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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A Birth Doula?
Birth doulas come along side you and your partner (if you have one!) or other support persons to become an integral part of your birth team. They provide evidence-based information and research specific to your pregnancy journey and your unique birthing wishes. Prenatal planning and resource assistance is a key role doulas fill. Birth doulas join you and stay for the duration of labor and support you physically, emotionally and informationally throughout.
Why Should I Hire A Doula?
Birth doulas make a tremendous positive impact on your birth experience!
In research studies most recently done by Evidence Based Birth, when continuous labor support was provided by a doula, women experienced…
31% decrease in the use of Pitocin
28% decrease in the risk of C-section
12% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth
9% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief
14% decrease in the risk of newborns being admitted to a special care nursery
34% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience
Statements from both the WHO (World Health Organization) and ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) recognize that continuous labor support, like that of a professional doula, is an evidenced based method for reducing the likelihood of birth interventions and increasing the likelihood of positive outcomes.
You can read more about the benefits of doula support here: Benefits of a Doula (dona.org)
What Is The Difference Between A Doula And A Midwife?
A doula is a trained professional pregnancy and labor support person while a midwife is a health care provider. You may hire a midwife instead of an OB to care for you during your pregnancy and deliver your baby at your home, a hospital or a birth center. A doula, however, does not perform any medical tasks or deliver your baby! A doula can support you in your pregnancy and labor no matter where you deliver or who your care provider is.
Does a Doula replace my partner?
Absolutely not! Your doula is there to be a part of your birth team, not take it over! Hiring a doula can help alleviate some of the pressure for partners who may be uncertain of how to best support labor. Having a guide to educate and encourage your support people on how to best assist you is beneficial to everyone!
Do Doulas only support un-medicated or natural birth?
This is a common myth associated with doulas and it is simply not the case. Doulas are trained to support all birth scenarios. Whether it is your desire to have a unmedicated birth, you are planning a birth with pain management or a cesarean birth, a doula is an invaluable member of your birth team. Please reach out to discuss how a birth doula can help you achieve your ideal birth!
What areas and locations do you serve?
I provide in-person birth doula services to the majority of the East Tennessee, mainly the Knoxville, TN area. I usually try to support families within a 90 mile radius of my home, however, I have supported families a bit further out. If you have a question of whether or not you are in my service area, just ask!