Ask Denise (aka Frequently Asked Questions)
Twins - birthed naturally! Now, 3 years old!
What is a doula?
A doula is someone who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period. A doula:
Why have a doula?
Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily. Read more about this on DONA’s website.
Where did you receive your training?
I am a DONA trained doula and have long completed all of the requirements for certification. I am also a mother of 3 and have had a long-term interest in natural childbirth, women’s health and herbal medicine. I am constantly seeking out new information in these areas and love sharing my information and experience with others. You can learn more about DONA on their website.
What experience do you have as a doula?
I have experience working with a variety of moms. I have worked with single moms where I am the primary support person as well as with husbands, partners and other family members. I have experience at homebirths, birth centers and numerous area hospitals. I supported a mom who naturally birthed twins and have supported moms through C Sections.
What will we discuss at the first interview?
I believe it’s very important that the doula, mom and anyone else who will be at the birth be a good match. I will meet with you, free and in person, to see if we’ll work well together. There are good guides on interviewing a doula from Green River Doulas and from DONA.
Will you be available for my birth?
Please contact me as soon as you decide you are interested in having the support of a doula as I try to maintain no more than 3 clients a month to ensure that I am available for your birth. Choosing a doula is a very personal decision and I will do everything in my power to be there for your birth. I also work with a backup doula so that in the unexpected event that I cannot make it, you will have an excellent birth doula.
When will you meet up with me when I go into labor?
I am happy to meet up with you as soon as you feel you could use my support – day or night. In most cases, I will go to your home early in the labor to support you there and then follow you to the hospital when you labor progresses.
Will a doula make my partner feel unnecessary?
No, a doula is supportive to both the mother and her partner. I believe that my job is to support the partner in becoming involved in the birth to the extent he/she feels comfortable. Before and during the labor, I will work with the partner to show them comfort measures that they can use with the laboring mom.
More questions?
A doula is someone who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period. A doula:
- Provides a range of caring, non-clinical, physical comfort measures and emotional support before, during and after the birth.
- Gives your partner information and support so that they can be an awesome support person and participate at their comfort level
- Understands the physiology of pregnancy and birth and the emotional needs of a laboring woman
- Supports you with information so that you can make the best decisions for yourself and your baby
- Provides continuous care and support – emotional and physical comfort measures - during the labor
- Works in cooperation with your other care providers
- Supports you in having a birth experience as true to your wishes and birth plan as possible
- Facilitates communication between you, your partner and your care providers
- Helps you to capture and protect the memory of your birth experience by taking photos and writing up your birth story
Why have a doula?
Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily. Read more about this on DONA’s website.
Where did you receive your training?
I am a DONA trained doula and have long completed all of the requirements for certification. I am also a mother of 3 and have had a long-term interest in natural childbirth, women’s health and herbal medicine. I am constantly seeking out new information in these areas and love sharing my information and experience with others. You can learn more about DONA on their website.
What experience do you have as a doula?
I have experience working with a variety of moms. I have worked with single moms where I am the primary support person as well as with husbands, partners and other family members. I have experience at homebirths, birth centers and numerous area hospitals. I supported a mom who naturally birthed twins and have supported moms through C Sections.
What will we discuss at the first interview?
I believe it’s very important that the doula, mom and anyone else who will be at the birth be a good match. I will meet with you, free and in person, to see if we’ll work well together. There are good guides on interviewing a doula from Green River Doulas and from DONA.
Will you be available for my birth?
Please contact me as soon as you decide you are interested in having the support of a doula as I try to maintain no more than 3 clients a month to ensure that I am available for your birth. Choosing a doula is a very personal decision and I will do everything in my power to be there for your birth. I also work with a backup doula so that in the unexpected event that I cannot make it, you will have an excellent birth doula.
When will you meet up with me when I go into labor?
I am happy to meet up with you as soon as you feel you could use my support – day or night. In most cases, I will go to your home early in the labor to support you there and then follow you to the hospital when you labor progresses.
Will a doula make my partner feel unnecessary?
No, a doula is supportive to both the mother and her partner. I believe that my job is to support the partner in becoming involved in the birth to the extent he/she feels comfortable. Before and during the labor, I will work with the partner to show them comfort measures that they can use with the laboring mom.
More questions?
