MommaBear Doula Services

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FAQ:

What's a Doula?

The word "doula" comes from the Greek word for the most important female slave or servant in an ancient Greek household, the woman who probably helped the lady of the house through her childbearing. The word has come to refer to "a woman experienced in childbirth, who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth." (Klaus, Kennell and Klaus, Mothering the Mother).

What does a Doula do?

A Doula

recognizes birth as a key life experience that the mother will remember all her life
understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor
assists the family in preparing for and carrying out their plans for birth
stays by the side of the laboring woman throughout the entire labor
provides emotional support, physical comfort measures, and objective viewpoint assistance to the woman in getting the information she needs to make good decisions
facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and clinical care providers
perceives her role as one who nurtures and protects the woman's memory of her birth experience

Isn't that my husband's job?

"I've run a number of marathons, I've done a lot of hiking with a heavy backpack, and I've worked for forty hours straight on-call; but going through labor with my wife was more strenuous and exhausting than any of these experiences. We could never have done it without the doula. She was crucial for us." (a father reflecting on his birth experience: Klaus, Kennell and Klaus, The Doula Book).

Studies have shown that women perform better in labor with more support people, and particularly with the presence of a woman who has gone through childbirth.
Fathers report appreciation for the presence of a woman available to support them in supporting their partners.
"The mother has a biologically based task which is driven by a time clock, while the father feels like he is floating in air without a connection, uncertain about his tasks. A support person during this time can reach out to both of them, decrease the fathers anxiety, give him the support and encouragement, and teach him specific tasks, allowing him to reach out to his wife in a more caring and nurturing fashion." (Klaus, Kennell and Klaus, The Doula Book).
As your Doula, I will provide support to both you and your husband, to assist in achieving the most family centered birth possible.

How much does a doula cost?

Because the acceptance of Doulas in maternity care is growing rapidly, many insurance companies are reimbursing families for expenses relating to doula services. We can meet to discuss your particular insurance company, and I can support you in advocating that services be covered, if they are not already. For specific birth doula costs, please visit the services section of the website. I offer payment plans on a case-by-case basis.

What if you don't make it to my birth?

I will provide you with a back-up doula in the event that I am not available when labor commences. Rest assured that I limit the number of clients I schedule, however, sometimes a missed birth is unavoidable (like when labor commences very quickly, and a birth is very short). You may meet with the back-up doula at a prenatal visit to ensure that you are comfortable with her, or you may plan for your own backup doula. In the event that I am unable to make the birth, fees for the birth will go to the back up doula. Should you choose your own backup doula, and I am unable to attend your birth, all fees paid will be refunded to you including the retainer fee.

Will a doula work with me at home? At the hospital? At my birth center?

As your doula, I can assist you in laboring wherever you chose to do so. Once labor commences, I can come to your home, be available by phone, or meet you at the location where you will deliver. When we develop your birth plan at a prenatal visit, we will discuss where and when my services will be employed. Many women who chose to deliver at hospitals enjoy having their doula present with them at home through the early stages of labor, as well as during active labor at the hospital.

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