These are some questions I am frequently asked

Q:  Does a doula take over for my husband/partner?
A:  Definitely not.  A doula works with your husband to give you all the help and support you need.  Coaches a lot of times are nervous or uneasy about what is happening, they don't always know what to do and may freeze up.  A doula helps keep a calm, reassuring atmosphere.  She will help guide the coach or give suggestions when needed.  There are times when the partner can't be right with the mother, but a doula never leaves the mother. 

Q:  Aren't doulas for home births?
A:  No, doulas attend hospital births as well as at birth centers and homes.  Most doulas are independent meaning that they are able to attend at any location their client chooses.

Q:  If I have a doula does that mean I can't have pain medication if I want it?
A:  NO.  You may choose at any point to have pain medication or an epidural.  A good doula will leave that choice up to you.  If it is written in the birth preference that you want a natural birth a doula may gently remind you of that, but ultimately the choice is yours, not even a husband or labor partner should decide that for you.

Q:  I already have a midwife/Obstetrician do need a doula?
A:  Yes.  Most of the time your midwife/OB will come in right before the baby is born.  There is a lot that happens up to that point.  A doula will be there with you through all of it.  Also, usually a midwife/OB is not there for comfort or emotional support.  The doula is only there for those reasons.

Q:  I know I'm having an epidural do I really need a doula?
A: Yes.  You may be surprised to find that you do not need an epidural with a doula present.  But if you choose one, you will still experience labor until the epidural can be administered.  Epidurals don't always work or they may only work  in certain areas, if this happens a doula can help you through that difficulty.  A doula can help explain to you what is happening. Then there is always the pushing phase.  Doula's are great at helping a women understand how to push and when  Having an epidural often puts women at a disadvantage because they can't feel "where" to  push.

Q:  Will insurance pay for a doula?
A:  Some insurance companies will pay for doula services.  Most of them will reimburse you after payment is made by you.  Check with your company to see what they will cover.

Q:  Why do I need a doula, won't my nurse be there?
A:  You will have a nurse assigned to you, but she will probably have many other patients to tend to.  Even if you are the only one, she will have charting and other tasks she is required to do.  She will not be in the room the entire time.   You may see your nurse once an hour for 10 minutes or so.  A doula is with you, she doesn't have other clients, you are the only one she is tending to.

Q: Do I need a doula if my Mom/sister/friend will be with me, she has had several children? 
A:  Yes.  A mom is there for different reasons than a doula.   Doulas have training specifically for labor support.  Even if a mom has had several children she may not have ever been in the role of coach.  It is often a relief to have a doula present because they can both help.  It is hard for mom's not to project what they would do or what they would do for you, it is not easy for them to see you hurting.  Having someone there that knows your birth preference and knows  what it will take to make that happen can keep things on track, this is what a doula does.  This goes for sisters and friends as well.  They serve a much needed purpose, but they do not replace the advantages a doula can offer.