulas from our Doula Directory, so you can select the one that is a good fit for you and your family.
When will my doula arrive?
Early labor can take hours to days. While the doula may come to check on you from time to time, she will offer continuous labor support starting in active labor, around 5 cm.
Are the doulas all certified?
All of our doulas have completed evidence-based doula training and are either fully certified or in the process of becoming certified.
How soon into my pregnancy will I be connected with a doula?
All of our doulas have completed evidence-based doula training and are either fully certified or in the process of becoming certified.
Can I request a labor and a postpartum doula?
While we plan on offering postpartum doula service in the future, we currently only have labor support doulas.
I'm schedule for a Cesarean can I still have a doula?
Absolutely. A doula can help you prepare for the emotional and increased anxiety before the birth, as well as the physical challenges of a cesarean after the birth.
How do I sign up for Doula Services?
You can be connected through your OB provider or clinic, a case worker, a care manager, or you can complete the Member Request Form found at the below of this website. We will then see if your prenatal plan offers/covers doula services.
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