FAQ’s






Sacred Work Doula FAQ’s

What is a Doula?

The word “doula” comes from the Greek word meaning “most important female slave,” the woman who probably helped the lady of the house through childbearing. The word has come to refer to a “woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth.” (Klaus, Kennell and Klaus, Mothering the Mother).

What Does a Doula Do?

A doula does a lot! They offer prenatal education about pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding for both mothers and their partners.

Doulas provide CONTINUOUS labor support for a mother and her partner. This is huge in today’s birthing-world. Mothers are often left for long periods of time in the hospital to labor alone. Doctors, due to time constraints, only arrive to catch the baby.

Doulas offer information for parents to make informed decisions regarding their care. It’s your body, your baby and doulas help you get the information you need to know what is best for you all.

Doulas are well-trained in comfort measures in labor. Whether you want medication or not, doulas are able to offer you a myriad of options to get OPTIMUM comfort, whatever that means to you.

Doulas help maximize the partner’s experience as well. There is a lot of pressure on partners to do the right thing for their loved ones in labor. It can be difficult to always know what that is, so doulas help partners help moms. Doulas do not take away from the intimacy in such a partnership, instead they are trained to help enhance it.

Doulas are not doctors. They are not midwives. They are there to offer emotional and physical support for moms and partners.

A doula DOES NOT perform medical care in anyway. They do not deliver babies, perform vaginal exams, or take fetal heart tones.

What are Some Benefits of Having a Doula?

  • *36% reduction in use of pain medications
  • *51% reduction in c-sections
  • *71% reduction in use of Pitocin
  • *57% reduction in forceps deliveries
  • *An average of 1 hour and 38 minutes shorter labor

(Source: Scott, Berkowitz, & Klaus; 1999, California. American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology 180, No. 5 (1999):1054-1059)

* 33% less likely to be dissatisfied with or negatively rate their birth experience (Hodnett and colleagues 2004). “

Why Should I Hire a Doula? Won’t My Partner, My Doctor, and the Nurses Help Me with Anything I Need?

Doulas can help you in ways no one else can! Your partner may be a fantastic source of support, as the two of you share a special bond as you become parents together. But partners have their own journey to parenthood, and it can be a heavy load to provide support during labor as well as manage their own inner questions and experience. Doulas can help by providing practical support for partners, to allow them a few minutes’ break every now and again to rest, eat, and regroup. Many partners also appreciate having an experienced supporter present who can reassure them about what is happening, and offer tips and demonstrations of comfort techniques. With a doula present, many partners actually feel more confident about their role at the birth and are able to be more active.

Your doctor or midwife will also play a key role in supporting you. In hospital births, doctors and midwives are usually only able to check on you only briefly from time to time throughout your labor, and cannot provide support in your home in the early stages. A doula can!

Nurses are able to stay with you for longer periods, once you are in hospital, but with shift changes, paperwork, and many other women to care for at once, they can’t always give you undivided attention. A doula can!

What all this means for you is that doulas are part of a whole team where each member has a special role to play in supporting you for your birth.

Will a Doula Try to Replace My Partner?

Many partners, and pregnant people as well, are concerned that a doula will be a “third wheel” or will exclude the partner from sharing in the birth. When you talk to parents who have had a doula present for their birth, though, the opposite usually turns out to be the case. A good doula always remembers that this birth is the parents’ experience, not hers. She is there to support your wishes and help the two of you to maintain your physical and emotional resources to share the birth together.

If one of you feels reluctant about having a doula, talk about it together. Be honest about what’s bothering you. If your partner wants to be the one you rely on the most, they may feel that if you want a doula, it must mean you don’t think they will do a good job supporting you. Usually that’s not at all true, but it helps to talk it through. Many partners actually find they are more actively involved in the birth when an experienced professional supporter is present.

When Will I See My Doula?

I offer a free interview and consultation. After that, if you choose to hire me, there can be up to three prenatal appointments to discuss important concerns for your labor and delivery. I try to schedule the LAST prenatal at 36-37 weeks. Usually, I come to your home for our meetings (unless you want to meet elsewhere). These prenatal meetings are usually one-two hours each. I will be present for the labor and birth of your baby (when you call and feel you are ready for me to come ). You will also receive 1-2 postpartum visits.

Where in the Austin Area do you Attend Births?

I am a

  • Central Austin Doula
  • North Austin Doula
  • Cedar Park Doula
  • Round Rock Doula
  • Georgetown Doula
  • Leander Doula

Do you Attend Births at the Austin Area Birth Center?

Yes, I have been a doula at the Austin Area Birth Center and will attend at both the North and South locations.

Do you Attend Births at the Central Texas Birth Center in Georgetown?

Yes, I can be your doula at this birth center.

Do you Attend Home Births?

Yes, I would love to be your home birth doula

What if an Epidural is an Option for Me During My Birth? Would I Still Benefit From Your Assistance?

This is your birth! My job is to ensure that your birth is as close to your vision as possible, regardless of the agenda. I will encourage you to make educated decisions, and assist you with doing so. If you decide before/during your birth to receive an epidural, I will still support you. Even after receiving an epidural, a doula can be key in helping to minimize side effects, as well as ensure that you are still respected in your desires for your birth. Pain relief is not the only factor in experiencing a satisfying birth. A doula’s services are invaluable even with an epidural administered. Remember, most of the time a woman is required to labor to a certain point before the epidural is administered. I can help you to remain relaxed and stay by your side if your partner needs a nap or a meal. I can help support you physically and emotionally during the pushing phase of your labor as well as initial breastfeeding assistance.

How Much Does a Doula Cost?

What a doula charges can vary depending on region and experience. I charge $1800 for my complete Birth Doula service.

This includes the following:

  • Prenatal Visits
  • Being on call for Two Weeks before and Two Weeks after your Estimated Due Date
  • Phone and Email Support throughout Pregnancy
  • Access to my Lending Library
  • Continuous Support during your Labor and Birth
  • Breastfeeding and Postpartum Support

Who took your Photographs? They are Fabulous!

Thank you! My photos of myself and family as well as my birth photography was all done by Leilani Rogers, you can visit her site here www.photosbylei.com. She is super talented!