Frequently Asked Doula Questions
Q: Does a Doula take the place of my husband or partner?
A: This is probably our most asked question. No, Dads and Doulas work together to support the laboring woman. Your doula is also your partner’s doula. Your partner has as much access to your doula as you do. He/she can call or text any time with any questions, needs, concerns, or ideas. We’re here to support your whole family, naturally.
Q: In other words, is a Doula a holistic practitioner?
A: Doulas work independently so they can practice as a holistic-based practitioner depending on their experience, education, and knowledge. Our Doulas are held to high standards of practicing within scope of the DONA and CAPPA guidelines. At Bend & Blossom, we have extensive training in other holistic modalities and bring that to our model. Some of our additional expertise is in nutrition, yoga, massage, life coaching, breastfeeding, and baby care. For anything beyond our scope of practice, we refer to only the best hand-picked resources in the area.
Q: What if I want an epidural? Does that mean I can’t have a Doula?
A: Doulas support all types of births. It is a misconception that doulas only want you to have a drug-free birth. Bend & Blossom Doulas are screened to be sure they are there to support you and your wishes-not theirs. This is YOUR birth and you should have the birth you want. Doulas make up part of your birth team and are by your side during active labor. They work with your OB and/or Midwife in supporting you and helping you navigate all of your options in a different way than how the medical staff works with you.
Q: In the event of a planned Cesarean, what does your support look like?
A: Our planned Cesarean package is slightly different. We will go over this with you in our Free one hour consultation. We can still be your doula and you still get a lot of one-on-one support, as you would with any other birth scenario.
Q: I plan to have my baby with Midwives so I don’t need a Doula. Aren’t Midwives and Doulas the same thing?
A: There is a big difference between Midwives and Doulas. A Doula is an addition to your birth team. She is hired by you and works for you, not your care provider or your hospital. Your Doula offers extra services and additional support that your OB and/or Midwives don’t offer. For example, in the event of a hospital birth, your Doula is available to labor with you at home where your care providers don’t offer that option. Your Doula can add some holistic suggestions (within scope) in addition and to compliment what your care providers offer. Doulas are not medically trained staff. We do not “catch babies,” check your cervix, perform clinical tasks, or offer medical advice. That is the job of your care providers.
Q: Are Doulas only for the Hippy All-Natural bunch?
A: No! We cater to every type of modern family. Whether it be a same sex couple, a socialite mom, the mainstream family next door, or athlete. We support families in all types of birth scenarios from home birth to hospital; epidural to drug-free; emergency cesarean to planned cesarean.
Q: How soon do we start working together?
A: Your Doula is available to you as soon as you ready to start talking. In some cases, we start working together as early as in trying to conceive/ fertility preparation or early pregnancy. We have been hired as late as already-at-the-hospital-in-labor! Just call us as soon as you are comfortable enough to chat about your pregnancy, birth and baby needs. The phone is always on and we are always ready to talk pregnancy, birth, etc!
