Birth Doula FAQ: Commonly Asked Questions
We’ve compiled a list of the most commonly asked questions about doulas to help ease some of that worry thinking you’re alone in these thoughts.
Who hires a doula?
We love the diversity of clients that we get to support. Typically people that hire us have a good idea of what they want for their birth, but they have some anxieties about how they will navigate it all. What we want you to know is that we support families in whatever dynamic they come to us in.
Do I need a Doula?
“Need” is a hard term to define and is subjective to each individual. Can a person give birth without a doula? Absolutely. Might a person NEED a doula due to anxiety, lack of other support, desire, etc. Yes. You get to choose what you need in your birth.
Does insurance cover Doula services?
Yes and No. We’re so sorry the answer isn’t a definitive yes! We have had success in clients getting reimbursed for Birth support through their HSA/FSA. At this time, private insurance does not cover Doula services, but we encourage you to call them anyway! Let them know this is a service that is beneficial to you. If you have OHP (depending on which CCO you have) you are able to get Birth Doula services covered. Ask us how!
Can I have a doula at the hospital?
Yes! There was a brief pause on that during COVID, but we’re back. Most of the births that PNW Doulas support are hospital births.
Will a doula support an epidural? Does a doula support a cesarean?
Yes and yes. We support you in whatever your birth looks like.
Does a doula work with surrogates or gestational carriers?
Yes. Doula support can often be negotiated into the surrogacy contract.
What will my Doula do for me?
When you choose to work with Pacific Northwest Doulas for your birth, you’ve chosen the best. You are given not one, but two Doulas to support you throughout the duration of your pregnancy. We do an in depth prenatal at 34-36 weeks to help you hammer out those important details surrounding your birth. Your Doula team provides you with unlimited talk/text/email communication so that you always have a lifeline to check in with. We attend your birth when you’re ready for us to come. Our presence at your birth is whatever you want it to look like. Physical, emotional, and mental support as you work your way through delivery. Your partner or support person gets our support too! We make sure they eat and rest as we know they’re the person that knows you best. After you’ve delivered we come to your home and provide a postpartum follow-up.
What kind of training do you have?
All of our Doulas are trained, certified, and unbiased professionals.
Will your Doulas support the way I want to give birth?
You can trust that when you hire Pacific Northwest Doulas, you are receiving the best support without all of the judgement. We believe in providing unbiased, evidence based support. Whether you decide to birth in a hospital or with a Midwife, we support the entire spectrum of birth from Vaginal to Cesarean and everything in between.
Do you work with doctors/midwives/nurses well?
Our professional relationships with providers in our area is incredibly valuable to us. When we support clients at our local hospitals we are greeted with smiles and, “We’re so glad to see you here!” We respect their scope of practice and their extensive knowledge of birth.
What areas of Oregon do you work in?
We have:
Doulas in Albany, OR
Doulas in Amity, OR
Doulas in Aumsville, OR
Doulas in Aurora, OR
Doulas in Bend, OR
Doulas in Brownsville, OR
Doulas in Coburg, OR
Doulas in Corvallis, OR
Doulas in Creswell, OR
Doulas in Dallas, OR
Doulas in Dayton, OR
Doulas in Dundee, OR
Doulas in Eugene, OR
Doulas in Falls City, OR
Doulas in Florence, OR
Doulas in Grand Ronde, OR
Doulas in Halsey, OR
Doulas in Harrisburg, OR
Doulas in Independence, OR
Doulas in Jefferson, OR
Doulas in Keizer, OR
Doulas in La Pine, OR
Doulas in Lebanon, OR
Doulas in McMinnville, OR
Doulas in Mill City, OR
Doulas in Monmouth, OR
Doulas in Newberg, OR
Doulas in Newport, OR
Doulas in Philomath, OR
Doulas in Rickreall, OR
Doulas in Roseburg, OR
Doulas in Salem, OR
Doulas in Silverton, OR
Doulas in Sisters, OR
Doulas in Springfield, OR
Doulas in Stayton, OR
Doulas in Sublimity, OR
Doulas in Turner, OR
Doulas in Yamhill, OR
These are just a few of the questions we get asked most often! Know that if you have any other questions we are happy to answer them at a complimentary consultation with a Doula team put together specifically for you. We can’t wait to hear from you.