FAQs
Still have questions? Check out frequently asked questions about Doulas on this page.
Questions about Doula Services?
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A doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to a person before, during, and shortly after childbirth. Your doula is your guide through the entire perinatal period.
A birth doula’s primary role is to help you birth in total confidence. Before your labor, your doula can help you create a birth preference list and answer any questions you may have about pregnancy, labor, and breast/body feeding. During your labor, your doula is by your side helping you advocate for yourself and helping you make informed decisions while also giving you continuous non-medical support. Your doula helps with relaxation techniques, laboring positions, comforting massage, reminding you to eat and drink, and helping your partner support you through your birth. Your doula can also take some photos if you wish and help you with initial breast/body feeding.
Research has shown that labor support from doulas is both risk-free and highly effective- Evidence Based Birth.
Having a doula at your birth decreases
- Cesarean rate by 50%
- Length of labor by 25%
- The use of oxytocin by 40%
- And requested for an epidural by 60%
A doula at your birth also increases
- Your chance for spontaneous birth
- Your outlook and satisfaction of your birth
- Initial success of breast/body feeding
- Bonding with baby
- Chance of a healthier baby
Having a doula allows the partner to support the birthing person emotionally during labor and birth and to also enjoy the experience without the added pressure of trying to remember everything they learned in childbirth class!
Having a doula at your birth can be beneficial no matter what your birth preferences are. Birthing people are reported needing fewer interventions when they have a doula at their birth. The main role of the doula is to help birthing people have a safe and pleasant birth experience–not to make choices regarding your birth preferences.
Yes! I support all hospital, birth center and home births that are attended by home birth midwives. As a CAPPA trained doula I am not able to attend births with no medical professional in attendance also known as free births.
Your partner has the most important role during your baby’s birth. Just their presence helps keep you calm and safe which is amazing for birth! As your doula, I strengthen your partner’s role and confidence by providing evidence based information and tools before and during labor. My presence will also allow your partner to take breaks, to rest and refuel while knowing I am there to assist. Having an extra pair of hands makes a difference providing comfort and keeping pain levels low. Lastly I will provide affirmation, clarity, and reassurance for you both.
Postpartum doulas are trained to understand what new babies —and new parents—truly need. Having a doula as your support in the postpartum period eases some stress and empowers you in many ways. Evidence shows that new mothers who are nurtured both physically and emotionally have higher success in breastfeeding, a more swift recovery, and a reduced risk of developing postpartum depression.
University of Vermont Medical Center (UVMMC) – Burlington, VT
Porter Medical Center – Middlebury, VT
Copley Hospital – Morrisville, VT