Questions to Ask your Doula
Questions to ask your doula?
✓ What kind of training do you have?
35 hours of basic doula training with additional breastfeeding, labor, birth and delivery coursework. I am trained in Spinning Babies, Hypnobabies, Body Ready Method, Gilligan's Guide, and more. Prerequisites for the Masters of Nursing and Midwifery Program from the University of Minnesota. Additional DONA Breastfeeding classes. Experience in over 200 births.
✓ What are your doula fees?
The average cost of a doula varies by region, but they often range from $800 to $2,500, with the average cost around $1,200. My fee for a basic birth package is $1150. This includes one prenatal visit, unlimited text support, continuous labor support, delivery, and post-delivery follow-up. Some insurance companies/FSA/HSA will cover some or all of the cost of a doula, depending on your plan. The popular package is currently $1500.
✓ Do you have a backup doula?
Absolutely. Emergencies and unexpected client births are the only reason I would not attend your birth. Vacations will not be planned around your special day.
✓ Do you do any visits before birth?
YES! As many as you’d like, depending on cost and time. At least two visits before birth are preferable.
✓ Do you do any postpartum care/follow up?
I would love to help you settle into your new role, help with daily chores or errands, and support you through the changes. I’d be happy to do dishes, laundry, light cleaning, light shopping, massaging, bathing, or watching the baby so that you can do it yourself if you prefer.
✓ Can I email, text or call you with questions?
YES. We can talk any time when I am your doula.
✓ Do you have experience with birth complications?
Yes. I know enough to soothe the mother and her birthing partner through pain and nerves and I know when a doctor knows best. I have attended high risk births and births that have lasted more than 4 days.
✓ Have you attended a birth that ended in Caesarian?
Yes. Some planned, some unplanned, some emergency. But if you and your provider decide it is what’s best for both you and the baby, we will work with what we are given, while staying as close to your birthing plan as possible.
✓ Why did you become a doula?
I became a doula because I wanted to give support to women when they needed it most. I wanted to be able to help women through one of the hardest and most beautiful experiences life has to offer and remind them that this is what their body was made to do. I want them to be proud of their choices and know that they have options. I want to provide them with all of the things I did not have in my own birth experience.
✓ Are you certified?
YES! Woot Woot! DONA International trained and certified
✓ Do you have a time limit for long births?
Long births may require some short breaks for bathroom, food, or rest. Remember that those supporting the mother need to take care of themselves to better take care of her! For births lasting 12-24 hours or longer, we will assess the situation and call the backup doula so they are prepared to come in, should they be needed.
✓ When do I first call you? Is it OK if it’s in the middle of the night?
Call anytime something new or different is happening so we can assess the situation. If you lose your mucus plug, or if your water breaks, or your contractions start, just shoot me a text (call if urgent) so we can talk about next steps. The sooner you call, the sooner I can rearrange my schedule to be with you.
✓ When do you come to the birth?
The goal is for me to come when you are in active labor (5-6 cm) however I come when you need me. Many first time parents are ready for support during early labor (3-5 cm) so we will be sure to be in contact during those early hours as well. I will always come when invited.
✓ How long will you stay after birth?
I will stay until up to 2 hours after birth.
✓ Will you come to my home or meet at the birth place?
I will plan to meet you at the birthplace - but I will come when and where you need support.
✓ How do you work with the birthing person’s partner?
I can give massages, get food, take over so that they can nap, and help remind them how they can help you. I will show them how to be engaged and supportive of the one giving birth and give them suggestions for coping techniques.
✓ How do you work with midwife or doctor?
I am extra hands, eyes, and ears for the midwife, a translator and advocate for the parents, and general support for all. While the medical staff has other patients to tend to, I will be with you continuously and will be able to help facilitate conversations, without ever taking your voice.
✓ If you don’t make the birth, do I get a refund?
If I don’t make it to your birth (emergencies/births only), you will have a backup doula present and their payment will come from the original payment to the primary doula. If the backup is not available, you may receive a partial refund depending on prenatal visits, postpartum visits, and birth planning.
✓ Do you offer any additional services?
I can photograph or videotape. I also do belly casting, maternity shoots, labor photography, newborn photos, before and after sessions, etc. Additional services may be an additional cost.
✓ How do you approach birth?
I am a sucker for natural, holistic birthing techniques, but I know when medical intervention is the better choice. I can be gentle and encouraging, or I can be your enthusiastic cheerleader, I will follow your lead and emotional cues to take your birthing experience to a joyful, peaceful, and loving place.
