FAQs
What is a Birth Doula?
A birth doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to mothers before, during, and shortly after childbirth. In the Provo and Utah County areas, my doula services focus on enhancing the birthing experience, offering personalized care and support tailored to each mother's unique needs.
What is the difference between a Doula and a Midwife?
This is one of the questions I get asked most frequently about my role as a doula.
A midwife’s main role in birth is medical. She helps ensure that mom and baby are well prenatally. Typically, she arrives in your birthing place once labor is in the home stretch and attends the birth to observe mom and baby for any signs of complications. After baby is born, she checks to make sure baby and mom are both healthy and thriving.
My role as a doula is primarily focused on the birthing woman’s experience. I meet with parents prenatally to help them plan and prepare to give birth the way they want to. I help them overcome concerns or anxieties surrounding birth, and help them learn their options when it comes to birthing choices. I attend the birth to support the parents in having an experience that is positive and empowering by offering physical, emotional, and informational support. Typically, I show up to your birthing place well before the midwives, and may even help you decide when it is time to call them. After you give birth, I help ensure that you are comfortable and supported, and visit with you postnatally to process your birth experience.
In summary: midwife tends to your health, doula tends to your experience.
What Services Do You Offer as a Doula?
My services include prenatal visits, childbirth education, on-call support during your birth window, pain management techniques during labor, and postpartum visits. I also offer breastfeeding support and postpartum doula support.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes! I believe in providing my services to every mother in every circumstance. Therefore, I am open to working out a payment plan that fits your needs and financial situation. Please reach out if you would like to set up a plan.
Do you take insurance?
While I do not work directly with insurance companies, I am happy to provide you with a superbill to seek reimbursement for services your insurance company may cover. I do regularly work with clients who have Carrot insurance and am able to fill out the forms they require to cover services.
Why Should I Consider Hiring a Doula?
Hiring a doula can significantly enhance your childbirth experience. Studies show that having a doula present at birth can lead to shorter labors, reduced need for interventions, and a more positive birth experience. As a Provo-based doula, I provide the support and knowledge to help you achieve a fulfilling birth journey.
Can You Support Home Births and Hospital Births?
Absolutely! I support all types of birth settings, including home births, birth center deliveries, and hospital births in Utah County and surrounding areas. My role is to adapt to your chosen birth environment and provide continuous, personalized support.
Does a Doula Replace the Baby’s Father as a Support?
Absolutely not. In fact, a major part of my role as a doula is ensuring that your primary support person, be that the baby’s father or another person, also has a positive experience supporting you. I help guide them to know how they can help you, provide them relief so that they don’t get exhausted during a long labor, and help them prepare to be your strongest advocate while you are laboring.
How Does a Doula Work with My Healthcare Provider?
As a doula, I work alongside your healthcare provider to complement their medical care. I do not provide medical advice or interventions but focus on offering emotional support, comfort measures, and information to help you make informed decisions during your birthing process.
What is Your Approach to Pain Management in Labor?
My approach to pain management is personalized to each client. I utilize a variety of techniques, such as breathing exercises, visualization, massage, and positioning, to help manage discomfort during labor, ensuring a more comfortable birthing experience in and around Provo, Utah.
How Can You Support My Partner During the Birth?
I support birth partners by guiding them on how to best support you during labor, offering breaks if needed, and helping to create a calm and positive birth environment. My goal is to enhance the experience for both of you.
How Do I Schedule a Consultation with You?
Scheduling a consultation is easy! Simply fill out this form. We'll arrange a free initial consultation to discuss your needs and how I can support your birth journey in the Provo and Utah County area.