Q: What exactly is a doula?

A: Simply put, doulas provide emotional support, physical support, and advocacy education/awareness for a birthing person. The primary purpose of a doula is to provide support before, during, and after labor and delivery. Additionally, it’s essential to know what type of doula you’re seeking support from. Doula support varies based on their level of training or focus area. The different types of doulas are birth doula, postpartum doula, and full spectrum doula, to name a few.

Q: What is the difference between a doula and a midwife?

A: Midwives and doulas provide entirely different services. A midwife would take the place of your medical provider (aka OBGYN) while providing a medical service in a much more living and holistic way. A doula is there for emotional, physical, and advocacy support.

Your midwife provides prenatal care and helps you prepare your space for the birth and postpartum care for you and newborn care visits for the first six weeks. A Certified Professional Midwife will also be trained and prepared for additional medical support/emergencies (i.e., infant resuscitation). The training involved is extensive and includes a medical scope of knowledge. I’ve often told clients the primary differentiator between an OBGYN and their midwife is that midwives don’t perform surgery. I had to ask a midwife if that was an “ok” description, and they agreed. 🙂

Your doula is trained to provide emotional/physical support and comfort measures during labor, and ultimately helps you craft your ideal birth story, but also helps you prepare for what to expect overall. Doulas help you think through your birth desires and marry that with reality. They help you ask important, thought-provoking questions for your visits with your medical provider.

Q: When should I hire a doula?

A: This is likely the number one question we see as doulas. The short answer is when you feel you need one! It’s never too early or too late to hire a doula. A common misconception is that doulas are only here or only required during birth. When in fact, it’s all about the support and preparation before and after that matter most. Even if you didn’t get the opportunity to have doula support before and during labor, remember postpartum doula support is a particular niche area for some doulas. All you have to do is reach out and ask!

Q: Where do I even look for a doula?

A: For some reason, this question always tickles me when I hear it. I don’t know why it’s so funny. It makes me feel like we’re mythical creatures here to support you with our magic (lol). Honestly, you can search for a doula online to start. To get more specific about a doula in your area, look on Facebook or Instagram. Many doulas are great at using localized hashtags in their social media posts! 🙂 #LasVegasDoula

Q: What kind of training does a doula have?

A: Currently, there’s no formal training for doulas. This means there’s no specific requirement or training program that doulas must complete to provide doula care. With that, a few options are available for doulas to choose from. Typically, most (not all) consists of; an in-person 2–3-day course, various online webinars, required readings, journals/assignments, proof of attendance at birth, evidence of postpartum support, and more. Ultimately, it’s up to the doula if and what training certification they obtain. Some even navigate and settle on more than one! Eventually, with most experienced doulas, you’ll learn they’ve gone through several workshops/classes, read over 30+ books, and studied multiple videos and documentaries.

Q: How does a doula work with my partner/family?

A: One thing a doula doesn’t do is relegate your partner to third-wheel status, and they will never push your co-parent and family members aside. One of the primary goals of doula support is to prepare the entire family for the journey ahead. Your doula enhances your coach’s support and helps everyone feel prepared and relaxed. Together we craft the birth plan and do our part to support the birthing person and baby.

Q: How often should I be in contact with my doula?

A: Honestly, all doulas are different. The best thing for you to do is ask at the beginning. Some doulas are very persistent in communication throughout their entire time working with clients. Others increase communication in the third trimester only. Most doulas will have all those details spelled out in their contracts and ‘what to expect’ documentation.

Q: How much does a doula cost?

A: The cost of doula support varies depending upon location, experience, and what’s included in their service package. On average, if you’re requesting doula support before, during, and after labor, doula costs can vary between $1,500 and $3,500. Again, it’s entirely dependent upon the details of the services provided. The good news is there are many ways to obtain/afford a doula for you and your family. Many doulas offer payment plans and sliding scales.