FAQ
Q: What is a private professional birth doula?
A: A private professional birth doula is directly hired by birthing families for support during pregnancy and birth. For example: I am privately hired and work solely for my clients. I do not work for hospitals or providers and I am not contracted with hospitals or providers. This is vitally important as this allows your birth support (Doulas) to remain fully nonbiased and fully transparent for you. My goal as a private professional birth doula is to provide the highest quality prenatal support. Information learned prenatally will assist you in self-advocacy, collaborative care conversations, evidence-based practices, and a deep understanding of autonomy and human rights in childbirth. These tools when used prenatally and in birthing spaces, allow for clear communication with all members of your chosen birth team. Which in return often curates positive and satisfying birth experiences and memories.
Q: What is the difference from a midwife?
A: Midwives provide medical services. Doulas do not diagnose, treat, or provide medical services. Doulas assist clients in navigating the myriad choices they encounter by offering advocacy skills, educational information, physical support, emotional support, and hands-on comfort measures.
Q: Do you support home births?
A: No, ALL birthing variations and choices are deserving of support.
Q: Do you have backup support:
A: Yes, I am a member of BLOOM Alabama Doula Collective. Professional birth doulas are available for fill-in support if needed.
Q: What about my partner?
A: Professional doulas hold space for partners or chosen support person to be fully present for you, in a comfortable capacity. Prenatal preparation greatly reduces stress and allows confidence and connection throughout the birthing experience. Every family unit has its unique dynamic and expectations about how doula support will fit best, and this is one of the important topics discussed during the consultation and prenatally.
Q: How does the doula interact with the medical staff?
A: Professionally, politely, with the deep understanding that every person present is an important member of your birth team. I professionally hold space for your wishes and work diligently to ensure you receive respectful, autonomous, whole-person care.
Q: What sort of postpartum services do you provide?
A: I am a birth doula, I specialize in prenatal and birth support. I offer my clients immediate postpartum support (up to 2 hours directly after birth) and one virtual postpartum check-in. I am NOT a postpartum doula. I do not offer additional postpartum support. I highly encourage clients to book services with postpartum doulas and lactation consultants.
For Central Alabama families I highly recommend: