Frequently Asked Questions
What are your interactions with medical staff like?
Both personally and as a founding member of the Palouse Doula Collective, one of my core goals is to work collaboratively with the medical community who serve pregnant and postpartum women and their families. I have worked hard to gain rapport with the staff with whom I work, and feel honored to have their respect and high regard. I strive to not be in their way, to help them in any way I can, and to not be a hindrance. Although part of my role as a doula is to help you advocate for your family in the case of staff not respecting your wishes, I do even this with utmost respect and
Do you perform any physical examinations?
No, never. I do not perform any clinical tasks (cervical exams, blood pressure monitoring, etc.). While I am attentive to your physical state and will be looking for any warning signs, I will not be providing medical care in any way.
How will hiring you affect my partner’s role during the birth?
My goal is to be what you and your partner need me to be. If that is stepping back to tasks such as keeping your water and snacks nearby and suggesting position changes, that is what I'll do. If your partner can't keep a rhythm while breathing with you, I will step in to help them. If your partner just wants to hold your hand, I will take care of breathing, encouragement, and beyond. I delight in equipping and supporting partners to be the support they hope to be - I spend a whole section of our prenatal visits covering this!
What if I am planning on receiving an epidural?
If doulas help greatly in coping with the pain of childbirth, then why would you need one if you plan to have an epidural?
Epidural Support:
It is important to know how to manage your labor in a relaxed way before getting the epidural. A doula will help you use positioning and coping techniques to manage pain and get your baby into an optimal position before you get the epidural (this process can take up to an hour). Once you get your epidural, I will help move you into a different position every 30-45 minutes (with the permission of the nursing staff) to help get your baby in an ideal position for a vaginal delivery and help the epidural remain effective. I will also provide informational support throughout the process and remainder, help you advocate for yourself if any other interventions are suggested, and support you and your partner so you can rest in preparation for having a new baby. Don't take my word for it - Read this article from Very Well Family.
What if I am planning on having a cesarean birth?
Have you heard of a "gentle c-section"? If you haven't, you need a doula at your side!
A doula can help combat the fear, decreased movement, and increased recovery time that can come with a cesarean birth. I help women with preparation for surgery though education and provide emotional support throughout the entire delivery and recovery. I also can provide support to the mother if the baby needs to be taken to the nursery (the father usually goes with the baby), as well as help the mother get a strong start to breastfeeding, which can be more challenging after a cesarean birth. I can also help with the recovery by providing postpartum help. If you are planning for a cesarean birth, reach out and ask me about my discounted cesarean package!
This article discusses these reasons and more.
What is your philosophy about birth and supporting women and their partners through labor?
I believe birth is a natural event, and that most women who desire to give birth without significant medical interventions are capable of doing so if they have sufficient knowledge and support. I believe that birth can be an empowering experience that allows women to see their bodies with a new appreciation, and I hope to help you achieve that, whether it involves an epidural or not. Things do go wrong, sometimes, and I am so thankful that we have medical interventions that save lives and prevent suffering! I will encourage you to do your research and come to decisions that you believe are best for your family, and I will support you in reaching these goals.
I believe that two of the reasons we have so many cases of traumatic births in this country are because women are not prepared beforehand to cope with the intensity of labor or the decisions involved and they are not experiencing continuous support through labor. Even partners can experience trauma through these experiences. My primary goal as a doula is providing this unfailing support to both a woman and her partner through labor, regardless of their birth preferences. No one should ever feel alone while giving birth!
Do you push for a certain philosophy of birth, either with me or with the staff?
I have a deep appreciation for unmedicated birth, but I also understand the benefits and appeal of the various interventions that can be used during birth. My goal is to help you see each choice as a tool that you can utilize to achieve the best possible birth for you and your baby, whatever that looks like. As your doula, I do my best to help you become informed about your options, both beforehand and during a choice that might come up during your birth. I will strive to not let you be bullied, pressured, or scared into a choice, but I will not:​
Offer medical advice. I can provide you with information and help you understand, but I will not tell you what you should do regarding medical decisions (i.e. inducing vs. not, etc.)
Make decisions for you. I will help you get the information necessary to make an informed decision. I will also remind you of your birth plan if there is a departure from your birth plan.
Speak to the staff on your behalf. I will discuss your concerns with you and suggest options, but you or your partner will speak directly to the clinical staff.