FAQS
Answers to your Questions
WHAT ARE YOUR INTERACTIONS WITH MEDICAL STAFF LIKE?
Should you opt for a hospital birth or plan for pre-natal visits with me, my role is to compliment, not overrule or interfere with your medical care or family support. I help explain medical terminology used by the health care staff. I do not speak for you or make decisions for you or your family. I educate and give power to your voice. My role is not to dispute any medical staff, rather to give you knowledge and informational support to make your own decisions regarding your care.
WHAT IS A DOULA?
While a Doula is there to provide unmedicated comfort measures, I also provide emotional, physical, informational, and partner support. I provide support in early labor and during administration of the epidural if elected. I stay with you so you are never alone. If an unplanned c-section occurs, I am there to offer emotional support during and after. I am there to make you feel safe and confident. The goal of a L&D nurse is to ensure the safe outcome of childbirth. Since nurses work shifts, have paperwork to attend to, and have other patients, they can't remain in close contact. I am there during the whole process. I loved my nurses and had favorites when I delivered my son. I was sad when their shifts ended or they had to leave for long periods of time.  My friend served, in a way, as my doula and her constant presence made me feel safer.
HOW WILL HIRING YOU AFFECT MY PARTNER’S ROLE DURING THE BIRTH?
My role is not to overstep your partners support/role. I am there to educate your partner and provide relief to run unplanned errands, get sleep, or leave the room for a meal or break. I can assist your partner in assisting you by being a "role-model" showing him specific ways to help you. "Bertsh, Nagashima-Whalen, Dykeman, Kennell, and McGrath showed that doulas stayed within a foot of the woman 85% of the time, while fathers were that close 28% of the time." This article explains the doula/partner role perfectly. https://www.pittsburghbirthservices.com/blog/how-birth-doulas-support-partners-during-labor