1. Is a doula a medical professional?

A Doula is not a medical professional, although doulas usually have a lot of experience with birth.  A doula does not give medical advice, but will help you ask the right questions.  A doula does not perform medical procedures.  A doula does not make any decisions on your behalf, but will help you understand your options.  A doula does not communicate your preferences to your birth team, but will help you communicate them.  

​

2. What are the benefits of a doula?

Labor doulas are statistically proven to improve outcomes:

• 31% decrease in the induction*

• 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*

* Reference: http://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/

​

3. Does a doula replace my partner?

Absolutely not.  Doulas know birth.  Your partner knows you.  Together, we make the best possible team to support you and help you navigate the journey of your birth.  Doulas help partners as well.  Often times, when a mother needs support in labor, the partner wants to help but doesn't know how.  This is where the Doula can help the partner know what to do when, so the partner also has confidence in his/her role during the birth.  And as questions arise during labor, the doula can reassure the partner when things are normal, or when something needs attention.  Doulas can also help partners navigate the confusing options that come up during birth.  And doulas can give partners a break if they want one.  

​

4. Does a doula make decisions on my behalf?

A doula does not make decisions for clients or intervene in their clinical care. She provides informational and emotional support, while respecting a woman’s decisions.

​

5. How is a doula different from a midwife?

A midwife is a health care provider, while a doula is more of a childbirth coach. A doula provides support to the mother before, during, and shortly after childbirth, but does not help to deliver the baby. A midwife may offer medical examinations and procedures while a doula may not. A very important different between a doula and a midwife is that a doula offers you 'continuous labour & birth support', always being by your side until your baby is born. A midwife will be with you until it is time for her shift to be replaced (every 12 hours).

 

 

6. What if I need an epidural?

That's great.  We support you.  Knowing what you want for your birth is the first step to being empowering in your choices.  Our goal as doula is help you feel educated, prepared and confident before labor begins.  During labor, your doula's goal is help you find your rhythm and use comfort measures to help ease the intensity of labour, however should you choose to use pain medication, we will still support you and continue to provide emotional and informational support.  With an epidural, you may still feel some sensations and you will still need physical support for comfort and to help with optimal positioning.  

 

​

7. How early in my pregnancy should I book my doula?

It is never too early to hire a doula, yet the ideal time to hire one is 4-5 months before your estimated due date. Experienced doulas book early and quickly; so it always advisable to ask the doulas you speak early on regarding their availability for your due date.

​

​

8. If I have a cesarean section, can I still benefit from a doula?

Yes. Even in a surgical setting, a doula is there to explain what is happening and guide you though the procedure. She is also there during recovery to help with the first breastfeeding and bonding. With the permission of your doctor, your doula may accompany you into the operating room, unless it is an extreme emergency and your doula is not allowed in.

​

​

9. Are doulas welcome in hospitals and medical settings?

Yes, in most hospitals. It is the doula’s goal to establish good working relationships with the doctors, midwives and medical staff of her expectant families. Communication, respect, professionalism, and trust create a supportive birthing team. Always best to check with your hospital and doctor if they are supportive of doulas, if not, we will make it our goal to make the change!

​

10. How can I ensure my doula will be available the day I go into labour?

A doula limits the number of clients she takes each month, so she can be at your side during labor. In an emergency, a back-up doula will support you in the same professional and caring manner. Your doula will assign one of her back-up doulas, with equal skills and experience, who you will have an opportunity to speak with or meet; she will learn your history and birth preferences, and will support you in your primary doula’s absence.

​

11. What if my baby comes too early or too late?

Once you retain your doula, she is committed to serving you whether your baby is born before or after the estimated due date, provided she is available.

​

12. Will my health insurance pay for my doula service? 

Some insurance companies will reimburse for doula services as ‘out of network’ care services. Make sure to check with your insurance provider and if needed, we are happy to provide you with any necessary paperwork required. The same applies to childbirth education and workshops. We are working hard to get our services covered by insurance providers in the UAE!