Frequently Asked Questions
How does a doula differ from the role of my partner?
A doula does not replace the love and support a husband or birth partner provides during labor. Rather, the doula serves as a resource for both the laboring woman and the birth partner and can help the birth partner participate more fully in the process. The doula makes sure that the partner's needs are met so that he can meet the needs of the laboring mother. By having a doula, he can participate at his own comfort level without having to remember “everything” that he and mom learned in childbirth class. Studies show that fathers also experience fear and tension during the mother's labor. A doula's presence and knowledge can break the fear-tension-pain cycle for the mother and father. Many times fathers worry that they are not doing enough or the right thing. A doula helps him to care for and support his partner by giving suggestions, providing encouragement or giving needed breaks during a long labor.
How can a birth doula help me in labor?
A birth doula draws on her professional training, knowledge and experience to provide emotional support and physical comfort for the laboring mom. We make sure you have the information you need to make informed decisions as they arise in labor. We provide reassurance and perspective to you and your partner, make suggestions for labor progress and help with relaxation, massage, positioning and other techniques for comfort.
What is the difference between a birth doula and a midwife?
A birth doula is trained and experienced in childbirth and provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support only for the couple. Unlike a midwife, we do not perform clinical tasks such as blood pressure, fetal heart checks, vaginal exams and delivery of the baby.
What if I am planning on having an epidural? Do I still need a doula?
Absolutely. Helping to cope with pain is only one small part of the doula's role. A woman with an epidural still has all the same emotions of a laboring woman and will still need emotional and informational support. In addition, a doula is trained and experienced with position changes for women with epidurals to help encourage labor progress and effective pushing.
What kind of training does a doula have?
All of the members of the Palouse Doula Association have been trained and certified through a nationally recognized doula organization. Certification requires a training workshop, required readings, doula experience, and good evaluations from clients, nurses and physicians or midwifes. Please go to www.dona.org for more information.
What will my health care providers say about hiring a doula from the Palouse Doula Association?
The Palouse Doula Association members have an excellent reputation with the nurses and physicians at both Gritman Medical Center and Pullman Regional Hospital. We are the preferred doulas of both hospitals and we continually work towards building communication and rapport with the medical staff. We are experts at helping you communicate with them in a positive way, always keeping your preferences in mind.
Okay, we want to hire a doula. Now what should we do?
You are welcome to contact ViviAnne Fischer at (509) 334-6165 or email us individually (please refer to Meet our Doulas). After speaking with you about your particular needs and depending on when you are due, one of our doulas will contact you about scheduling an interview so you can meet us in person. We strive to connect you with someone with whom you will be compatible. You are welcome to interview as many of us as you wish. If none of us are available, we are happy to refer you to other doulas in the community.
What is a postpartum doula?
A postpartum doula helps mother and family adjust to the arrival of their new baby by offering education, support, and companionship during the postpartum period. A postpartum doula will help with newborn care, light house hold cleaning, meal preparation, and basic family adjustment. A postpartum doula also offers evidence-based information on newborn and infant feeding, emotional and physical care after childbirth, soothing techniques for baby, and coping skills for the new parents.
How long does a postpartum doula provide services?
A postpartum doula will stay as long as each individual family needs to feel secure and adjusted with the arrival of their new baby. A postpartum doula respects the fact that every family adjusts differently and has different needs. A postpartum doula aims to meet those individual needs and usher the family through the adjustment period as efficiently and comfortably as possible.
What role does a postpartum doula have in the feeding of newborns and infants?
A postpartum doula offers evidence based information on both breast-feeding and bottle-feeding. Basic education, assistance, and full support are given for each chosen feeding technique.
When do a postpartum doula’s services begin?
Services begin on each individual mother’s needs. Some mothers prefer the postpartum doula be available for immediate assistance while other mothers prefer some time to settle in at home. Each mother and families needs are respected and supported.