Labor Doula FAQs

What is a labor doula?

A labor doula is someone who provides physical and emotional support to the birthing person and their family before, during, and after the birth of their little one.

What doesn’t a labor doula do?

As your labor Doula, I will not: 

• Perform any medical procedures of any kind. 

• Speak to care providers on your behalf. My job is to help you self-advocate and express your own needs and desires! 

• Make decisions for you. During your prenatal appointments we will talk about Informed Decision Making and how to confidently make decisions on your own. 

• Impose my own beliefs or opinions on you and your family. Having a child and raising a family is deeply personal and I have no right to infringe on that. I will provide evidence-based resources upon request, but will not try to sway you one way or another.

Does hiring a labor doula replace other support or partners?

No! Labor doulas are just one part of your birth team. You, your partner(s), doula, and care provider will work together to ensure you feel empowered, informed, and supported throughout your labor & delivery. You and your partner(s) share a loving, emotional connection, while your doula provides resources, knowledge, and physical support.

When is the best time to hire a doula?

It is never too early (or late!) in your pregnancy to consider hiring a labor doula. Reach out, and schedule your fee consultation today!

Can a doula still provide support if I have a cesarean birth?

Yes! A doula can help explain the procedure and help facilitate a family-centered cesarean birth if that is what you want. Doulas can also support recovery and initial breastfeeding after a cesarean birth.

Can a doula provide support even if I have an epidural?

Definitely. A doula’s support after an epidural is still valuable. Doulas can provide information and emotional support to family members and partners, and will provide physical support when it comes time to deliver.

Does insurance cover doula fees?

While most insurance plans have yet to include doulas in their coverage, some will provide reimbursements for “out-of-network” services. HSA and FSA accounts might also be able to reimburse doula fees.

What happens if you miss my birth?

While it is rare, a circumstance may arise where I am unable to support you during your labor and delivery. This includes but is not limited to - already supporting a family during labor, illness of either myself or family, or I haven’t had sufficient time to recover from a prior birth. If I am not able to provide support, I will provide a back-up doula to provide in-person support. If a back-up doula is called in, no refund of fee will be given.

Additionally, the responsibility to notify me of labor and to ask me to come and provide in-person support lays on the client. If notification is not given, or is given without sufficient time to me to get to the birthing place, no refund will be given.