Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Doula?
A Doula is a trained professional that provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a Mother or pregnant person before, during and shortly after childbirth to help them achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible. During pregnancy we help families plan for birth, postpartum and caring for their newborn. Doulas are the missing link in modern maternity care in the U.S. Our presence, skills and advocacy remain constant for the duration of your labor and birth. Nurses & Doctors are focused on monitoring the health of you and your baby and they are not trained in the physical and emotional support of physiologic birth. Evidence proves that Doulas improve outcomes and reduce intervention rates.
Does a Doula replace my Partner?
Nope! Doulas support your partner as well! When partners are free from the pressures of having, seeking and understanding everything…they can focus on supporting you and becoming a new parent themselves! Seeing a person they love in labor can sometimes be surprising or overwhelming, so having another person familiar with labor and birth is really reassuring! I also help partners provide hands-on support to the Mother and switch when the partner needs rest or nourishment themselves.
Is a Doula like a Midwife?
Nope! Doulas are not medical care providers and do not oversee the health of your pregnancy or baby. As a Birth Doula certified by DONA International I am trained and experienced in recognizing the emotional & physical markers of normal labor progression and provide reassurance to the family throughout the entire process. I use labor support tools and proven physical techniques to enhance your body’s natural birthing capabilities. I protect your space to birth, encourage your birth hormone production related to vaginal birth, and keep your care preferences in focus for medical staff. I do not oversee the medical health of a pregnancy, baby, or attend births from a medical standpoint.
Who benefits the most from a Doula?
Everyone having a baby, or anyone close to someone that is can benefit from Doula care! Each pregnancy and birth journey is unique; holding different joys or maybe challenges. I remain thoughtful, aware and creative as I meet the evolving needs of people from the LGBTQ community, uncoupled Mothers, first-time & repeat parents, teen parents, or anyone with past birth trauma or loss. Every family greatly benefits from the compassionate care of a Doula. Professional Doulas (not a friend or family member) have been proven to reduce pain med requests, epidurals, and cesarean section rates (by 23%).
Are there any special bonuses that come along with my care at Northern Sun Birth Services?
Yes! At my Oscoda location there is a lending library of trusted books to expand the knowledge and improve the confidence of families under the Sun. I also provide the “Borrowed Bellies Boutique” – a clothing exchange filled with maternity & breastfeeding friendly clothing in an array of sizes to be used throughout your pregnancy and breastfeeding journey. Having this option as your body changes reduces the costs, stress, and global impact of sourcing clothing only worn for a short period of time. Also, when possible as your birth Doula, I am happy to momentarily wear a photographer’s hat if supporting your birth allows! I bring a nice camera & tripod to every birth and try to find moments to capture when permitted by the family.
Will medical insurance cover the cost of my services?
When, during my pregnancy, is best to start services?
If you have remaining questions please reach-out below!
Let’s figure this out! I am happy to help. Send me your questions and I’ll be in touch.
Why Birth? It touches us all. The intensity contrasted with such softness is living fully.
