FAQs

Yes. No matter how or where you plan to give birth, research shows that being prepared and equipped with evidence-based information in the form of an organized childbirth education class enhances the birth experience of the mother and her partner. Understanding every choice that may become available to you in the process, and the benefits and risks of those choices, ensures that you will be an active participant in your birth and in control of the decisions made surrounding your birth.

Definitely. There are many philosophies and approaches to childbirth education and you should find one that aligns most closely with your goals for childbirth and postpartum. Hospital-based classes have a tendency to focus on their hospital’s policies so that you might be an easier patient, but an out-of-hospital childbirth education class uses the most up-to-date evidence-based research, presented in a supportive and unbiased manor. With the MyBirth Childbirth Education curriculum, you can be sure you are receiving the most current information that is supported by the maternal health care system organizations and birth workers worldwide.

Believe it or not, not all classes are created equally. Many hospitals offer childbirth education classes for free, which generally prepare families more for how to be a good patient and become familiar with hospitals policies and what may be allowed or not authorized. An out of hospital birth education class is invaluable because it thoroughly covers the anatomy of a physiological childbirth, along with all of the things to expect and how to cope with them, and what to expect postpartum both in the recovery room, and once you return home, in addition to breastfeeding education.

A doula should never feel like a stranger. When you begin to interview prospective doulas, you will likely know fairly quickly if you are a good fit for one another. In fact, you will encounter more strangers in your labor and delivery room than you think. Nurses and other hospital staff work shift work, meaning you could go through two or three shifts of staff members in and out of your room. The midwife or OB you’ve had appointments with may not be on call when you are in labor, leaving you with an unfamiliar face. Having a doula present might be the friendliest and most familiar face you know, next to your partner. 

As a doula, my intent is never to replace anyone. You should invite any and all persons you desire to have present at your birth. My job as a doula is to provide support to both the birthing person and the partner. I will also encourage the partner to participate in the birth process, to the extent that he or she is comfortable.

In my opinion, definitely. Inductions can last days, and even “fail” at times, resulting in either a cesarean, or sending you home to “try again later”. Without pain relief such as an epidural, medically-induced contractions can be incredibly painful and you will be limited to physical coping mechanisms due to mandatory monitoring, leaving you confined to a hospital bed. Nurses are often unable to stay with you and your partner may need breaks to sleep, eat, or update family. Having the continuous support of a doula ensures you will not be left alone and that your partner can rest when needed, so that they can adequately support you, as you need it.

I support all variations of birth. I do not view the use of an epidural as a negative. All medical interventions were created because there was a need for it, and it probably saved a life (or many lives!). If you are planning for an epidural, continuous support can remain a priority. Birthing persons with an epidural are encouraged to change positions every three contractions, even if you are not feeling the contractions. A skilled doula knows what positions are optimal for opening the pelvis, and maximizing the space for the baby to rotate through the birth canal. It is unlikely the nurses on shift at that time will be checking in that frequently to help with position changes. Furthermore, your partner may still need rest and/or food, and the doula present can give them the appropriate break and remain with you for your individual needs.

While the employment of a doula statistically lowers the risk of a cesarean, doulas are not a guarantee to avoid a surgical or instrumental birth of your baby. Advocacy and support is invaluable regardless of the delivery method (vaginal or cesarean). When the circumstances demand rapid decision making, doulas aim to hold your space and help you gain perspective of the situation, and help to slow things down from “crisis” to a manageable situation. Doulas exist to remind the birth team (partners, nurses, midwives, and OBs) of the birthing person’s birth wishes and help to keep the birthing person calm, relaxed, open, and in optimal mindset to birth their baby. 

If a cesarean becomes medically necessary or if you choose to have a cesarean, I do not offer refunds for the reasons stated above. If hospital policy allows, and you desire my presence in the operating room, I am happy to accompany you. Otherwise, I will wait for the completion of your surgery and meet you in recovery to help establish breastfeeding (if you wish) and get you settled with your baby and partner. 

Doula services are not covered by many insurance companies, but some do consider childbirth education and doula services as “out of network” providers.

It is your responsibility to pay fully for any services provided by Fairfax Birth Care, and then seek reimbursement from your carrier. Upon your request, I am able to provide a paid invoice for services rendered that you may submit to your insurance.