Frequently Asked Questions

What is a doula?  

A doula is a non-medical, birth professional, who creates a safe space for birthing people and their loved ones.  A doula provides physical, emotional, and informational support throughout the pregnancy, birth, and early postpartum period.  

Who needs a doula?  Is this just another trend?? 

Doulas provide support for all types of expectant parents, if you're giving birth, adopting, or using surrogacy, whether it's your first baby or your fifth!  Doula care can begin during fertility and continue through the first months after your baby is born. 

Doula care is not a luxury.  No matter what path to parenthood you are on, you deserve to be supported through this transition!  (If you currently live in Colorado and can't afford a doula visit www.accessiblebirthconnection.com to connect with a sliding scale doula today!)  

Still not sure?  Trust the research.  Studies show the presence of a doula at birth can: 

• Shorten labor length by 25%

• Reduce cesareans by 50%

• Reduce epidural requests by 60%

• Reduce Pitocin use by 40%

• Decrease instrumental deliveries

• Increase satisfaction of overall birth experience

 Find out more about the research regarding the benefits of doula care here.  

What is a "Birth Vision"?

Also known as a Birth Plan, a Birth Vision is a written tool that communicates your priorities, preferences, and goals -before, during, and after you give birth. 

Creating a birth plan often becomes an opportunity for soon to be parents to approach topics they haven't thought about before.  They can research and discuss choices ahead of time for any issues or tough situations that could occur.  They should include any fears or concerns they have about the birth process.  It is important to discuss this plan with your care provider, to ensure these options are available and that they are willing to accommodate your wishes.  

Because birth is truly impossible to plan, creating your own Birth Vision helps you have more control of your birth experience, -no matter what direction it may go.  

Download your FREE Birth Vision Template     

Won't my partner feel left out?

The role of a doula is NEVER to take the place of your partner during labor.  I love working with partners and approach our time as a collaborative experience.  

During birth there’s pressure on your partner to communicate with family, take all the photos, remember everything they've learned in childbirth education classes (from months ago!) - and possibly feeling like they can’t leave the room.  Doulas complement your partner’s participation and give them the opportunity to grab a snack or take a little break.  

Doulas encourage partners to provide support emotionally and through physical comfort measures.  Doulas allow the partner to have an active role and still enjoy themselves.  

What else do doula's do? 

After birth, a doula's support is known to:

• Reduce Postpartum depression and other perinatal mood disorders

• Improve chest/breastfeeding

• Improve bonding with baby and parent