FAQ'S
What is a doula?
The word "doula" comes from ancient greek and is now used to refer to a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother (and partner) before, during and just after childbirth. Postpartum doula's provide support during the postpartum period.
Why should I have a doula?
Studies have shown that when doulas attend births, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily. A doula understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor, provides an objective viewpoint, facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and clinical care providers and protects the woman's memory of the birth experience.
What is the difference between a doula and a midwife?
Midwives are medically trained,licensed healthcare providers of clinical care for pregnant woman and their babies. Doulas have no medical responsibilites but are trained to provide emotional support, physical comfort measures and informational resources for woman in labor.
Why have a doula when my partner/loved ones will be at the birth? We want our labor and birth to be private, intimate experience.
Your doula is not there to replace your loved ones, who love you and know you better than anyone. For couples who want privacy and intimacy sometimes a doula is the best way to ensure this. Research has shown that when doulas are present there are fewer interruptions by medical staff and more involment by the partner. A doula will also provide moral support for your loved ones, after all,it's an emotional experience for them too!
I want an epidural as soon as I get to the hospital, how can a doula help me?
Sometimes after her epidural is placed, the nurses and woman's support team take a break. Your doula stays by your side, keeping you connected and helping you cope with any side effects. Even when the pain of labor is lessened, there are still emotional and informational needs that your doula can meet.
Are Doula's covered by MSP?
Answer- Doula's are not covered under MSP, however it is worth it to check with your benefits program to see if they will cover the cost of a doula. It has been suggested that having a doula results in less interventions and better outcomes at birth thus possibly saving your insurance company money! Some people have a flexible spending account with their insurance programs and it is possible they might cover doula services.
PS I have heard through a good source that it is possibly in the works to have doula services covered by MSP!!! Keep you fingers crossed!