Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ About Doula Support:
What is a doula?
The word doula means to serve. In birth work, doulas provide loving and informed care in the stages of pregnancy, throughout labor, and postpartum. Doulas do not operate in a clinical scope of practice. So, from us, you can expect emotional, physical, and informational support! Doulas provide this support with a loving, nurturing, non-judgmental, and open-minded approach to meet YOUR birth needs and wishes. This may look like resources on how to prepare for labor, creating a birth plan together, hip-squeezes mid-labor, a back rub during contractions, information about newborn procedures, and much more.
Does a doula take away from the partner playing a role in labor?
No, the doula’s job is to be a caring birth partner ALONGSIDE any fathers, friends, family, or other birth partner(s) present. It is the doula’s job to also support other birth partners in their unique journey within the birth space. This may look like reminding a dad of how he can comfort the birthing person in labor or informing others present to be the hand to hold. Doula’s aid in finding where other birth partners can be comfortable in their active support role, our job is not to replace a partner - EVER. After all, partners know the birthing person’s personality, needs, and preferences in an incredibly intimate way that a doula does not.
I’ve birthed before, do I need a doula this time?
Each birth of a child is not only special but also unique. A doula can give reassurance when birth doesn’t go as expected, feels different, is in a different environment, and more. Doulas can also help support existing members of a family in preparing to welcome a new addition, especially when someone is gaining the role of BIG “sister” or BIG “brother!
I am having a cesarean or hospital birth. Can I have a doula?
YES! A doula is there to walk alongside you, in YOUR birth journey, regardless of what that may look like. Doulas can be powerful advocates, as well as empower women to advocate for themselves. A doula can help prepare and come up with a postpartum plan specific to cesareans. In the hospital setting, a doula can comfort, support, empower, and engage with clients the same way they would at a home birth. A doula is to work alongside their client and their care team / medical staff to aim for a healthy birth and a healthy mom, not against them. While providing valuable, continuous, one-on-one care within the medical setting.
I am planning on having pain medication or an epidural. Should I still have a doula?
YES! Whichever way you choose to birth your baby, it is supported unconditionally. Whether you decide to go unmedicated or medicated, the choice is yours. Pain is okay, suffering is not. Your autonomy, choice, consent, and power matter in making decisions you feel are best for you, your body, and your baby. Together we can make a plan that meets your presence in a way that I can best support these choices that are yours, to make!
FAQ About Lactation Support:
What is a Lactation Education Counselor & IBCLC Candidate?
A Lactation Education Counselor is a highly trained infant feeding professional who has completed over 90-hours of lactation-specific education. They provided information, educational, and emotional support to families to promote, protect, and empower their infant feeding journeys. Including those who choose to breastfeed, bottle feed, formula feed, combination feed, and more.
An IBCLC Candidate is someone who has completed an IBCLC Pathway and is soon going to take the International Board of Lactation Consultants exam to officially be an IBCLC. They have received over 300+ hours of clinical experience and training, as well as completed a 9-month didactic program specific to clinical and complex lactation education. Although they are not yet an IBCLC, they are far on their way to achieving it.
I’ve breastfed before; do I still need lactation support?
Every infant's feeding journey is different. Family dynamics and goals shift with each child. Breastfeeding can look different with each kiddo. Having support in your corner prenatally through postpartum can help you ensure you achieve your infant feeding goals, no matter the birth order. Being prepared and feeling empowered in each of your infant feeding journeys is the best way to ensure feeding success for you and your little one(s).
I am not planning to breastfeed. Does lactation support still matter?
YES! Lactation professionals recognize there are numerous ways to have a healthy, fed, thriving infant. This may include pumping, formula feeding, and bottle feeding. Still having support and education when it comes to how to pump effectively, flange fitting, how to bottle feed, selecting a bottle, how to safely prepare and store milk, and more if crucial to infant feeding. Just because you aren’t breastfeeding doesn’t mean there isn’t a space for infant feeding support for your family.
What if I end up needing more support from other professionals?
Lactation Education Counselors and IBCLC Candidates put a large emphasis on multi-disciplinary care. That means connecting you to local medical providers and practitioners of other specialties for well-rounded care.
How soon should I receive lactation support?
You, your family, and your village cannot be educated on lactation soon enough! If you are trying to concieve learning the benefits of breastfeeding and methods to feed a baby can be important when planning your future. If you are expecting, learning what to expect, how to get breastfeeding off to a good start, and learning practical tools to use from the first latch on is crucial to developing a familiar network of support when baby comes. If your baby is already earthside, support in the first days and weeks of life, and ensure feeding is off to a good start to help reach your goals. If your baby is older, support can come during transitional periods like returning to work, starting solids, when challenges arise, when weaning, and more to ensure that these transitions are as smooth and informed as possible.