| 1. | Will the doula usurp
my partner’s role in the birth?
Not at all. We work with your partner as part of the birthing team. We will assist your family member(s) in ways to make you comfortable. |
| 2. | Can my partner and I
have time alone if we want?
Absolutely. We will often sense when you may want to be alone. In the event that we don’t, please ask for what you need and we will provide what we can. |
| 3. | Will you advocate for
us with the hospital staff if needed?
Yes. We work professionally and harmoniously with all staff and are happy to speak for you if you are in need. |
| 4. | Do you work for the hospital?
No, we work for you. |
| 5. | Will you drive me to
the hospital?
No. We do not transport clients. We meet you at the hospital. |
| 6. | How will I know when
to leave for the hospital?
When you feel you may be going into labor, call us. We will help you assess your progress and assist you in making the decision of when to leave for the hospital. |
| 7. | How long will you stay
with us in the hospital?
Your Birthing Support doula will stay with you throughout your entire labor, birth and until both mother and baby are “tucked-in” after the birth. |
| 8. | Can you give me medical
advice?
We do not have a medical role as part of the birthing team. Our role is to provide emotional, physical, informational support and advocacy to the birthing parents. We can share our considerable experience with you. We recommend that all prospective parents educate themselves as much as possible. We can help you to understand what the medical staff is offering if it is unclear. We can also ask for time for you to discuss what has been offered and make to your own informed decisions. |
| 9. | How do you feel about
the birthing mother using medication during labor?
We support you in any decision you may make. This is your birth and your body. If you feel you want to use pain medication that is up to you. We maintain a non-judgmental environment in the labor room. We will encourage you to do what feels right for you. |
| 10. | Can you attend if I have
to have a C-section?
Generally, the doctor will allow one person to attend with the mother. Sometimes the doula and the father are allowed to go in to the O.R. If only one can go in and the father prefers to stay our of the O.R. then the Birthing Support doula will go in with the birthing mother. If the doula does not attend, she will wait until the mother is in recovery and sit with the dad/partner and the baby after the birth. |
| 11. | Do the staffs of the
hospitals welcome doulas?
Yes. Birthing Support doulas have very positive responses. Nurses, midwives and physicians find us to be very helpful. |
| 12. | Will you help with breatfeeding
if I need it?
Yes. Often the hospital staff sees breastfeeding assistance as their job. In the event they are too busy, then we will provide assistance. We will also offer referrals to certified lactation consultants if needed. |
| 13. | What is the difference
between a midwife and a doula?
Midwives are trained to provide medical care during pregnancy, labor and birth. Doulas are trained to provide emotional, physical and informational support before, during and after birth. |
| 14. | Do the Birthing Support
doulas work with midwives?
Yes. We enjoy working with midwives as part of a birthing team. |
| 15. | Should I take childbirth
classes? Where?
Definitely take advantage of a class. We offer our own series of classes. Ask about the dates for the next series |
| 16. | Do you attend home births?
Yes. |
| 17. | How do we
contact Birthing Support?
Our voice mail is: (707) 522-8778. Our email:birthingsupport@comcast.net Our address is: P.O. Box 1045, Occidental, CA 95465 |