FAQ

How does a doula make a difference?

Because a doula offers continuous support during labor, women are more likely to have fewer negative feelings about childbirth and require fewer medical interventions during childbirth. The doula answers questions and responds to fears the birth partner may have. The doula also functions as an advocate for the mother’s care and preferences while in the hospital environment. Overall, women giving birth with a doula by their side have more vaginal births, experience less subjective pain, and have less anxiety than those women giving birth without a doula.

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How does the birth partner and doula work together?

The doula offers continuous support, staying at the mother’s side, even as the birth partner may need to leave to eat or use the restroom. This helps ease the anxiety and stress of the birth partner, which fosters a positive experience for the mother, too. The doula and birth partner can work together to provide hands-on care through massage, counter-pressure, and emotional support.

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What should expecting parents bring (and not bring) to the hospital?

Parents should bring what they need to make themselves comfortable for a potentially lengthy stay. This may include clothing, toiletries, medications, reading material, music & entertainment, camera, cell phone charger, snacks, drinks, and cash for vending machines and the cafeteria.

The parents should bring a going-home outfit, onesie, and socks for the newborn. And don’t forget the newborn’s car seat!

Parents should not bring sheets, pillows, or clothes that may disappear or be damaged. Parents do not need to bring diapers, wipes, or receiving blankets as they will be provided by the hospital.

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What do I need (and not need) on my baby registry?

Anything you or your baby needs for the first year. This may include: car seat, crib, sheets, bottles, stroller, baby carrier, swaddling blankets, pacifiers, play gym (for tummy-time), a swing/bouncer, high chair, diapers, toiletries kit, baby tub, diaper bag, boppy, burp cloths and bibs.

Things you don’t need: wipes warmer, bottle warmer, clothes (people will gift clothes, regardless), bassinet, baby shoes, changing table, crib bumper, diaper genie.

I offer concierge service to customize your baby registry and help you find items that fit your style/theme, budget, and needs. This saves you time and money on unnecessary or needlessly expensive items, as I’m already familiar and knowledgeable about many products on the market.

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Do I need a doula if I have a C-Section?

If the c-section is scheduled or a surprise, the doula will accompany the mother during and post-surgery to offer comfort, give updates on progress, or even take photos for the family. It helps the mother to have someone to talk with, as the doctors and nurses will be totally focused on the surgery. Post-birth, the doula will stay with the mother as the surgery is completed and the birth partner leaves the operating room with the newborn. Because of the mother’s post-surgery condition, the doula can be incredibly helpful with recovery, breastfeeding support, pain relief, and general household management.

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