Frequently Asked Questions

A midwife is a healthcare professional with medical training who provides comprehensive maternity care during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum.

A doula is a trained labor, birth and postpartum support person who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to the mother/birthing person and their partner before, during, and after labor.

Typically, a midwife, OBGYN or L&D nurse can only provide intermittent support during labor and birth, as their role is primarily to ensure a safe birth for the baby and mother/birthing person (and an OB or L&D nurse will likely have other patients to attend to during your birth).

A doula will provide continuous physical and emotional support to the mother/birthing person and their partner during labor, birth, and the immediate postpartum period. Many birth doulas also offer in-home postpartum support for hours, days or even weeks after birth to help ensure the best possible outcomes for their client families.

Numerous studies have documented the benefits of having a doula present during labor. A recent Cochrane Review, Continuous Support for Women During Childbirth, showed a very high number of positive birth outcomes when a doula was present. With their support,  pain-relief medications were less likely to be administered, and the chances of cesarean birth birth. Women/birth givers also reported having a more positive childbirth experience.

Other studies have shown that having a doula as a member of the birth team decreases the overall cesarean rate by 50%, the length of labor by 25%, the use of oxytocin by 40%, and requests for an epidural by 60%.

Doulas often use the power of touch and massage to reduce stress and anxiety during labor. According to physicians Marshal Klaus and John Kennell, massage helps stimulate the production and secretion of natural oxytocin by the pituitary gland into the bloodstream (causing uterine contractions) and to the brain (resulting in feelings of well-being and drowsiness, along with a higher pain threshold), thus reducing the need for medications to aid in the progression of labor.

There are a variety of doula training organizations available, though some are accredited and others are not. I am trained and actively in the process of becoming certified as a birth doula with DONA International, and as a postpartum doula with Doulas of Austin.

I remain committed to continuing education to maintain alignment with best practices, and as part of the requirements for maintaining certification status ongoing.

Most doula-client relationships begin a few months before the baby is due, typically in the mid/late-third trimester. During this period, the birth doula and new parents work together to develop a relationship in which the mother/birthing person and their partner feels free to ask questions, express their fears and concerns, and take an active role in preparing for the birth.

Most doulas make themselves available to the mother by phone in order to respond to her questions or address any concerns that might arise during the course of the pregnancy. Birth doulas do not provide any type of medical care or advice. However, they are knowledgeable about many medical aspects of labor and delivery. As such, they can help their clients gain a better understanding of the procedures and possible complications in late pregnancy or delivery, and can help the mother/birthing person make decisions on when to involve their medical provider for additional assistance.

During labor and delivery, doulas are in constant and close proximity to the mother/birthing person. They have the ability to provide physical comfort with pain-relief techniques including breathing techniques, relaxation techniques, massage, and laboring positions. Doulas also encourage participation from the partner and offer reassurance.

A birth doula acts as an advocate for the mother/birthing person, encouraging and helping to fulfill specific desires held for the birth. The goal of the doula is to help the mother/birthing person experience a positive and safe birth outcome, regardless of the birth scenario.

After birth, many birth doulas will help assist with the breastfeeding process and encouraging bonding between the new baby and other family members.

Absolutely not! In fact, birth doulas are often most effective in improving birth outcomes in hospital settings where they may lack resources to provide consistent physical, emotional and mental support and advocacy for the mother/birthing person.

At Mama Nurture, I support client births with a variety of care providers and birth scenarios.

I’m equally committed to supporting my clients who choose to birth with or without pain medication; who plan to birth at a hospital, birth center, or in-home; and who are planning a vaginal or cesarean birth.

Whatever your birth wishes, I’m here to support you!

A postpartum doula is a trained professional who provides non-medical support to new parents and their families during the postpartum period, focusing on the mother/birthing person's physical and emotional well-being, as well as providing light assistance with infant care and household tasks. 

Here's a more detailed look at what a postpartum doula does:

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

• Physical Support:

  Postpartum doulas assists with tasks like bathing, breastfeeding or pumping, and providing light housekeeping to allow the mother/birthing person to rest and recover. 

• Emotional Support:

  They offer a listening ear, reassurance, and encouragement to help new parents cope with the emotional challenges of the postpartum period, including anxiety, stress, and isolation. 

• Infant Care:

  They assist with feeding, soothing, diapering, and other aspects of newborn care, providing practical knowledge and skills. 

• Informational Support:

  Doulas can provide information about postpartum recovery, newborn care, breastfeeding, and other relevant topics, helping new parents make informed decisions. 

• Family Support:

  They can help integrate older children into the family dynamic, assist with meal preparation, and provide childcare if needed. 

• Referrals:

  Postpartum doulas can connect families with resources like lactation consultants, pediatricians, or mental health professionals if needed. 

Here are some important questions to consider in choosing a doula to work with:

• What is her experience and training?

  • You want to ensure you’re working with someone who knows what they’re doing. Even a less experienced doula (read: fewer births or postpartum clients attended) can provide a wealth of knowledge and expertise, and be an overall good fit for your family.

• What is her support style and approach?

  • Do your doula needs align with her support structure?

• Does she offer birth and postpartum support?

  • Will you be able to work with the same doula for both birth and postpartum support?

• Is she available for your due date?

  • Does she have other clients who may be due around the same time?

• Will she work well with your care provider/in your birth scenario?

  • Does she only work in specific birth settings or will she support any type of birth in any setting?

  • How does your provider feel about birth doulas?

During your meeting with potential doulas, please ask any questions you may have and get to know her personality and style. The most important part to this decision is the feeling you get from her. Do you feel comfortable in her presence? Could you imagine being at your most vulnerable around her?