Question 1

What is a doula?

Accepted Answer

Doula in Greek means "female servant." A doula's role is to support the mother through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. The support a doula brings is physical, emotional, and informational. Doula's have been around for almost all of time! It is a very foreign concept for women to birth without female support. For almost all of history laboring women were accompanied by other experienced mothers who guided them, encouraged them, and held their hand through birth.

Question 2

What is the difference between a midwife and doula?

Accepted Answer

A midwife is a trained medical provider who is responsible for the clinical care of mother and baby during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. They monitor health, manage labor, and attend the birth itself. A doula, on the other hand, is a non-medical support professional who provides continuous emotional, physical, and informational support to the birthing mother and her family. While a midwife focuses on medical safety and outcomes, a doula focuses on comfort, confidence, and support.

Question 3

Do you support hospital, birth center, and home births?

Accepted Answer

I support you wherever YOU want to birth!

Question 4

When should I hire a doula?

Accepted Answer

As soon as you want! Many doulas can book up quickly so it is never too early. The first prenatal meeting happens in the second half of pregnancy, but you will still have access to me through text/call/email in the meantime for questions or a listening ear.

Question 5

What are the benefits of hiring a doula?

Accepted Answer

Soo many! According to a 2017 Cochrane Review (Bohren et. al.), the benefits of hiring a doula include:
Decreases risk of C-section by 39%
Increases chance of vaginal birth by 15%
Decreases the chance of a negative birth experience by 31%
Pain medication use in labor decreased by 10%
Labor may be shortened by 41 minutes on average
Decreases risk of a low APGAR score for baby by 38%

Frequently asked questions

What is a doula?

What is the difference between a midwife and doula?

Do you support hospital, birth center, and home births?

When should I hire a doula?

What are the benefits of hiring a doula?

Valley Birth Doula