Class & Workshop FAQ's

When should I take a class?
Anytime after your first trimester. Each class is designed for pregnancy, labor, birthing and the immediate postpartum period. We have options to accommodate almost any situation. That being said, the latest you’d want to schedule to attend a class would be about 36 weeks.
Does my partner need to attend? What if I don't have a partner?
Partners are highly encouraged to attend each and every class as it will make a significant impact on their confidence in supporting you through labor, birth and into postpartum, however, it is not required.

I aim to accommodate by offering weeknight and weekend classes.

No partner? No problem – feel free to bring any other support person such as a family member, friend, doula, etc.

I am planning to utilize medication or have a cesarean. Will this class still benefit me?
YES!! The tools and techniques learned in each class allow you to stay calm and focused prior to receiving any medications and also aids you in making confident decisions if your birthing necessitates a need for medication or medical intervention. The program I utilize is unique in the way that it is also a set of life skills – key techniques that will serve you on your journey into parenthood!
How much do classes cost?
Each class varies

Private childbirth sessions start at $200

Group childbirth sessions at $150

Breastfeeding, Postpartum classes at $75

You can find more details about each class by finding it listed under the ‘classes’ tab above.

Are your classes covered by insurance?
Maybe! You can use FSA/HSA accounts to pay for a class.
I can also provide a receipt to submit for reimbursement upon request.
Call your insurance carrier and ask if your plan covers parent education classes.

Doula Support FAQ's

How many clients do you take on per month?
Up to 3. I have found that in order to provide my clients with the care and attention they deserve, 3 clients per months is my maximum
Will you replace my partner?

Absolutely not! Partners and doulas fill very different roles during labor.

Your partner has intimate knowledge of you – your likes and dislikes, the ways you like to be comforted, things that help you feel better when you’re having a hard time, things that make you laugh, and so much more.

Doulas have intimate knowledge of birth. I have spent many years attending births, invested much time and money into developing my skills, and learning about the latest research and best practices when it comes to supporting parents through pregnancy, birth, and the early postpartum period. Since I am not related to you, there is an extra layer of objectivity that can help us keep a clear head when challenges arise during labor.
Many times partners don’t have much experience with birth (if any), so I can help guide them in knowing what to do to help you get through. Sometimes a doula knows just the thing to help a partner move from anxious hovering to grounded, loving connection during labor. I can act as translators in a way, helping you both to understand (in plain language) what care providers are saying throughout labor. Validating and normalizing things that are happening during labor, helping you to understand what to expect next. 

Having people on your birth team with each of these “skill sets” can be invaluable! That connection you have with your partner plus the knowledge and experience of your doula can be a powerful combination when it comes to helping you through the challenges of labor.

What happens if you have a conflict when I am in labor? Do you have a backup?

I have something even better than a backup! I have a partner who you will have met during our prenatals and build a relationship with before labor. 

However, In the incredibly rare event neither of us can attend your birth, we have partnered with dedicated backups whom have your best interests in mind. I am very particular in who I trust to care for my clients. She will be right there with you offering the same compassionate continuity of care you would expect if I were present.

Do you only attend homebirths or support women who want natural births?

Nope, in fact, I more commonly attend births at local hospitals and births centers. Shocking right! I have found a calling in supporting families who are experiencing births where there may be complicated factors with the mother and/or babies health resulting in the pregnancy and birth being termed high risk. I am honored to support both high and low-risk women birthing in a hospital or birth center environment. 

What is the difference between a Midwife and a Doula?
While Midwives and doulas seem similar since they’re both people who help women through pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Their roles in the childbirth process are actually quite different.

A midwife is a health care provider and a doula is a childbirth coach. 

You might choose to have a midwife instead of an OB for prenatal care and to deliver your baby—midwives can deliver babies in hospitals, birthing centers or even in your home. A Midwife may perform gynecological examinations (Pap smears, pelvic exams, and breast exams), write prescriptions, care for a woman during labor and delivery, perform fetal monitoring, and provide information about contraception.

A doula, on the other hand, doesn’t replace your healthcare practitioner but rather a doula provides physical, emotional, and informational support to an expectant mother before, during, and after childbirth. A doula focuses on your needs, which enables you to have a memorable and empowering experience while giving birth.

How will you work with my healthcare provider and staff?

You know it! I’m a team player. Health care providers, staff, doulas, partner and yourself are all on a team to achieve your birthing goals. 

How do you support us when things don't go as planned?
Birth is extraordinarily unpredictable. This is why I share with you more than just the ‘ideal’. I help you prepare for and understand your options in a variety of circumstances. During our prenatal visits, we will have already discussed what ‘normal’ birth looks like and what birth looks like when things don’t go as planned so you can identify when things are getting ‘off track’ and how to get things back on track or in certain circumstances how to roll with the punches as a confident participant. 
Will you advocate for me?

I do not advocate for my clients. Instead, I equip you with the tools and skills you need to advocate for yourself! I do something even better, I teach you how to advocate for yourself. This is an important skill you will use through the rest of yours and your baby’s life. My role is to support you in facilitating positive communication between yourself, your partner and your medical care team. Reminding you of questions you wanted to ask or requests that otherwise might feel intimidating. 

What if I choose an epidural?

I am here to support you in whatever options you choose. Choosing an epidural does not negate the need for a doula. There are still many ways I can support you physically, emotionally and educationally.

What happens if I need a cesarean?

Whether your cesarean is planned or unplanned there can be fear about the unknown. As your doula, my job is to provide emotional, informational and physical support, REGARDLESS of the type of delivery.  I can help you prepare your gentle cesarean birth plan and go over the variety of options you have during the procedure. I can also help your partner remain calm, help them to understand what to expect during the birthing and newborn process. I will remain with you until you are comfortable and your family is ready for quiet time together.

What organization did you train and certify through?
I am a dually trained doula through DONA International and ProDoula. I hold my current certification through ProDoula. I have also attended many advanced workshops such as Spinning Babies, TENS in Labor, Rebozo Technique Training, Hypnobirthing Doula Training, and more. I hold a childbirth educator certificate through Flourishing Families education, an Apprentice Rebozo Certification, Neonatal Resuscitation Certification, and I am a professional member of ICAN, EVDC and many other local programs benefiting expecting families. My trainings and chosen professional organizations hold me to the highest standards and keep accountability at the forefront of my work.
How long have you been a doula?
Since February of 2015