Idlewild Birth Co.

The world “doula” in ancient Greek means “female servant/slave, or maidservant” — Today, the term typically means a woman who is trained in pregnancy and childbirth care. Birth doulas walk alongside women during their childbearing year through emotional, physical, and educational support. A doula does not have the same role as a midwife; doula’s are not medical professionals. Rather, they are birth professionals and truly — they are servants — loving, helping, and caring for women as they walk through one of the most intimate and important times of their lives. Doula’s do not provide medical advice or make decisions for the families with whom they work. A doula will provide the undergirding support a family needs to make informed decisions for themselves as they walk through the process of pregnancy and birth.

The people who are already a part of your birth team are invaluable as they are the people you want to be present. A doula does not take the place of another birth companion or spouse. Rather, she can enhance their experience through education and support. Doulas will often work with husbands, mothers, and friends to prepare them for their role in the birth process. She becomes a quiet companion for them as well as she helps them to feel more comfortable with the birthing process.

Personally, one of my favorite parts of my job is the ability to work with husbands and birth companions. I love the prenatal work in teaching comfort measures and techniques so that the entire family unit can enjoy the process of their baby coming into the world. One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is when a father looks at me after a birth and says, “Thanks. I feel like I knew what to expect and what to do. I didn’t feel helpless; I was actually a part of the birth of my child!”

Of course! Some hospitals will require a certification, but a doula can attend a birth whether the mother is birthing at home, in the hospital, or at a birthing center. Often people think that doulas will only attend unmediated births. This is also not true — a doula can offer much support for a medicated birth or even an elective cesarean birth. A doula’s job is not to make decisions for the mother about what kind of birth she thinks the mother should have. Her job is to provide information so that mothers can make decisions for themselves and their babies.

Unfortunately, most insurance companies do not cover the cost of a birth doula. However, as the medical establishment continues to see the statistical benefit of doulas on birth outcomes, some insurance companies have begun to reimburse for some/all of the cost of a doula. Each individual will need to contact their insurance company to find out. Also, some clients have successfully been able to use their HSA/FSA cards for payment.

I believe everyone should have access to a doula if they desire one. If you cannot afford a doula, please reach out to me and we can chat about your specific circumstances. I will try my best to work something out with you or help you find the support you need.

The anecdotal and scientific evidence agree — a doula’s presence is immensely helpful and encouraging in the life of a mother as she carries her child and gives birth.

Let the facts speak for themselves. A cochrane review published in 2017 reports that women who received continuous labor support with a doula:

• Were more likely to go into spontaneous labor, rather than induced labor
• Had vaginal births without the assistance of instruments like forceps or vacuum
• Were less likely to have a cesarean birth
• Had higher rates of satisfaction about their births
• Had shorter labors
• Had babies with high Apgar scores at 5 minutes after birth

See the Cochrane study here.

For more helpful evidence on the benefits of doula support, click here.

See the testimonials page as well to read a few snippets of birth stories written by mothers who had me as their doula!