- WHAT IS A BIRTH DOULA? 

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A birth doula is a trained support professional who provides continuous emotional and physical support throughout labor and delivery. I provide hands-on comfort measures like massage, counter-pressure, and position changes, and guide you with breathing techniques and reassurance through each stage. I help you understand your options, help you communicate with your care team, and remind you of your birth plan to help you feel empowered through the whole process. A doula works for you and your partner, helping you both feel prepared, peaceful, and confident as you welcome your littlest blessing. 

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-WHAT CERTIFICATION AND TRAINING DO YOU HAVE? 

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 I am beyond excited to be finishing my birth and postpartum doula training with DONA International! I expect to be fully certified by January 2026.

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- WHAT IS REQUIRED TO BE CERTIFIED WITH DONA INTERNATIONAL? 

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To become certified, a doula must:

-Attend a DONA-approved birth or postpartum doula training workshop

-Complete coursework in breastfeeding, childbirth education, and newborn care

-Provide birth or postpartum support to multiple families and submit documentation

-Receive real life evaluations from clients and healthcare providers

-Study the emotional and physical aspects of birth and recovery

-Read multiple books and papers from DONA’s required reading list

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-DOES A BIRTH DOULA REPLACE MY PARTNER? 

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A birth doula isn’t there to replace the partner; I’m there to support both of you. During labor, a doula offers guidance and reassurance so partners don’t have to guess what to do next. I can suggest comfort measures, explain what’s happening medically, and give your partner a break when they need to rest or regroup. I recommend positions for the mother that the partner can help to promote optimal positioning, labor progress, and comfort. With a doula present, partners often feel more confident, more included, and better able to support the birthing person in meaningful ways, without the pressure of having to know everything.

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- WHAT IS NOT WITHIN THE DOULA’S SCOPE OF PRACTICE? 

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A birth doula is not a medical professional, nor do I perform medical tasks, such as listening to fetal heart tones, vaginal exams, or taking blood pressure. A birth doula does not make decisions for you or speak to your care team instead of you. I help you ask the right questions and obtain information so you can make the best decision for you and your baby.

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-WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A BIRTH DOULA AND A MIDWIFE?

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Midwives provide clinical care (like checking dilation, monitoring the baby, and catching the baby during birth. Doulas don’t do any medical tasks; I focus entirely on your comfort, emotional wellbeing, and helping you feel supported and heard.

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-I WANT TO GIFT SOMEONE A BIRTH OR POSTPARTUM SESSION. HOW CAN I DO THAT? 

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This is incredible for family who lives far away, grandparents who want to help in tangible ways, or friends who want you to have all the support you deserve. Fill out the contact form with your name and make sure to include the new mama's name and other details in the comment box. 

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-ARE BIRTH AND POSTPARTUM DOULA SERVICES COVERED BY INSURANCE OR HSA/FSA?

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Simplicity Doula is not currently covered by insurance or an HSA/FSA. I would love to make HSA/FSA coverage a future reality to make care more accessible for everyone!

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-DO YOU OFFER PAYMENT PLANS?

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Yes, absolutely! Payment plans offer the ability to take pressure off the finances so that you can completely focus on enjoying your pregnancy and preparing for baby. Together, we will make a plan that works for you.

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-HOW DO YOU SCHEDULE FAMILIES FOR BIRTH AND POSTPARTUM SUPPORT?

I highly value excellent, consistent, personalized care for each family. I accept a limited number of birth and postpartum clients per month to ensure everyone gets the best support possible. Please reach out as soon as possible to secure your due date or requested timeframe. 

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-WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU'RE ALREADY BOOKED?

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If I am at capacity, you will be placed on a waiting list. I will also provide contacts to make sure you still get the support you need!

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-I NEED POSTPARTUM SUPPORT BUT I ALREADY HAD MY BABY. WHAT DO I DO?

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Great question! Reach out with the contact form and I will set up a phone call to see how I can help! It's never too late to ask for support. Depending on my availability, we can put together a game plan that works for both of us to get you the support you need!

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-WHAT IF I'M NOT SURE WHAT KIND OF SUPPORT I NEED YET?

No problem! We can talk through your options and figure out what feels best for your family.