Doula FAQ
What is a doula?
When we tell people we’re doulas, we sometimes get a strange look followed by, “a Do-what??”
Birth doulas build relationships with expecting families to help them have a positive birth experience. We help facilitate conversations with their health care provider, provide non-judgemental support for their birth choices, and support the family through labor and birth. We work with our minds, hearts and hands, and are a bridge to many other forms of care in our local area.
What Training Do Doulas Have?
That depends.
Doulas are not regulated by the state of Texas, so really, anyone can say they are a doula.
This is one of the reasons that it is important that you have asked this question - because certification does matter.
Most people chose to go to a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) rather than a public accountant - we believe choosing a Certified Doula is a similar wise choice and it is a professional standard for our group.
Great Expectations does only have certified doulas on our team. You can be sure that each doula has completed all requirements for certification and maintains that qualification through continuing education and regular re-certification, Many of our doulas also have additional training in areas of their specialty. Leslie has extra nutritional training and credentials in working with diabetic women. Several of the doulas have additional lactation training, infant sleep training, skills in photography and many other areas that help when serving expecting families.
When should I hire a doula?
The sooner you hire your doula. the sooner she can get to know you and your goals and concerns for delivery. Your doula is a fantastic resource during pregnancy so the sooner you have her on board, the sooner she can put her knowledge to use for you. Plus who doesn’t like someone to ask all those pregnancy questions to?
All that to say, we are hired as early as the positive pregnancy test to as late as someone calling in early labor. There is no wrong time.
Won't my nurse do the same things as a doula?
Labor and Delivery nurses are a wonderful resource, however the doula and the nurses role are very different. A doula will meet with you prior to your birth to get to know you, your hopes and fears concerning your birth and to build a relationship so you can do labor as a team.
Nurses are also on this team but they have other tasks that limit the amount of time they have to spend taking care of mom's physical and emotional needs. Furthermore, the nurse will come come and go as her shift ends, breaks happen or as her other patients need her. Your doula’s continuous care allows her to respond quickly, make recommendations and provide immediate emotional and physical support as labor unfolds.
Do doulas attend all types of births?
Doulas are trained to support women and their partners through a variety of birthing situations and outcomes. Whether you birth at home, a birth center, or a hospital - with or without drugs - doulas are there to support you. We are even trained to support the unique needs of those planning Cesarean births as well. And yes, we help families having twins…and more have happy birth days and postpartums.
Does the doula take the place of the father or partner?
Not at all. Many fathers and partners often feel reassured and comforted by the presence of an educated supporter. Doulas enhance the birth experience for everyone involved, partners included.
We love dads! (and they love us)
What are the benefits of hiring a doula?
Having a doula at your birth...
tends to result in shorter labors with fewer complications
may reduce the odds of having a c-section
reduces the use of Pitocin, forceps, vacuums and pain medication
improves the overall birth experience
Research shows parents who receive doula support are more successful in adapting to new family dynamics and have greater success with breastfeeding. While hiring a doula doesn’t guarantee a perfect birth, the benefits are clear!