Here are some frequently asked questions that I tend to receive. If you still have something you’d like to know, feel free to contact me for more details and I will do my best to help you get all the information you need.

 What is a doula?

A doula is a trained professional who supports families through out the perinatal period. New Moon Doula Services has a couple different focuses, primarily Birth and Postpartum, but there are doulas who support families through (in)fertility, miscarriage, stillbirth and abortion.  Doulas provide physical, emotional and informational support to families. They are well informed in both normal physiological needs as well as the more common things families may encounter during their pregnancies, birth and postpartum. Doulas take time to get to know their clients so that they can provide unique, custom tailored support to their clients.

What is a doula not?

A doula is not a medical professional. A doula does not give medical advice, but will facilitate asking the right questions to get the information you need to make informed choices for your family. A doula does not perform any medical tasks - like vaginal exams, listening to the heartbeat or catching babies etc. Doulas do not make any decisions for their clients, but will help you understand your options and fully support you with the path chosen.

What are the benefits of doula support?

There are many studies that show the benefits of doula support. This one from Evidence Based Birth is great!
​
For birth doulas, the studies reflect:

• 31% decrease in the use of Pitocin*

• 28% decrease in the risk of C-section*

• 12% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth*

• 9% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief

• 14% decrease in the risk of newborns being admitted to a special care nursery

• 34% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience*

Most importantly, doulas help normalize the whole pregnancy, birth and postpartum experience. 

Will a doula replace my partner?

A doula will help enhance the experience for all others attending your birth by providing a calm presence and allow everyone to participate to the level of their comfort. The doula is to provide support for your desired birth and this includes all members of your support team. Many partners feel the doula encouraged them to participate more than they would have without a doula, as the doula could show them comfort measures that could work at the various stages of labour that they would never have known otherwise. Doulas are never there to replace your partner. Doulas make it so your partner can concentrate on loving and supporting you, while the doula takes care of everything else.

Are doulas just for home birthers? What if I want to give birth in hospital, have pain medication or am having a c-section?

Doulas support ALL births. Doulas do not have any agenda and offer non-judgemental support. A doula's job is to help you make choices that are right for you - what those choices end up being are not important, so long as they are yours. Doulas are trained to support all kinds of births - at home, in the hospital, with midwives or doctors, medication free or with pain medication, vaginal or caesarean.