Frequently Asked Questions

We suggest that you meet with several labor support doulas face to face before deciding on who will be with you during your birth.  Please give us a call and we will speak with you about your anticipated needs, talk a bit more about our services, and set you up to meet with some doulas. 

Yes.  Just let us know that you are ready to book asap.

Most seasoned doulas book a few months in advance of the expected date of delivery. Most people will book a labor support doula somewhere during their second trimester.   However, we can often shift schedules when babies come later or earlier than expected.  Please call to check on our availability.

Yes.  Every labor support doula uses a back up that you will be acquainted with.  You have as much say as to who your back up is as your primary doula.

No one can predict in advance how long a labor will be.  Just as it would not be fair to penalize a mother for a long labor, we cannot reimburse for having a fast one. 

Additionally, our commitment to our clients is two weeks around their expected date of delivery.  This means that during that time we are considered “on call” 24 hrs.  Being your doula involves a time commitment beyond the visits, emails and phone conversations --as well as attending your birth.

As your doula YOUR philosophy becomes the doulas philosophy.  We have plenty of information and resources that we can link you to so that you will make informed decisions.  Other than giving you information, or helping you figure out where to find information on your own about all sides of the birthing scale, your decisions become the ones we will support you in.  Only you know what kind of birth is right for you.  Our job is to help you get there and to gently support you through it all.

This means that Power of Birth believes in choices.  We support women through natural childbirth, epidurals, c-sections, breastfeeding and bottle-feeding.  Again, this is your birth.

Some insurance companies will reimburse you for doula services (both labor and postpartum), most do not.  If yours does, we will be happy to provide you with documentation.  You can most likely get reimbursement with a Flex Plan.  We are also able to provide documentation for this claim.  We do not file claims for you.

You have the choice of meeting in person or speaking with postpartum doulas for  interviews.  Please let us know which is preferred so that we may accommodate you accordingly. 

A baby nurse is a professionally trained or lay person whom comes into the home and cares for the newborn only.  They are usually not licensed nurses but are trained in infant care.  Baby nurses are different from doulas in that their role is specifically geared toward the infant. 

Doulas are newborn specialists who provide excellent infant care, but the main focus is providing education and support to new parents.  This includes answering newborn care questions, talking to you about several different ways of parenting to find what best suites your family, teaching soothing and comfort skills, offering breastfeeding support, emotional support, and referrals to other necessary resources. Doulas also help with the transition by providing the new Mother with the added help that she needs to heal and rest.

Every families needs are different and the postpartum doulas role is very flexible.  We like to check in soon after birth to offer any needed support at the place of birth.  We will then be available to you in your home for the amount of time booked to help you with this awesome transition.

Once you are ready to book a postpartum doula we will speak with you to help you figure out your anticipated needs.  We work with families for as little as 16 hours and as much as 3 months time.  We also work days and overnights depending on your needs. 

All classes cover basic anatomy and physiology of pregnancy, labor and birth, teach comfort measures, and discusses in depth the emotional and honest life changes that happen once the transition into parenthood begins.   Women and partners will discuss what normal birth looks like, pain coping techniques and comfort measures. Women and partners will leave the class with a true understanding of birth and a greater trust of the birthing process.

Our Breastfeeding class covers topics including:  benefits of breastfeeding, correct latch instruction and explanation, what to expect before and after your milk comes in, how to know when to feed your baby and more.

Our Baby Care class offers basic newborn care information on what to expect and how to care for your newborn during the first few weeks of life. Topics covered include:  Soothing Skills, Diapering, Temperature Taking, Bathing, Swaddling, and more.