Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What does a birth doula do?
A.A birth doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a mother before, during and shortly after childbirth. Doulas aim to provide families with a satisfying birth experience- no matter how you choose to birth. We support birthing mothers in a variety of setting including home, birth center and hospital births. A doula’s role is not to judge or make decisions, but rather provide options, support and education through a variety of holistic and/or evidence-based techniques.
Q. What are the benefits of hiring a doula?
A. According to evidencebasedbirth.com, Having continuous support during your labor and birth can result in a 25% decrease in cesarean sections (presence of a doula increases that to 39%), an increase in the likelihood of a vaginal birth, a decrease in the rate that pain medications were used, shorter labors, and an increase in satisfaction with birth experience.
Q. what is covered in prenatal appointments?
A. During your prenatal visits with your doula, you will discuss creating a birth plan, breathing techniques, methods for pain relief, what to expect during labor and after birth, and any questions you have about your pregnancy and upcoming birth.
Q. is a doula the same as a midwife?
a.no. a doula is an emotional and physical support during labor. a midwife is a medical professional. doulas and midwives work closely together to ensure a positive birth experience.
Q. What Does a postpartum doula do?
a.Postpartum doulas help ease the transition into motherhood, whether this is your first child or your tenth! In the days, weeks and months following your birth, a postpartum doula can help with emotional support (including birth debriefing) and hands-on practical support. At the Light House birth and wellness collaborative, we also offer meal preparation and placenta encapsulation services. Whether you need a kind ear to listen or someone to hold your baby while you take a warm shower— postpartum doulas do that!
Q. will insurance cover doula services?
A. Currently, only medicaid insurance offers coverage of doula services to residents of erie county. However, Many health plans allow you to use your hsa or fsa to cover the cost of a doula and childbirth education during your pregnancy. contact your insurance directly to see what they cover. please contact us to discuss personalized payment plans.
Q. what does a private yoga session entail?
A. Ashley is a 200 hr ryt and is experienced in personalizing yoga sessions to meet her clients needs. your private session can take place in your home (but if you aren’t comfortable with home sessions, Ashley can make other accommodations). the session can include meditation and/or asana (movement), depending on the need of the individual.
