Question 1

What is a doula?

Accepted Answer

A doula is a trained, non-medical support person who provides emotional, physical, and informational support during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. My role is to help you feel informed and confident in your choices, while creating a calm and supportive space around you.

Question 2

What is a midwife?

Accepted Answer

Midwives are medical providers responsible for the (clinical) care of you and your baby. For example they perform vaginal exams, blood draws, administer IV fluids etc. As a doula, I do not provide medical care. Instead, I focus on continuous support, helping you understand your options, giving you practical tips and hand-on comfort measures. Even though I am a trained midwife, I will be exclusively working within the scope of a doula.

Question 3

Do I still need a doula if I already have a partner?

Accepted Answer

Your partner is the most powerful and important support person of all! 
I would still recommend using a doula, to support not just you but also your partner. Often partners find that having a doula actually allows them to be more present. This might look like taking turns in giving counter pressure or hip-squeezes or simply in reminding your partner to stay hydrated and fed throughout a long labor.

Question 4

Do you support all types of births?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I support hospital births, birth center births, and home births with a licensed provider. Whether you’re planning to give birth unmedicated, with an epidural, or via cesarean, my role is to support your choices.

Question 5

When do you join during my labor?

Accepted Answer

We stay in close contact as labor begins, and I’ll join you whenever it feels right for you.
In most cases, I arrive in person during active labor, though this can vary depending on your needs, your birth plan, and your provider’s recommendations. Early labor can sometimes be long, and many families find it more helpful to have virtual support during this phase, preserving energy for the more active stages of labor and birth. As things progress, most clients naturally feel when they’re ready for in-person support, and I encourage you to reach out at that point.

Question 6

What if I have an induction or a long labor?

Accepted Answer

For inductions, I usually join once active labor is established rather than at the very beginning. If labor becomes unusually long and requires extended in-person support, we’ll discuss options together so you continue to feel supported. In rare cases of very long labors, it's an option to call one of my trusted backup doulas to make sure you are well taken care at all times.

Question 7

What happens if you can’t make it to my birth?

Accepted Answer

In the rare case that I’m unavailable due to illness or another birth, I will arrange a trusted backup doula who aligns with my approach and values whenever possible.

Question 8

Do you offer postpartum doula care?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Postpartum doula care is a great way to help you adjust to life with your baby. This can include newborn care guidance, feeding support, emotional processing, and light household help so you can prioritize rest and recovery. I also enjoy creating simple games to keep siblings busy for a little bit.

Question 9

What does postpartum doula support actually look like?

Accepted Answer

Every visit is tailored to your needs, which can vary even day by day. We check in at the beginning of the visit to see if there are specific questions or goals for the day. I might help you settle in with your baby, answer questions, prepare a simple meal, fold laundry, or simply hold space while you talk through your birth experience. I also love interacting with babys' siblings if time allows and involve them into the care.

Question 10

Do you offer doula support in German?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I work with both English- and German-speaking families. For many clients, being able to communicate in their native language during such an intimate time brings them a sense of ease and clarity.

Question 11

What is a doulas role during birth? What comfort measures can be used?

Accepted Answer

I support you in understanding your options and expressing your preferences, but I don’t speak to medical staff on your behalf. During labor, I offer a range of comfort measures to help ease discomfort and support progress, such as massages, positioning, acupressure, rebozo techniques, and aromatherapy. A TENS unit is also available for you to borrow if you’d like additional pain relief.

Question 12

Is doula support only for first-time parents?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. Many families choose doula support for subsequent births as well, especially when they want a different or more supported experience than before. During home births doulas also sometimes take care of siblings.

Question 13

When should I expect you to arrive for home visits?

Accepted Answer

I schedule visits within an arrival window rather than a fixed time. This allows me to stay fully present with each family, without needing to rush through a feeding, a moment of reassurance and also to account for traffic. You can expect me to arrive within the agreed-upon window, and I’ll always keep you updated if anything shifts. If you prefer a specific arrival time, I’m happy to build in additional buffer when possible.

Personalized Doula Support For Pregnancy, Birth & Postpartum

Feel held, prepared and empowered in your choices with thoughtful, evidence-based doula care in Seattle.

Your Holistic Doula in Seattle

Babies need their womb cocoon — new parents do too.

Frequently asked questions