What is a doula?

In short, a doula can best be described as your personal guide and coach to all things birth. The word doula comes from the Greek word for “female caregiver” or “woman servant.”  Different than a medical care provider, a doula's number one goal is to ensure that you and your partner feel fully confident, informed and supported, no matter how your birthing day unfolds.

Birth can be short. Birth can be long. Birth is often wildly unpredictable. But through it all, your doula will have your back with her years of experience and wisdom.

Doulas never replace or fill the role of your husband or partner, nor do they make decisions or speak on your behalf. Lastly, they do not perform any clinical or medical tasks, such fetal heart rate monitoring, vaginal exams, etc.

ACOG's practice bulletin issued in January 2017 encourages the use of doulas- "Support offered by trained labor coaches such as doulas has been associated with improved birth outcomes, including shortened labor and fewer operative deliveries." 

Studies ​show that when continuous labor support is provided by a professional doula, women can experience:

• A decrease in the risk of C-section (New study indicates by up to 60%)
• Shorter labors
• Reduced use of pitocin for speeding up labor
• Reduced need for pain-relieving medications
• Reduced incidence of instrumental (forceps or vacuum) delivery
• Decreased likelihood that her newborn will need special care
• Increased satisfaction with the birth experience (higher paternal satisfaction levels as well)
• Increased breastfeeding success 
• Reduced chance of postpartum depression​

 I cannot rave more about Sarah and her support! Sarah’s knowledge of pain management, emotional support, and the overall peace that she brought helped me through my home birth! I know for a fact I would not have been able to endure labor at home without her! She provided such caring support for me and my husband and was able to provide strategies that kept me relaxed and calm. She truly cares for you, your partner, and your baby! I recommend Sarah to anyone wanting to use a doula!" - A.C.

More Frequently Asked Questions: 

What's your philosophy of BIrth?

I believe that in general, birth is a very normal process that unfolds naturally when given time, continuous support, and trusting, skilled care providers.  I also understand that how each family chooses to give birth will differ. This is your birth; your way -  there's no right or wrong way to have a baby! 

If i think i might want an epidural, or I just want to keep my options open, will a doula still Be helpful?

Yes! Doulas are not just for those who are planning for an unmedicated, "crunchy," or natural birth. As your personal guide to birth, I have the tools and experience to help you have a smoother, more peaceful experience, regardless of whether you choose a medicated or unmedicated birth.  If you choose to utilize an epidural for your birth, I'll talk you and your partner through the procedure, work with you to minimize any potential side effects, help you to rest and relax, assist you in changing positions to facilitate labor progress, and provide guidance when it comes time for pushing. Lastly, take into consideration that in some circumstances, epidurals do not provide complete pain relief or may not be an option if your labor progresses quicker and more intensely than anticipated. Having the support and tools to cope naturally during labor, even if you only plan to do so only during early labor or until a certain point, can greatly improve your birth experience.

Where Will you support me; at Home, or at the Hospital?

Both! For couples who plan to labor at home, either for a short period or extensively before heading to the hospital or place of birth, I will come to your home to support you in active labor and can help you and your partner gauge when it would be best to transition to your place of birth, depending on your own preferences and goals for birth. Other times, such as during an induction of labor, I may meet a family directly at the hospital/birth center once things pick up. 

will insurance cove any portion of doula Suport?

Some insurances companies allow the use of HSA funds to cover the fees of labor or postpartum support; but no, medical insurance does not cover birth doula services as doulas do not provide a medical service. However, I do have a Provider Identification Number and am happy to supply you with the necessary forms and invoices that, along with some direction, you can use to apply for reimbursement directly. Some Christian sharing plans have been known to cover a portion of a birth doula's fee. 

I'm having a home Birth, do I still need a doula?

During labor, your midwife and her assistant will be primarily focused on the health and safety of both you and your baby. In contrast, the doula's sole focus lies on you and your partner's practical physical and emotional needs.  In additional to various comfort & coping measures, I can also help communicate with your midwife during the earlier stages of labor before she and her team arrive. And in the unlikely event of a transfer, having a doula at your side to provide continuity of care will also reduce anxiety and foster a smoother transition. 

how DOES A labor Tens unit help during my birth?

TENS units can help provide drug-free pain management during labor by changing the way the brain perceives pain. TENS therapy is easy to use, controlled by mom by a small handheld unit, and does not interfere with monitoring of the baby. During our prenatal visit, I'll walk you and your partner through how to apply the unit's electrode pads to your lower back and teach you how to use it during labor. You can read more about the use of TENS therapy in Rebecca Dekker's Evidence Based Birth article here.

​All page images by Colorado Springs Birth Photographer Danica Donnelly