FAQs
Q: What is the difference between a doula and a midwife?
A: A midwife is a medical professional that monitors the health of you and your baby, and they will also most likely catch your little one! A doula is a non-medical professional who offers physical and emotional support. As doulas, we do our best to support you to make your birth as comfortable and empowering as we can. A doula and a midwife make an amazing birth team.
Q: I have a great midwife! Do I need a doula too?
A: We love the midwifery model of care, and are excited to work alongside midwives in the area. As noted above, your midwife is a medical professional, so your midwife is carefully watching to make sure you and baby are healthy. Your doula on the other hand is there to support you and your whole family physically and emotionally throughout labor. Midwives also may not be there for you throughout your whole labor, in the hospital or birth center scene, they may have other laboring women they need to attend to as well!
Q: Do you work with doctors?
A: Absolutely! Most doctors spend very little time with women in labor, so a doula can be especially helpful for labor support!
Q: I’m having a home birth. Do I need a doula?
A: Doulas can be so helpful at a home birth! Some people believe they do not need a doula at a home birth, because they are counting on the midwife, or midwives assistant, when in reality our roles are really very different. They will be focused on clinical tasks (such as vaginal exams, checking blood pressure, or checking fetal heart tones.), where your doula will be focused on you and your physical and emotional needs. It can especially be helpful to have a doula at a home birth if you are a first time mom, having a VBAC, or if you have had a previous traumatic birth.
Q: What if I need a c-section?
A: There are so many things a doula can do to create a positive, family-centered, and loving experience for your cesarean. We will do our best to help you ask questions, do relaxation exercises, and if allowed, continue caring for you in the OR, and in recovery.
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