Frequently Asked Questions
Curious about what to expect? You’re not alone — here are answers to the questions I’m asked most often.
Q: Why hire a doula?
A: Having a doula means having continuous emotional, physical, and informational support throughout pregnancy and birth. I’m there to help you feel calm, confident, and cared for — no matter what kind of birth you choose. Research shows that families supported by doulas experience lower rates of interventions, shorter labors, and a greater sense of satisfaction with their birth experience. My goal is to help you feel informed, empowered, and supported every step of the way.
Q: Talk me through the first 10 minutes of you arriving to my birth space. What do you do?
A: When I arrive, I take a quiet moment to assess the energy in the room and tune in to how you’re feeling — physically, emotionally, and mentally. I’ll greet you, your partner, and your care team, and then gently join the flow of your labor. Depending on where you are in the process, I might offer hands-on comfort measures, suggest position changes, help create a calming environment, or simply hold space so you can stay focused and grounded. My presence is steady, intuitive, and responsive to what you need in that moment.
Q: Do you help with making my birth plan?
A: Absolutely. During our prenatal meetings, we’ll talk through your hopes, preferences, and priorities for birth — and I’ll help you translate those into a clear, flexible birth plan. I’ll also help you think through different possibilities so you feel prepared for whatever direction your birth may take. My goal is for you to feel informed, confident, and supported in your choices.
Q: Do you provide education on interventions, informed consent, and possible unplanned scenarios?
A: Yes. Part of my role is to help you understand your options so you can make informed decisions. We’ll discuss common interventions, their purposes, and alternatives, as well as how to navigate unplanned or unexpected situations. I don’t make decisions for you — instead, I help you gather information and tune in to what feels right for you.
Q: Do you give me advice or recommendations?
A: I don’t tell you what to do — instead, I provide evidence-based information, emotional support, and perspective so that you can make decisions that feel aligned with your values and your body.
Q: Do you support my partner, too?
A: Definitely. I offer guidance so they feel confident and connected — whether that means showing them comfort techniques, helping them understand what’s happening, or giving them space to rest and recharge. My goal is for both of you to feel supported and connected throughout the process.
Q: When should I hire a doula?
A: It’s never too early — or too late — to hire a doula. Some families reach out early in pregnancy to build a strong connection and take full advantage of prenatal support. Others decide closer to their due date once they realize they’d like more guidance and continuous support. Ideally, we’ll begin working together around the end of your first or early second trimester, but I’m always happy to join your journey whenever the timing feels right for you.
Q: Do you attend hospital, home, or birth center births?
A: Yes — I support families in all birth settings. Whether you’re planning a hospital birth, a birth center experience, or a home birth, my role is to help you feel safe, informed, and supported wherever you choose to welcome your baby. I’m experienced in working alongside medical teams as well as midwives, and I adapt my approach to the environment and your preferences.
Q: What's the difference between a doula and a midwife?
A: That’s a great question — and a common one! A midwife provides medical care for you and your baby, monitoring your health, vital signs, and the progress of labor. A doula, on the other hand, offers emotional, physical, and informational support. I don’t perform medical tasks, but I do help you feel more comfortable, confident, and informed throughout your birth experience. Together, doulas and midwives make a wonderful, complementary team.
Q: How many clients do you take on per month?
A: I intentionally take a limited number of clients each month — usually no more than two — to ensure that every family receives the time, attention, and care they deserve. This allows me to be fully present and available to you during your pregnancy and birth window.
Q: What if you're busy when I go into labor?
A: In the rare event that I’m attending another birth or unavailable, I have trusted backup doulas on call. I only work with experienced, compassionate doulas whose approach aligns closely with mine, so you can feel confident you’ll be cared for with the same warmth and professionalism.