Frequently asked questions.
General Doula Services
Q: What is a doula?
A doula is a trained professional who gives continuous emotional, physical, and informational support before, during, and after childbirth. My role is to walk alongside you, encourage you, and help you feel prepared and confident in your birth journey.
Q: What’s the difference between a doula and a midwife?
A midwife provides medical care and can deliver babies. I don’t provide medical services—instead, I focus on comfort, education, advocacy, and reassurance so that you feel supported no matter what your birth looks like.
Q: How does having a doula affect birth outcomes?
Research shows that families supported by doulas often experience shorter labors, fewer interventions, less need for pain medication, and greater satisfaction with their birth. Having someone there just for you makes a difference.
Q: Do you replace my partner or support person?
Not at all! My role is to add support, not replace it. I help your partner feel confident and involved by showing them ways to comfort and encourage you.
Q: How do you work with nurses, doctors, or midwives?
I work as part of your birth team. Medical providers focus on your health and safety, and I focus on your emotional and physical comfort. Together, we create a balanced circle of care.
Q: Do you attend VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) births?
Yes! Many women seek extra support for VBAC births, and I’m honored to walk that path with you.
Q: Do you attend twin or high-risk pregnancies?
Yes, I support families with a variety of pregnancies. I work closely with your care provider so you feel informed and supported every step of the way.
Q: When should I hire a doula?
The earlier, the better—many families hire during the second trimester. This gives us time to build a relationship and prepare for both birth and postpartum together.
Q: Do you support hospital, home, and birth center births?
Yes, I support families in all birth settings. My goal is to help you feel calm and confident no matter where you give birth.
Q: Will you support me if I choose or require an epidural or C-section?
Absolutely. Birth is unique for every family. Whether your birth is medicated, unmedicated, or surgical, I am there to provide comfort, encouragement, and advocacy.
Virtual Support
Q: Do you offer virtual doula services?
Yes! I offer support through phone calls, video, text, and email for pregnancy, labor, and postpartum.
Q: How effective is virtual doula support?
Even virtually, you’re not alone. I guide you with comfort measures, help your partner know what to do, and offer reassurance throughout labor. Families often tell me virtual support is more grounding than they expected.
Q: How often can I contact you during pregnancy?
You’re welcome to reach out with questions, updates, or concerns throughout your pregnancy. I respond as quickly as possible, even outside typical business hours.
Payment & Policies
Q: Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. I offer flexible payment options so support is accessible for families with different budgets.
Q: Do you accept HSA/FSA funds?
Yes, many families use Health Savings or Flexible Spending Accounts for doula and lactation services. I can provide an invoice for reimbursement.
Q: Is my deposit refundable?
Deposits are non-refundable because they secure your place on my calendar. Details are always explained in your contract.
Q: Do you ever refund fees if you miss the birth?
Yes, if I am unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances and my backup doula also cannot attend, I provide a partial refund as outlined in your agreement.
Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
I accept cash, debit/credit cards, PayPal, Zelle, and CashApp. We’ll confirm your preferred method during our consultation.
Prenatal & Postpartum Support
Q: How many prenatal visits do you offer?
Depending on your package, I offer 1–3 prenatal visits where we talk about your birth preferences, practice comfort measures, and prepare for postpartum.
Q: Do you offer postpartum support?
Yes. Postpartum visits may include recovery check-ins, breastfeeding support, emotional encouragement, and newborn care guidance.
Q: Do you help with postpartum planning before birth?
Yes, during prenatal visits I help you create a postpartum plan that includes rest, meals, household support, and emotional care.
Q: Do you help with newborn care?
Yes. I can show you soothing techniques, swaddling, and feeding basics, and answer your newborn care questions.
Q: Do you offer overnight postpartum support?
I offer flexible postpartum care, and overnight visits may be available depending on your needs and location.
Q: How long do you stay after birth?
Typically, I stay 1–2 hours after your baby is born to help with bonding, initial feeding, and settling in.
Q: What if I go into labor in the middle of the night?
I’m on call for you 24/7 starting at 37 weeks until your baby arrives. Call or text me any time—day or night.
Q: What if my labor is very long?
I stay with you for the duration of labor, no matter how long it takes. If needed, I may coordinate with a trusted backup doula so you always feel supported.
Lactation Counseling
Q: What does a lactation counselor do?
I help with all things feeding—breastfeeding challenges, latching, milk supply, pumping, and feeding plans tailored to your baby and lifestyle.
Q: Do you offer in-person or virtual lactation visits?
Both. We can meet in person if you’re local or connect virtually from anywhere.
Q: Do you support exclusive pumping or formula feeding?
Yes! Feeding looks different for every family. I support your choices and help you find what works best for you and your baby.
Q: Can my partner attend lactation visits?
Of course. Partners play an important role and often feel more confident when they understand how to help.
Childbirth Education
Q: What childbirth classes do you offer?
I offer private and group sessions covering labor stages, comfort techniques, partner support, postpartum recovery, and newborn care.
Q: Can I take a class if I’m planning a C-section or epidural birth?
Yes. My classes are designed to prepare you for all possibilities so you can feel informed and empowered.
Q: Do you offer refresher classes for parents who’ve had children before?
Yes! Many parents like a refresher to feel ready, especially if their last birth was years ago or they want a different experience this time.
Logistics & Availability
Q: What happens if I deliver before 37 weeks?
If your baby arrives early, I still do everything I can to be there for you. We’ll talk through backup plans during pregnancy so you feel prepared.
Q: What happens if my birth is very quick and you can’t make it?
In the rare case that labor moves too fast, I provide virtual support and can join you as soon as possible.
Q: Do you provide backup support?
Yes. I partner with a trusted backup doula to ensure you’re never without support.
Q: How do you handle hospital visitor restrictions or emergencies (like COVID-19)?
I follow all hospital guidelines and, if restrictions limit in-person support, I continue offering virtual care so you are never without guidance.
Q: Do you serve families outside of your local area?
Yes! I travel within a set radius for in-person support and also offer virtual care to families anywhere.