Doula Support

What do doulas do? While there are many different types of doulas & doula philosophies, as a professional and experienced doula who is doing this sustainably, I provide a certain outline of care that I believe works. I encourage my clients to rely on their husband/mom/sister/friend most! I make sure they also feel prepared and guided throughout labor in supporting you. I am not with you in early labor but I am with you through the tough stuff and provide advocacy and guidance when birth doesn't go as expected.

What does Early Labor Support look like? When your contractions are not consistent, or more than 5 minutes apart, I encourage you to labor at home as long as possible and have a game plan you & your husband/ family member/friend can refer to. I am available by phone 24/7. Im mostly going to be encouraging you to rest! eat! and do things you love! as a way to stay distracted and not get burnt out the hours, days & nights leading up to active labor.  There will be some early labor positions I recommend that help baby engage and can shorten the early/latent phase.  

What does Active Labor Support look like? When your contractions are under 5 minutes apart consistently this is when I head your way whether you want to labor longer at home or meet at the hospital/birthing center/public location (some mamas labor at hotels so we are close to the hospital but not ready to check in just yet!) If you are not in an established rhythm of labor,  I am going to encourage you move with your contractions and rest in between. I know the power of certain movements to help bring baby down and shorten your labor & I also know the power of reserving your energy and releasing tension in-betwen contractions!

What does Advocacy look like? When we are at the hospital I help to advocate for your birthing preferences and provide you information when interventions arise. I work for you, not the doctors, so while some nurses may try to sway you to make decisions the doctor wants, I am there to help you ask the questions that are needed to know when something is medically necessary & feel confident in your decisions. I pay attention to the whole picture while you are focusing on one contraction at a time! 

Do you do cervical checks? Nope. (I was even asked this by a nurse!) and I don't deliver babies either (although I think it's great for Dads to catch their babies!)

What about inductions? Inductions can take days. If you are under 3cm you will have anywhere from 12-24 hours or more of cervical ripening which is usually just resting & waiting. Just like regular labor, I join you when contractions are consistently under 5 minutes. I am not with you through the entire induction. 

Do you have a backup doula? Yes, I almost always have backup doula options BUT it is not covered in my pricing or by Medicaid. The only time I am able to call a backup doula for you that is covered in price, is if I am not able to attend your birth at all & will pay them, at no extra cost to you. But for instances of prolonged labor, I recommend having atleast $400 saved and set aside for a back-up doula (I usually am able to find backup doula support for less, if needed, with doulas who need experience to be certified or volunteers).

What do you do in cases of Prolonged Labor? Typically Active Labor is under 12 hours especially when following the rhythm of moving with contractions & resting in-between. BUT, sometimes labor doesn't go as expected. I am not physically able to provide more than one night of missed sleep. There are some exceptions if I am able to rest while you rest. If you have an epidural that stalls labor, I may step out and return when progress is made, as it can sometimes just take time. I do inform the nurse & your support persons how I recommend you continue shifting positions and am available 24/7 by phone and will remain close to the hospital. (I nap in my car alot!)