Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Doula?
A doula is a professional trained in childbirth who provides emotional, physical, and educational support to a during labor. A doula’s purpose is to help women have a memorable, and empowering birthing experience.
What are the roles and responsibilities of a Doula?
Doulas “mother the mother” during active labor & immediately after birth by:
Providing emotional support
Using comfort measures such as breathing, relaxation, movement, & positioning
Educating mothers regarding evidenced based birth & choices in childbirth
Advocating for the mother during the birth.
Facilitating communication between the mother, birth partner, & care provide.
Doulas do NOT:
We do not perform clinical tasks such as vaginal exams, fetal heart monitoring, or "delivering" your baby.
We do not give medical advice or diagnose conditions
We do not judge you for decisions that you make regarding your birth choices.
We do not allow our personal feelings or desires to interfere with your choices for your birth.
We do not take over the role of your birth partner.
What are the benefits of having a Doula?
In 2012, Hodnett et al. published an updated Cochrane review on the use of continuous support for women during childbirth.
The review determined when continuous labor support was provided by a doula, women experienced a:
31% decrease in the use of Pitocin
28% decrease in the risk of C-section*
12% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth
9% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief
14% decrease in the risk of newborns being admitted to a special care nursery
34% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience
So what does this mean?
The research indicates having a doula present during labor & birth, statistically improves your chances of a better birth outcome.
Do you offer postpartum support?
Postpartum support is offered for the first few hours after birth as well as a home visit in the days you return home. At this time, extended postpartum doula care is not offered through Sprouting Families, but you can check out www.doualdelphia.com to finda postpartum doula.
If I am planning on having an epidural or a scheduled C-Section can I still use a doula?
Absolutely! Doulas are trained to support ALL types of births! We can discuss specific questions about epidurals and how a Doula can support during C-Sections during a consultation.
Does a Doula take the place of the birth partner?
Nope! Doulas are three to provide their professional expertise to help your partner's involvement in the birthing process and provide additional support!
The hospital where I am giving birth offers a birth class. Why should I take a private birth education class?
Hospital sponsored birth courses typically teach mothers about hospital protocols and how to be a good patient. They may not educate you on all of your birthing options, breastfeeding, or newborn care. Birthing classes through Sprouting Families provide parents with more holistic preparation for birth; providing you with objective, evidenced based information regarding birth practices & choices in child birth as well as addressing the emotional aspect of birth & postpartum period. Birth classes are tailored to the individual to help you feel prepared and empowered during YOUR birth experience.
When should I sign up for a birth class?
It's never too early to prepare for your birth! Taking an early birth classes leaves you time to practice comfort measures with your partner, emotionally prepare for your birth, decide which interventions you want or don't want, re-evaluate care providers and how you want to birth.