Frequently Asked Questions
"Will you take over my partner’s role during the birth?"
Not at all! I support partners too, and help them support the birthing person.
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Most partners have never seen a woman give birth. It makes sense they wouldn't have the special tools and skills most labors demand.
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Once I figure out how to best physically or emotionally support the woman, I hand over the reins to the partner if I can. I want them to be involved!
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I am trained to support families as a whole, not just the birthing person!
"Do you perform any physical examinations?"
No, I am not a medical professional. In no way am I a replacement for your doctor, midwife, etc.
My services require a qualified medical provider managing your care during pregnancy, and at the time of delivery.
"What are your interactions with medical staff like?"
One of my goals during your birth is to empower you to make your own medically informed choices.
That often looks like me prompting you to ask questions, request more time, clarify suggestions, etc.
While I can speak directly to your assigned medical staff, I will never speak for you or make decisions for you.
"How is a doula different from a labor and delivery nurse?"
It is true that some of my doula work overlaps with that of a nurse's, nurses and doulas do not have the same scope of practice.
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Nurses are responsible for a slew of tasks outside of support such as clinical care, maintaining equipment, monitoring fetal health, documenting, etc.
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These responsibilities don't allow them to spend the majority of their time supporting you, or even in your room.
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While nurses haves many patients they are responsible for, my main focus as a doula is on my client.
Nurses must answer to their hospital. As a doula, I serve only my clients.