When I meet with clients some have a handful of questions to ask and others aren’t sure what they should ask. I’ve come up with 10 common questions for the Greenville doula:
1. Why did you become a doula?
Answer: I looked into becoming a doula almost 7 years ago, but the timing wasn’t right. During this time I started my journey into fertility and prenatal massage. It wasn’t until after I had my own children that I decided it was time to pursue some type of doula training. While sitting through the training, I knew this was the right profession for me. The main reason why I became a doula was because it’s in my nature to take care of people. From the prenatal visit to labor, I get to take care of you! I also believe that your baby’s birth is the most important day of their lives and yours as well. You will remember this day for the rest of your life and that is why I want you to feel empowered to make choices that allow you to have the birth you have envisioned for your baby.
2. Where do you typically work?
Answer: I work at hospitals, birth centers and home births.
3. When will you arrive at my place of birth?
Answer: Different clients have different needs. Since I’m a mom of two, I ask that my clients give me at least 1 or 2 hours notice before they need me. This is so I can secure child care for them. For the most part I meet my clients at their homes and help them there. Some clients like that I am there at the beginning of labor and some I have met at the hospital. We will create a flexible plan, since birth can be unpredictable, and then go from there. I will never leave you hanging.
4. Do you have a back-up doula?
Answer: Yes! I do have a partner who is my back-up doula. In case of an emergency, my back-up doula will take my place if I absolutely cannot make it to your birth. She’s wonderful and I think you will like her! She’ll be happy to meet with you or to chat with you on the phone before your “due month” arrives.
5. Do you have a birth philosophy?
Answer: I don’t. I do my absolute best to give you as much information as possible, so that you can make informed decision. I don’t believe in cookie-cutter births. Everyone is free to make their own choices and I am there to support whatever you decide.
6. My husband is still unsure whether or not we should have a doula. Will you be taking his place?
Answer: Absolutely not. I think your husband will be surprised that I will be taking care of him as well. I make sure the husbands are well nourished and during longer births, that they get rest. We will be working together as a team to make you as comfortable as possible. I will give you guys space when needed and will be there if he needs to step away for a little bit. Dads and doulas work really well together. I haven’t met a dad who regretted hiring me or felt like I was overshadowing them.
7. Do you have any information on where I can find about nutrition, a photographer, child birth classes or placenta encapsulation?
Answer: I sure do!! As my client you get a wonderful resource list with any type of service you might need during your pregnancy or after baby comes.
8. Can you help me with a birth plan?
Answer: I would love to! I highly recommend that you keep your birth plan simple. I have some great resources to help you in this area.
9. How long will you stay with my after the baby arrives?
Answer: I’ve found that my clients are doing great after about 1 or 2 hours after birth and I leave them to get some rest. I have stayed with some couples a little longer, but that is situational. I will not leave you until you are happy and ready to relax.
10. Do we have to live a certain lifestyle to hire a doula?
Answer: No, silly! I have clients from all walks of life and I accept them as they are. However, I cannot guarantee that my passion for natural living will not influence you to make some positive changes! Don’t worry, there’s no koolaid involved. I’ve found that my clients leave our visits a little more informed about natural living than they expected and I haven’t received any negative feedback. I respect any choices that you make for your family. Nobody has actually asked me this question, but I do think that there are people out there who think only “hippies” hire doulas. That isn’t true at all.
I hope this helps you to learn a little more about me as a doula. I’m happy to answer any other questions that you may have.
I hope all is well in your world!
