Question 1

What is a doula and how can they help during labor?

Accepted Answer

A doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support before, during, and after childbirth. They help guide you 		through the stages of labor, offering comfort measures, breathing techniques, and encouragement. Whether you choose to give birth with or without an epidural, a 		doula can support you in your birth plan.

Question 2

Do I need a doula if I'm planning to have an epidural?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! A doula can still provide valuable support during an epidural birth. While an epidural can help manage pain, it doesn't eliminate the need for emotional support, physical comfort, or advocacy. Your doula will help you with relaxation techniques, positioning, and communication with your birth team to ensure the experience aligns with your wishes.

Question 3

Can a doula help if I am planning a home birth or a hospital birth?

Accepted Answer

Yes, doulas are experienced in both home births and hospital births. Whether you're planning a natural birth or one with medical interventions like an epidural, a doula can be there to support you in your decisions and help create a positive birth experience. They can also help you navigate hospital policies or ensure that your birth preferences are respected.

Question 4

How does a doula support me if I decide on a Cesarean section?

Accepted Answer

A doula's support extends to cesarean births as well. If you need a C-section, your doula can help you feel calm and informed, provide physical comfort before and after surgery, and offer emotional support. They can also advocate for you and your partner, ensuring that your birth preferences are respected when possible.

Question 5

What is the difference between a doula and a midwife?

Accepted Answer

While both doulas and midwives play important roles in childbirth, their responsibilities differ. A midwife is a healthcare professional who provides medical care and delivers the baby, while a doula focuses on non-medical support, offering emotional, physical, and informational assistance during labor. Doulas complement the care provided by midwives, OBs, or other birth professionals.

Question 6

Do doulas provide medical advice or deliver babies?

Accepted Answer

No, doulas do not provide medical care or deliver babies. Doulas offer emotional support, comfort measures, and guidance during labor, but they work alongside your healthcare provider to ensure your needs are met. They help with positioning, pain relief techniques (such as massage or breathing exercises), and preparing you for the birth process.

Question 7

Can a doula assist with postpartum recovery?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Many doulas offer postpartum support, which includes helping you adjust to life with your newborn, providing breastfeeding guidance, offering emotional 			support, and assisting with household tasks. This can help ease the transition into parenthood and support your well-being after childbirth. As a part of the Medi-		Cal Doula benefit, patients can have postpartum support until their baby turns one.

Question 8

What is the Medi-Cal Doula Benefit?

Accepted Answer

“The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) added doula services as a covered benefit on January 1, 2023. Doula services are available in fee-for-service and through managed care plans (MCPs). Services include personal support to individuals and families throughout pregnancy and one year postpartum. This includes emotional and physical support provided during pregnancy, labor, birth, and the postpartum period, as well as support for and after miscarriage and abortion.”

Learn more HERE.

Question 9

How can a doula help with pain management during labor?

Accepted Answer

A doula offers a range of pain management techniques, from breathing exercises to relaxation techniques and massage. Even if you plan to have an epidural, a doula can help you stay comfortable during early labor and support you through the physical and emotional aspects of the experience.

Question 10

What if I change my mind about my birth plan during labor?

Accepted Answer

Your doula is there to support you no matter what decisions you make during labor. If you decide to change your birth plan—whether that means opting for an epidural, choosing a different birthing position, or requesting a cesarean—your doula will assist in making you feel empowered and informed about your choices.

Question 11

How early should I hire a doula?

Accepted Answer

Anytime! However, it’s best to hire a doula early in your pregnancy, ideally during your second trimester. I generally start meeting patients at week 20. This allows your doula to get to know you, understand your birth preferences, your support person and help you plan for a positive birth experience.

Question 12

Can a doula help with a birth after a previous traumatic experience?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a doula can be incredibly helpful if you’ve had a previous difficult or traumatic birth experience. They can provide a safe space for you to express your concerns, help you prepare for a more positive birth, and offer support in processing any emotional challenges.

Question 13

How much does a doula cost and what does it include?

Accepted Answer

Doula services are covered for free if you have Medi-Cal. If you do not have Medi-Cal, I work with patients to find a payment plan that is best for all parties.

Question 14

What insurances do you accept?

Accepted Answer

Medi-Cal including IEHP, Molina, Kaiser, Healthnet.
Healthnet PPO and all Kaiser

FAQ

Frequently asked questions