Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the benefits of a Birth Doula?
There are a variety of benefits, ranging from shorter labor hours to higher AGAPE scores on newborns. Overall the largest benefit (in our humble opinion) is that you as a birthing person will have more satisfaction with your birth experience. You will go into labor having more knowledge of the options available to you, more confidence in the labor process, and better equipped to handle the postpartum period. Other statistics include less likely to have unwanted medical interventions, decrease risk in unwanted cesarean, and more likely to go into labor naturally, decreased risk of PMADS.
What are the benefits of a Postpartum Doula?
After speaking to many first time parents, the verdict is in, the greatest asset to having a postpartum doula is support! Having someone there on a regular basis those first few months – whose main focus- is you the birthing person! Some of the statistical data on having a postpartum doula: decreased risk of PMAD (Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders), greater success in breastfeeding, and strengthened family relationships in this transitional season. Click here for 7 great reason to hire a postpartum doula.
What does a Birth Doula do, exactly?
The key phrase is “provide (non-medical) physical & emotional support.” But what in the world does that mean? Here at The Doula’s Daughter that means we will treat you as family. We will be there for you, support you, and encourage you as we would want our daughter’s to be treated. During pregnancy we will meet with you up to 3 times, discussing topics like medical interventions, breathing techniques, relaxation tips, and postpartum 411. We will also walk you through what labor will look like and what you can expect (guide you through unexpected possibilities). During labor we are there, in person, to be hands on support – offering comforting pressure and touch. Giving you verbal support and guiding your partner in ways to support you as well. We are there for you! We are hired by you! And our focus if your emotional and physical wellbeing.
What does Postpartum Doula Care look like?
In the first few (3) months after baby is born there is SO much life change and transition happening in your home. A postpartum main goal is to take care of Mom. This includes processing your birth, breast/bottle feeding support, light meal prep, all newborn care support and education, light sibling care, light errands, or looking after baby so Mom or Dad can get some rest. This also can include talking through parenting decisions, navigating problems that may arise in home, and keeping an eye out for any signs of PMADS.
What is your view of birth?
Birth is a beautiful and natural thing. It is something that women of all the previous generations have done before us. It is very natural and normal part of life. The female body was created with the ability to birth naturally. BUT as we all know, things in every aspect of life, don’t always go according to plan. So while we encourage and coach and support anyone who chooses to have a natural childbirth we are also very grateful for modern medicine. We appreciate the access to it and would never discourage a birthing person to use it, if they felt it was truly needed or wanted. We believe in a natural and evidence based view of birth.
What areas do you serve?
For Birth Doula and Postpartum Doula Support, we serve the greater Western New York Area. This includes, but is not limited to, Akron, Alden, Alexander, Amherst, Attica, Arcade, Batavia, Basom, Buffalo, Chaffee, Cheektowaga, Clarence, Clarence, Center, Corfu, Darien Center, Depew, Elma, East Aurora, Eden, East Amherst, Geneseo, Getzville, Hamburg, Holland, Java, Lancaster, Lockport, Marilla, Medina, Mt. Morris, North Java Orchard Park, Pembroke, Pendleton, Rochester, Varysburg, Warsaw, Wyoming