What are the benefits of using a doula? 

Studies have shown the following benefits of having a doula present at birth:

45% reduction in c-section rates

25% shorter labor

60% reduction in epidural requests

50% reduction in pitocin use

31% reduction in analgesia use

34% reduction in forceps or vacuum deliveries

 

Women who have used a doula at birth are more satisfied with their births, feel more confident before and after the birth, show a quicker rate of bonding with their newborn, are less likely to have post-partum depression, and more likely to breastfeed.

 

What is the difference between a Doula and a Monitrice?

A monitrice performs all duties similar to a doula as well as some basic medical procedures at home.  The procedures include blood pressure checks, fetal heart tones and vaginal exams.   

 

Does a doula interfere with the partner’s role in the birth? 

The doula helps the partner feel comfortable and confident by making sure their needs are met (food, drink, reassurance, etc.).  The doula encourages the partner to participate at their own comfort level.  When the partner chooses to be the major source of emotional support, the doula can supplement his or her efforts by running errands, making suggestions for comfort measures, and offering words of reassurance and comfort.  During a long, tiring labor, she can give the partner a break for a brief rest or change of scene.  While the doula probably knows more than the partner about birth, hospitals, and maternity care, the partner knows more about the woman's personality, likes and dislikes, and needs. Moreover, the partner loves the woman more than anyone else there.  The combined contributions of both partner and doula, along with a competent, considerate, and caring staff give the woman the best birth possible.

What is the process to secure Dawn as my doula?

If you decide you would like to work with Dawn, she will provide you with a service contract to sign. She requests 50% of service fees to be paid as a down payment, and the balance due at your last postpartum visit.

Are there any additional charges?

No, whether your birth is 4 hours or 40, the agreed upon fee remains the same. 

Do you accept credit cards?

Dawn accepts credit cards for payment through PayPal. There is a 3% service charge to use PayPal (which is the percentage they charge as the merchant.)

Are your fees covered by insurance, Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Spending?

100% of all fees are covered by HSA’s and Flex Spending. 

Several insurance companies are now paying for services as well.   Dawn will provide you with an invoice and the CPT codes that allow you to submit all fees to your insurance company for reimbursement.  Dawn is considered an out of network provider so most families are reimbursed 80/20 or 70/30 depending on your plan.

What happens at the initial meeting?

The first meeting is very casual and allows you to get to know one another both personally and professionally.  You discuss your birthing goals and what you are looking for in a doula so you can decide if this would be a good team.

What happens at the first prenatal visit?

At the first prenatal visit, Dawn goes over the birth plan template and discusses specifics about your wishes for birth.  Based on your goals, a plan will be discussed and put into place as a team.

What happens at the second prenatal visit?

At the second prenatal visit, Dawn will go over comfort measures, check your babies position and discuss ways to prepare your body for birth.

At what point does Dawm meet me when I’m in labor?

Dawn meets laboring moms whenever they feel that they need support; at home or hospital.    

What if Dawn can’t attend my birth?

Dawn has a very strong network of backup doulas who she knows and trusts. It is very unlikely that she would be unable to attend the birth. If she were at another birth or in some type of unforeseen situation, one of her backup doulas would attend your birth. Fees remain the same in the event that a backup has to attend the birth, and she pays the backup doula directly.

 

What if I need a cesarean section?

Whether a c-section is planned or not, it is more important than ever to have the comfort and support of a doula.  If the hospital allows, Dawn attends the birth to continue supporting both you and your partner before, during and after the surgery.  

Do I need a doula if I'm planning a homebirth and/or am using a midwife?

If you are birthing in a hospital with a midwife, she may not be able to stay with you throughout your whole labor (as she has to complete hospital paperwork or attend to other laboring women under her care; sometimes in multiple hospitals).  I feel strongly that doulas are helpful members of the home birth team as each labor support person brings something unique to offer the birthing woman. 

 

How does a doula interact with hospital staff?  Won't my nurse fill this role?

Labor and Delivery nurses are usually providing care and treatment for many patients at a time. This limits the time spent with each individual patient. The nurse’s main responsibility is to monitor the progress and medical condition of the laboring woman (and her baby) and give that information to the care provider. Nurses also work on shifts, so if your labor spans across a shift change you will get a new nurse and will need to re-establish a working relationship with her. A doula will provide you with continuous support throughout your entire labor and help for some time after the birth as you and your partner are adjusting to this miracle called “birth”.

Doulas and Epidurals: Is a doula only interested in supporting me if I plan to give birth without medication?

There is a common myth that doulas are only for women attempting to give birth without drugs or medical intervention. Nothing could be further from the truth. Doulas are there to provide emotional, physical and informational support throughout all types of births. Women who receive medication during childbirth need all of these things and in some situations even more so than a woman who chooses to avoid medication. Doulas want every woman to have a positive and empowering experience no matter how they choose to birth!