Certified High-Risk Doula, strengthening your care team with evidence-based, heart-centered support for high-risk pregnancy and loss.

FAQ'S

Here you’ll find answers to the questions families ask most often about doula care, postpartum support, and bereavement services. Every journey looks different, so these FAQs are here to help guide you with clarity and compassion.

1. What does a doula do?

A doula provides emotional, physical, and informational support during pregnancy, postpartum, and in times of loss. I walk alongside families to help them feel supported, informed, and cared for every step of the way.

2. How can a doula help me?

A doula helps by providing consistent support, evidence-based information, and a calming presence during pregnancy, postpartum, or in times of loss.

From creating a birth plan to navigating the NICU, adjusting to life with a newborn, or honoring a loss, I walk beside you so you never feel alone.

3. Do doulas replace my spouse or partner?

Not at all. A doula supports both you and your partner. My role is to enhance the care your partner provides by offering guidance, reassurance, and hands-on support, so they feel more confident and included in the journey.

4. How does a doula differ from a midwife?

A doula provides emotional, physical, and informational support, while a midwife is a medical professional who manages your clinical care, monitors your health, and delivers your baby. We work alongside midwives, OBs, and nurses to ensure you feel supported in every way.

5. What types of support do you offer?

High Risk Pregnancy Support – education, appointment preparation, monitoring red flags, and coordination with your care team so you feel informed and supported throughout your pregnancy.

Postpartum Support – newborn care guidance, lactation and feeding education, light housework, meal prep, sibling support, and gentle overnight care to help you rest and recover.

Bereavement Support – compassionate, trauma-informed support through miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss, along with continued postpartum healing guidance and connection to resources.

NICU Support – emotional and practical support for families navigating the NICU, including pumping and feeding education, communication guidance, and help bridging home and hospital needs.

6. If I use a doula, does this mean I have to have a home birth?

No. Doulas support families in all birth settings; hospital, birth center, or home. My role is not to replace medical providers, but to provide continuous support wherever you choose to deliver.

7. Do you attend births?

Yes. While my main focus is postpartum and bereavement doula care, I do attend births for the clients I support. Many families I serve are navigating high risk pregnancies, but you do not need a high risk diagnosis to receive birth support. Some pregnancies begin as low risk and later develop complications, and I am honored to provide steady, compassionate support in those moments.

I attend births in situations such as high risk pregnancies, multiples, VBAC, planned cesarean, adolescent pregnancies, and when referred by an OB GYN. I also provide birth plan consultations to help you prepare for labor and delivery with clarity and confidence.

8. Do you limit the number of clients you take?

Yes. To give each family the attention they deserve, I limit the number of clients I work with at one time. In rare cases, if I am unavailable, I may refer or connect you with a trusted backup doula.

9. How soon should I book a doula?

The earlier, the better, especially for high-risk or complex pregnancies. This allows us time to build trust, create a plan, and ensure you have the support you need. However, I welcome families at any stage, even last minute.

10. Can you help if my baby is in the NICU or I experienced a loss?

Absolutely. My care extends to families navigating the NICU, and I provide lactation support even if baby remains in the hospital or was delivered sleeping.

For families experiencing loss, I offer specialized bereavement support to help you honor and navigate this difficult time.

11. What happens if I have a late-night need?

I offer overnight postpartum care, and I remain accessible to clients within the boundaries of our agreed-upon plan. Sleep and recovery during the first 40 days are vital, and I tailor support to your family’s vision.

12. How long can I receive care during postpartum?

Postpartum care is flexible and tailored to your needs. Some families need just a few visits, while others prefer ongoing support for weeks or even months. Care can include daytime or overnight visits, newborn care tips, sibling support, light housework, and meal prep, all guided by your family’s vision of recovery.

13. What are your credentials?

I am a certified Full Spectrum Doula with additional training in:

  • MEGI Health High Risk Doula Certification

  • Bereavement and Loss Doula Training

  • Trauma Informed Care

  • Safe Sleep Ambassador (3 years)

  • Perinatal Community Health Worker (3 years, FQHC setting)

  • NICU Doula Certification (in progress)

  • Pregnancy and Infant Loss (PAIL) Certification (in progress)

14. Do you take insurance?

Some commercial insurance plans and Medicaid programs do cover doula services. I encourage you to check with your insurance provider and can help you navigate this task.

I also offer guidance on how to ask your insurance about coverage. If you are not covered, we can discuss flexible payment options.

15. Can I use my HSA/FSA account to pay for doula services?

Yes, many families are able to use Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for doula services. I can provide detailed invoices or documentation if your plan requires it.

16. How do I get started?

Simply complete my contact form or reach out directly. I’ll schedule a consultation where we’ll discuss your needs and how I can best support you and your family.

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