Allison Schultz

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is a Doula?

A birth doula is a trained professional in the area of childbirth who serves you, your partner and family with continuous emotional and physical support throughout your pregnancy, labor, and postpartum period.  The word doula means “mothering the mother” or “to serve."  

 

Do I need a doula when my husband will be my coach?

Husbands and partners are some of doulas' biggest fans! As your doula I provide you AND your partner with education and support.  I am not there to replace your birth partner, but to support you both through this pregnancy and labor. When your partner gets worried or doesn’t know what to do next, I am there to assist you both. Having a doula present helps take some of the pressure off of your partner, as the childbirth experience can often be stressful for them, too! A birth doula compliments and reinforces the partner's role, often triggering enthusiasm and confidence that their contribution to the labor and birth was meaningful and helpful as well.

 

What can you offer me?

• Education.  Resources.  Knowledge.

• Early labor support (which typically means you labor in the peace of your own home longer).

• Support by phone.

• Reassurance that what is happening is normal.

• Ideas to help progress labor.

• Support during and after labor.

• Various comfort measures.

• Relaxation support.

• Advocacy acting as a liaison for better communication with the medical staff.

• Support for your partner.

• Immediate one on one postpartum support and breastfeeding support.

• Help initiate and encourage immediate bonding with your baby.

 

Why should I hire a Doula?  Won't there be nurses? 

The birth doula, unlike a doctor, a nurse, or a midwife, has no other obligation during labor other than the woman in labor. As your doula, I offer you and your partner CONTINUOUS labor support.  While the OB staff or midwives and nurses have other responsibilities to attend to,  I am solely focused on supporting YOU, not charting your progress or other institutional protocol.

 

When should I hire a doula? 

I have been hired anywhere from 6 weeks into pregnancy all the way up to the day before a mom went into labor! That being said, doulas have limited availability, so it's better to secure your spot sooner than later. Also, the earlier you sign on with your doula, the more time you will have to build a relationship with her, helping you feel more comfortable when the big day comes!

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For Further Reading, Check out:

The Essential Ingredient, a short video documentary on doulas produced by DONA International. 

Blooma Blog "13 Reasons Why You Want a Doula" http://bloomablog.com/reasons-why-you-want-a-doula/

 

Women who have support of a birth doula are:

 

• 28% less likely to have a cesarean section 

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• 31% less likely to use synthetic oxytocin (Pitocin) to speed labor

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• 9% less likely to use pain medication​

 

• 34% less likely to rate their childbirth experience negatively