FAQs

Birth Support

What is the role of a doula?
  • A doula is a trained (and often certified) professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support and advocacy to new parents before, during, and after childbirth to help them achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible.

When should I hire a doula?
  • It's best to hire a doula (whether for birth or postpartum services) early in your pregnancy, ideally by the second trimester, to ensure availability and allow ample time for building a relationship and preparing for birth. However, if you're past this point and still wondering about a doula, it's never too late to hire one!

How do I choose the right doula for me?
  • It's so important to really feel comfortable with your support systems, and especially your doula. Choosing a doula involves considering factors that are important to you, such as personality, experience, certification, and your comfort level with them. It's important to schedule several consultations with a variety of doulas to determine a genuine connection.

How do you support partners during the birth process?
  • I involve partners by providing guidance on how they can support the birthing person, offering them breaks when needed, and helping them feel confident and as included in the process as they wish to be.

Will you attend a home birth or a hospital birth?
  • I attend hospital births, birth center births, and home births as long as a medical professional is present. I do not attend freebirths.

What if I have a scheduled c-section?
  • I provide support during scheduled c-sections by helping you prepare beforehand, offering emotional support during the procedure (if possible), and assisting with recovery and newborn care afterward.

Are your services covered by insurance?
  • Some insurance plans may cover doula services. I provide receipts for you to submit for reimbursement, and I can help you navigate the process. I am also in the process of signing up to be able to accept Medi-Cal (ask me for more information).

Postpartum Support

What is the difference between birth support and postpartum support?
  • Birth support includes physical & emotional support and adovcacy for pregnant persons during pregnancy, labor and delivery, where as postpartum support mainly focuses on support for the birthing person, their partner, and their new baby after the baby is born. They help with newborn care, nursing/lactation support, and adjusting to life with a new baby.

What does a typical schedule look like with a postpartum doula?
  • Depending on your preference and needs, I would arrive for a daytime shift of 3-5 hours or an overnight shift between 4-8 hours. I can help with a variety of tasks ranging from assisting with feedings, caring for the newborn so that you can get a shower, picking up groceries or prescriptions, light housework. Really anything that will help you rock this transition into parenthood.

What can I expect from your postpartum doula services?
  • My postpartum services include support with nursing/lactation, newborn care, light housekeeping, meal preparation, and emotional support to help you transition into parenthood.

How long do postpartum doula services usually last?
  • Services can be tailored to your needs, typically ranging from a few weeks to a few months after birth, with visits lasting anywhere from a few hours to overnight support.

What resources do you provide to your clients?
  • I provide clients with access to childbirth education materials, lactation resources, and a list of local support groups and professionals within the birth/postpartum community.

Can you help with lactation support?
  • Yes, I provide lactation support and education, helping with latch techniques, positions, and addressing any concerns or challenges. I can also help with basic pumping information, getting on a pumping schedule, and how to most effectively remove milk.

Sleep Coaching Support

What is a sleep consultant?
  • A sleep consultant is a trained and often certified professional who specializes in helping families develop healthy sleep habits for their infants and toddlers through personalized sleep plans and support.

Why should I hire a sleep consultant?
  • Hiring a sleep consultant can help resolve sleep challenges, establish consistent sleep routines, and improve the overall sleep quality for both the child and the family, leading to better health and mental & physical well-being.

What age range do you work with?
  • I specialize in infant sleep (3-12 months) and can help establish healthy sleep habits & routines for newborns.

What are some common sleep issues you address?
  • Common sleep issues include difficulty falling asleep, frequent night wakings, short naps, early morning wake-ups, and transitioning from co-sleeping (or bed-sharing) to independent sleep.

Do you sleep train?
  • I focus on establishing healthy sleep hygiene and helping little ones learn to fall asleep independently. While “sleep training” can sometimes have a negative connotation, it’s simply about fostering better sleep habits that support your child's growth and development. My approach includes a variety of sleep training methods tailored to fit your family’s unique needs and parenting style. I prioritize a gentle, supportive strategy to ensure that you and your child feel comfortable and confident throughout the process. If you have any questions or need more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

How long does it take to see results?
  • The time it takes to see results can vary, but many families notice significant improvements in their child's sleep within 1-2 weeks of consistency implementing their customized sleep plan.

Why should I hire you?

I am the right doula for you if you are looking for someone who is in your court, who is on your team, and who genuinely wants the best experience for you - based on YOU and what you want. This is your journey, you make 100% of the calls, I will not attempt to influence your decision whatsoever. I want you to have the best possible birth story, to feel empowered in all of your decisions, even when things are out of your control. I want you to feel seen and heard during your journey into parenthood. I want to support you, so you know you're not alone. I do not judge you; I am here for you.

My personal & professional experiences include:

  • High-risk pregnancies/births
  • IVF pregnancies/births
  • Gestational diabetes
  • Gestational hypertension/Preeclampsia
  • Advanced maternal age
  • Perinatal/postpartum mood disorders
  • Plus-size/higher BMI pregnancies
  • Unmedicated and medicated births
  • Hospital births
  • Newborn sleep support
  • Infant sleep

Anything I missed?