FAQs

Here are a few commonly asked questions regarding doula care and the details of Storehouse. Of course the list is not exhaustive, so if you have other questions or you’re looking for more specifics, please don’t hesitate to contact me! Above all else, I hope to be a valuable resource for you- if I don’t have the answer to your question immediately, I promise to do whatever research to find it!

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What is a doula?

A doula is a professional support person trained to specialize in meeting the unique and individual needs of the mother and family during pregnancy and childbirth. As your doula, my role is to provide non-judgmental support, guidance, evidence based education and practical hands-on support leading up to and during your birth. Within our scope of practice, doulas do a lot of things; the room for fluidity is one of my favorite things about being a doula!

Why is a doula beneficial?

Without boring you with all of the research (although I encourage you to click the link below for more evidence), the presence of a trained doula benefits everyone because of the continuous support. The studies have consistently shown that doula care is associated with shorter labors, less use of epidurals and other pain medications, lower episiotomy rates, and as much as a 50% reduction in the C-section rate. Research has also shown better clinical outcomes for both the mother and the baby (including fewer admissions to neonatal special care units, better breastfeeding rates, and better family bonding). A doula also provides care for the mother’s partner and other family members, assists busy hospital staff, saves money, and greatly increases a mother’s overall satisfaction with her birthing experience.

more evidence on doula support

Do you only attend a certain kind of birth?

At Storehouse Birth we know that every single birth is different and therefore requires different types of support. Our goal will always be to come alongside you, however you envision your birth going. Whether you plan to give birth in a hospital or at home, with or without medication, hoping for a spontaneous labor or have your elected C-section scheduled, we are honored to be invited in. Our model of care emphasizes effective groundwork and planning as a team in order to best prepare for empowering you and your family during labor.

What does support look like after birth?

The postpartum period is crazy beautiful, and hard transition.. doulas can be available to assist new mothers with pain-relief management, breastfeeding guidance and family bonding assistance. It’s not uncommon for the doula to become a unique part of the family and an ongoing resource after the birth of the baby. In addition to birthing doulas, there are also postpartum doulas. While we currently don’t have a trained postpartum doula on staff, our birth doula investment includes postpartum support that can be extended if desired. Even after the birth we are available as an ear to listen, a hand to hold and an encourager in the first few weeks after birth when a new mother might feel stressed or overwhelmed.