FAQS
WHY WORK WITH A DOULA?
According to a study by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Oakland, CA, 82.5% of people who used a doula reported a good birth experience. The same study also reported that birthing people are more likely to have a positive experience of themselves and the strength and ability of their body when a doula is present. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10074992/)
A systematic review of research by the National Partnership for Women & Families shows that people who work with a doula are more likely to have shorter labors and a "spontaneous" birth (without the need for cesarean section, or the use of forceps or vacuum extraction) and less likely to:
Have an epidural or other "regional" analgesia to manage pain.
Use any type of pain medication (including narcotics).
Give birth by C-section.
Give birth with vacuum extraction or forceps.
Give birth to a baby with a low Apgar score (a rating of the baby’s well-being five minutes after birth).
Be dissatisfied with or negatively rate their childbirth experience.
Learn more at http://www.childbirthconnection.org/giving-birth/labor-support/research-evidence/
DO DOULAS PERFORM ANY PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS?
Doulas are not clinical care providers. We support your physical, emotional, and practical wellbeing during conception, pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period. If you leave a medical visit with questions, or want to discuss ideas further, your doula is the perfect sounding board. But, ultimately, a doula's advice is never a medical judgement and should always be discussed with your care provider.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE INITIAL CONSULTATION FOR DOULA SERVICES?
During the Initial Consult, we will become acquainted; explore and discuss your preferences, priorities, and concerns around pregnancy, labor, and birth; and decide how we would best work together. We can meet in-person at your home, my home, or a local park, library, or café; or we can connect virtually on Zoom. You will provide some preliminary information and we will discuss which of my services are a good fit. Best of all - it's free! Reach out and schedule your Initial Consult today by clicking here and get all of your questions answered.
HOW WILL HIRING A DOULA AFFECT MY PARTNER’S ROLE DURING THE BIRTH?
A doula supports the entire family, include the birthing person's partner, champion, or companion. Before, during, and after birth, a doula uplifts your partner's inherent capability. As a trained professional, a doula handles practical tasks so that you and your family can be fully present in the emotions and experience of pregnancy, labor, delivery, and the postpartum period.
WHAT ARE A DOULA'S INTERACTIONS WITH MEDICAL STAFF LIKE?
A doula's job is to empower birthing people in a medical setting. Instead of speaking for the birthing person or their family, a doula encourages open dialogue with care providers, advocates for ample opportunity to ask questions, ensures that all of the information you need is provided, and reiterates or reframes information among all involved.
HOW AREÂ SLIDING SCALE PRICING OPTIONS DETERMINED?
To qualify for sliding scale pricing, you must identify as trans, queer, BI/POC, or a single parent; a birthing person with a disability; a birth worker; or be financially eligible. Financial eligibility for sliding scale pricing is based on US & Mid-Atlantic regional household income data and will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Please inquire directly if you are interested in, or believe you are eligible for, a reduced fee option.
RESOURCES
BIRTH FOR EVERY BODY
Information and education for, by, and about reproductive healthcare equity for members of the LGBTQIA+ community
MY TRANS HEALTH
Find trans-friendly, age appropriate, high-quality healthcare in your area.
TAYLAR SHIRLEY'S PHILADELPHIA-AREA BLACK OWNED WELLNESS BUSINESS DIRECTORY
Philadelphia artist, slow living content creator, and holistic health practitioner Taylar Shirley has curated a comprehensive directory of Black Owned Wellness Providers in the Philadelphia area.
PHILLY LOVES FAMILIES (DEPT OF PUBLIC HEALTH)
https://www.phillylovesfamilies.com/breastfeeding-and-chestfeeding?gclid=Cj0KCQjw-fmZBhDtARIsAH6H8qjaKzNJgCK0GnLB3BNu0vTMajCltzHdZf_nDCreTAtrnN3RoiaIpAAaAmzTEALw_wcB
FREE breast/chest/body-feeding support & resources for Philadelphia area residents.