Question 1

What is a doula?

Accepted Answer

A doula is a non-medical provider, who gives continuous emotional, physical, and informational support before, during, and after birth.

A doula is hired in addition to your main provider (Doctor or Midwife) Your doula is your go to resource for questions and guidance. So many mothers feel like they are shooting in the dark with childbirth education, finding a provider they love, and navigating complications. A doula is a great step in the right direction if you want to feel on top of your pregnancy and birth.

Having a doula has been shown to improve birth outcomes, reduce unnecessary interventions, and help you and your partner remain calm, informed, and confident as you navigate your birth.

Question 2

How will you work with my partner?

Accepted Answer

My goal is to support both of you. A huge part of my job is to strengthen your connection, not replace it. I help your partner feel confident in how to support you physically and emotionally. Your partner knows you in and out. I know birth! Together, we make a strong support team. I do my best to give couples plenty of space to relax and let labor flow.

Question 3

How do doulas collaborate with medical staff?

Accepted Answer

Doulas work alongside medical staff to ensure the mother's preferences are respected. Doulas do not perform medical tasks but advocate for your wishes, provide information to help make informed decisions, and support clear communication between the family and medical team.

Question 4

Do doulas make birth safer?

Accepted Answer

It is evidence based that having a doula on your birth team can significantly improve birth outcomes. Having a doula can:

Reduce Cesarean rates by up to 28%
Significantly reduce the use of Pitocin and other interventions
Shorten time in labor by approximately 25%
Increase the chance of a spontaneous vaginal birth
Improve birth satisfaction and reduce risk of postpartum anxiety or depression
Improve parental bond with baby
Significantly improve breastfeeding outcomes

These outcomes are backed by extensive research including the Cochrane Review, and show that continuous support from a doula is one of the most effective, low-risk ways to improve birth experiences.

Question 5

What is the role of a doula in postpartum care?

Accepted Answer

In postpartum care, doulas assist with breastfeeding, newborn care, and emotional support for the new parents. They help with recovery, provide resources for parenting, and offer guidance on adjusting to life with a new baby. Doulas can also help identify signs of postpartum depression and connect parents with appropriate support. Let's set you up with an amazing support system and education for a fantastic postpartum and breastfeeding journey. With Her KC provides one included postpartum visit, along with virtual support. More visits can be included at an hourly rate.

Question 6

Where in KC do you serve?

Accepted Answer

I am happy to serve within approximately a 1-hour radius from the Grandview triangle in Missouri.

Question 7

Home, Hospital, or Birth Center?

Accepted Answer

I am joyful to serve mothers in home, hospital, and birth center settings throughout the Kansas City area—within approximately a 1-hour radius from South KCMO. Wherever you choose to give birth, I’m there to help you feel safe, respected, and empowered. I specialize in natural hospital birth, and home birth.

Question 8

When will my doula get to my birth?

Accepted Answer

I typically join you in active labor, when contractions are becoming stronger and more regular. We’ll stay in close contact during early labor via phone or text for virtual support until I am needed physically. From the time you give me a call needing me in person, to the time I am by your side, allow up to 2 hours- most of the time much less.

Question 9

Why can't my mom/husband/friend be my doula?

Accepted Answer

While loving support from family and friends is incredibly valuable, the role of a Certified Doula is unique and cannot be fully replaced. As a professional doula, I bring extensive knowledge of birth physiology, comfort techniques, advocacy, training in how to handle rough providers, and physical/emotional support tailored to each stage of labor. Unlike loved ones, I’m focused solely on you without emotional overwhelm or distractions—providing calm, steady guidance to you and your family no matter how your birth unfolds.

Frequently asked questions