FAQs

 

What IS a Doula?

The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves" and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.

How do I choose a doula?

Doulas of CNY is committed to helping you find the doula that fits you, your personality, style and desires for your birth. After visiting our team page and reading the doulas' bios and seeing who you think would best fit your personality, you can then set up a phone consultation and interview with one or more, as you desire. Your doula will not only appreciate, respect and support you in creating the kind of birth you desire, but also be a source of inspiration.

What is the Biblical relation to a doula?

Doula is a Greek word, which dates back to biblical usage. According to the New Testament usage, it meant someone who was willing to provide service to someone in need, so that the person in need would learn about Jesus’ sacrificial love.

Since its usage in scripture, doula has come to mean something a little different. Today, a doula is a woman who comes alongside a women if planning a pregnancy (fertility doula), while she is pregnant (prenatal doula) and during the actual childbirth process (birth doula), to provide love, encouragement, information, and support (postpartum doula).

How can I contact my doula during my pregnancy?

Throughout our professional relationship, feel free to text, call or email us with any questions or concerns you may have. We will provide you the information and resources necessary for you to make informed, empowered decisions. We can provide explanations and information on alternatives, and can refer you to reliable resources of thorough, balanced information.
--We offer Childbirth Ed 101, Breastfeeding 101, Postpartum Planning and Newborn care classes.

Your doula will be on call 24/7 from 2 weeks prior to due date until birth unless you have made other arrangements with her. 

How much does a doula cost?

Our all-inclusive agency fee is $1100 We can also discuss fees based on a sliding fee scale/financial ability. * If you would like a birth doula and have a financial need, please contact Christine at the office for a Family Needs Based Application.  Determining how much you can afford is based on an honor system. All of our doulas are willing to work within your budget! Our mission is: For every mother, there shall be a doula!

**Certifying Doulas may charge $650-850 because they are working towards certification, work with a Mentor Doula,  and will politely ask mom for a birth evaluation after delivery** 

**NOW ACCEPTING MEDICAID, FIDELIS & MOLINA**     

                       
*Some insurance companies will reimburse doula services. FSA funds can often be used for doula services. Please check with your insurance company.  The owner will personally assist you with reimbursement.

MEDICAID is now paying for Doula services! If you have one of these insurances, be sure to let Christine know during your initial phone call.


LOOKING FOR VIRTUAL SUPPORT? Virtual doulas support how you need it most.

Prenatal check ins

  • Prenatal check ins, Birth Plan Design + Review

  • Support System Mapping

  • Phone, Email, and Video Support

  • Birth Ready Check-ins, Virtual Birth Support

  • Birth Processing Session, Partner Support

  • Parenting Check-in, Connection to Info & Experts

Physical - advice to endure with grace.

Mental - how to shape your perspective.​

Emotional - help to navigate the deep feels.​

Social - guide to find your support system.

We tailor our options for each Mom, which can be extremely empowering for a Mom and her family. 

Contract and negotiations are discussed with agency owner to ensure personalization of you and your family’s needs.

What does a doula DO?

  • A Birth Doula recognizes birth as a key experience the mother will remember all her life and understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor.

  • Assists the woman in preparing for and carrying out her plans for birth

  • Stays with the woman throughout the labor

  • Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures and an objective viewpoint, as well as helping the woman

  • Get the information she needs to make informed decision

  • Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and her clinical care providers

  • Perceives her role as nurturing and protecting the woman's memory of the birth experience

  • Allows the woman's partner to participate at his/her comfort level

What do studies show about having a doula?

  • When doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications.

  • Babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily.

What is a complementary interview?

At the initial interview, we will go over your questions -- about our personal background, experience methods, and knowledge -- to allow you to decide if we are the right doula for you. We offer this consultation free of charge, without any obligation from you. If you cannot find the right doula for you, the agency owner gladly will provide another referral to help you find the one that is right for you. It is important for you to find the right 'fit'.

What happens during a prenatal visit?

Each mother and family is unique. We will meet with you and your partner before labor to
become acquainted and to understand your desires for labor and birth. During these meetings, we will discuss the details of your birth plans, go over comfort measures, child birthing options and goals.

We strive to personalize our care to fit your needs and this may mean additional prenatal meetings. Our goal is to support your needs in any way that are best for you, which may vary from mom to mom.

What happens when I go in labor?

Your doula will meet you at your home or the hospital or the birthing center, according to your wishes. She will remain with you until after the birth of your child, whenever you feel comfortable enough for them to leave after your birth. During labor, she will provide physical comfort measures, labor position suggestions and pain coping techniques. These (may), according to your birth preferences) include the use of hot and cold compresses, massage, visual imagery, breathing techniques, and verbal coaching. During labor, she will strive to effect good communication between you and your care provider, facilitate the achievement of your birth wishes and ensure that you have both the time and information necessary to make decisions you can be comfortable with.

Our birth doulas will stay with you to assist you with breastfeeding, according to your wishes.

We support family centered births, if this is what you choose and support home birthers as well. Wherever mom is birthing, we support her there.

Follow up phone calls and if desired, breastfeeding assistance in hospital following day.

1-2 postpartum visits including lactation counseling, if requested.   Follow up phone support provided with your individual doula.  

Additional postpartum support and doulas available.