✓ What kind of training do you have?
35 hours of basic doula training with additional breastfeeding, labor, birth and delivery coursework. I am trained in Spinning Babies, Hypnobabies, Body Ready Method, Gilligan's Guide, and more. Prerequisites for the Masters of Nursing and Midwifery Program from the University of Minnesota. Additional DONA Breastfeeding classes. Experience in over 200 births.
✓ What are your doula fees?
The average cost of a doula varies by region, but they often range from $800 to $2,500, with the average cost around $1,200. My fee for a basic birth package is $1150. This includes one prenatal visit, unlimited text support, continuous labor support, delivery, and post-delivery follow-up. Some insurance companies/FSA/HSA will cover some or all of the cost of a doula, depending on your plan. The popular package is currently $1500.
✓ Do you have a backup doula?
Absolutely. Emergencies and unexpected client births are the only reason I would not attend your birth. Vacations will not be planned around your special day.
✓ Do you do any visits before birth?
YES! As many as you’d like, depending on cost and time. At least two visits before birth are preferable.
✓ Do you do any postpartum care/follow up?
I would love to help you settle into your new role, help with daily chores or errands, and support you through the changes. I’d be happy to do dishes, laundry, light cleaning, light shopping, massaging, bathing, or watching the baby so that you can do it yourself if you prefer.
✓ Can I email, text or call you with questions?
YES. We can talk any time when I am your doula.
✓ Do you have experience with birth complications?
Yes. I know enough to soothe the mother and her birthing partner through pain and nerves and I know when a doctor knows best. I have attended high risk births and births that have lasted more than 4 days.
✓ Have you attended a birth that ended in Caesarian?
Yes. Some planned, some unplanned, some emergency. But if you and your provider decide it is what’s best for both you and the baby, we will work with what we are given, while staying as close to your birthing plan as possible.
✓ Why did you become a doula?
I became a doula because I wanted to give support to women when they needed it most. I wanted to be able to help women through one of the hardest and most beautiful experiences life has to offer and remind them that this is what their body was made to do. I want them to be proud of their choices and know that they have options. I want to provide them with all of the things I did not have in my own birth experience.
✓ Are you certified?
YES! Woot Woot! DONA International trained and certified
✓ Do you have a time limit for long births?
Long births may require some short breaks for bathroom, food, or rest. Remember that those supporting the mother need to take care of themselves to better take care of her! For births lasting 12-24 hours or longer, we will assess the situation and call the backup doula so they are prepared to come in, should they be needed.
✓ When do I first call you? Is it OK if it’s in the middle of the night?
Call anytime something new or different is happening so we can assess the situation. If you lose your mucus plug, or if your water breaks, or your contractions start, just shoot me a text (call if urgent) so we can talk about next steps. The sooner you call, the sooner I can rearrange my schedule to be with you.
✓ When do you come to the birth?
The goal is for me to come when you are in active labor (5-6 cm) however I come when you need me. Many first time parents are ready for support during early labor (3-5 cm) so we will be sure to be in contact during those early hours as well. I will always come when invited.
✓ How long will you stay after birth?
I will stay until up to 2 hours after birth.
✓ Will you come to my home or meet at the birth place?
I will plan to meet you at the birthplace - but I will come when and where you need support.
✓ How do you work with the birthing person’s partner?
I can give massages, get food, take over so that they can nap, and help remind them how they can help you. I will show them how to be engaged and supportive of the one giving birth and give them suggestions for coping techniques.
✓ How do you work with midwife or doctor?
I am extra hands, eyes, and ears for the midwife, a translator and advocate for the parents, and general support for all. While the medical staff has other patients to tend to, I will be with you continuously and will be able to help facilitate conversations, without ever taking your voice.
✓ If you don’t make the birth, do I get a refund?
If I don’t make it to your birth (emergencies/births only), you will have a backup doula present and their payment will come from the original payment to the primary doula. If the backup is not available, you may receive a partial refund depending on prenatal visits, postpartum visits, and birth planning.
✓ Do you offer any additional services?
I can photograph or videotape. I also do belly casting, maternity shoots, labor photography, newborn photos, before and after sessions, etc. Additional services may be an additional cost.
✓ How do you approach birth?
I am a sucker for natural, holistic birthing techniques, but I know when medical intervention is the better choice. I can be gentle and encouraging, or I can be your enthusiastic cheerleader, I will follow your lead and emotional cues to take your birthing experience to a joyful, peaceful, and loving place.
