FAQs

What is a Childbirth Doula?

According to the National Black Doula Association, “a childbirth doula is a person experienced in childbirth who provides advice, information, emotional support, and physical comfort to a mother before, during, and immediately after childbirth.” Here at Innate Expressions Holistic Doula Services, we ensure that allowing us to serve you during your pregnancy and childbirth can provide an experience in which you are empowered to advocate for best birth outcomes for your family. We are committed to nurturing and guiding you through the beautiful expression of your unique, innate birthing capabilities.

Does a doula deliver babies in the event the midwife or doctor is not present?

No, doula are not trained to catch your baby. In the event of a home birth, in which the medical professional has not arrived, it would be the responsibility of the birthing person or their partner to catch the baby.

Does Innate Expressions Holistic Doula Services offer payment plans?

Yes, we offer the ability to pay in full at the time of contract signing, or a payment plan (20% Deposit and two final installments).

  • All payment plans require a 20% deposit (of the total package price) and 2 installments for the remaining package balance.

  • Please note deposits are non-refundable.

  • All final payments are due 45 days (34 weeks gestation) before your estimated due date.

  • Payment plans are available for any services and packages valued over $250.

Does Innate Expressions Holistic Doula Service accept Health Insurance?

At this time, we do not direct process any billing through insurance providers. While we do not directly work with any insurance provided we encourage all of our client to research and seek reimbursement from their service provider. Please review our payment plan options.

Are there any procedures/decisions my doula can perform/make for me, if I am not comfortable with my birthing staff?

No, your doula cannot make any decisions on your behalf, perform temperature checks, cervical checks, diagnosis or prescribe medications for you. However, your doula WILL ensure the necessary procedures are occurring according to your birth preferences, by EMPOWERING you and/or your partner to communicate your birth plan with your birth team. Your doula CAN advise you to switch providers if you are not comfortable with the care you are receiving.

What is a Postpartum Doula?

According to the National Black Doula Association, “ a postpartum doula provides evidence-based information on infant feeding, emotional and physical recovery from birth, mother-baby bonding, infant soothing, and basic newborn care. A postpartum doula is there to help a new family in those first few days and weeks after bringing home a new baby.” Here at Innate Expressions Holistic Doula Services, we ensure that allowing us to serve you during your postpartum period, will empower you to ask for help, create a feasible system of continuous self-care, and adjust to the new bundle of joy in your life. We are committed to nurturing and guiding you through the beautiful expression of your unique, innate wisdom throughout the postpartum period.

Why should I hire a doula?

A doula is knowledgeable in current birthing practices, interventions, and procedures. Your doula ensures that your wishes are being honored by your team of doctors, nurses, and midwives. A doula can help you navigate the plethora of options and decisions available during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Your medical staff has been tasked to make sure your baby gets here safely and your doula will make sure you get through birth safely. Research shows (Bohren et al) with the use of a doula, C-section risk decreases by 39%, labors are shortened by 41 minutes on average, a 38% decrease in low APGAR scores for baby, and a 31% decrease in birth experience dissatisfaction. In addition, your Doula will be a great resource as you navigate through this amazing journey.

When is the best time to hire a doula?

Due to client limits per month, it is best to retain your doula as soon as possible. Some families secure their doula within the first trimester, others the second, and some realize they need a doula during the 3rd trimester. It’s never too late to have a doula, as they are a vital member of your birth team.

If I have a C-section, can I still benefit from having a doula?

Absolutely, a doula can still serve as a guide to the ins and outs of the c-section operation. Your doula will be on hand to assist you with breastfeeding and bonding. Be sure to ask your provider, if your doula is allowed into the operating room with you. In the event she is not, she will be there waiting for you immediately after.

What do I do if my doula is attending another birth at the time I go into labor?

Innate Expressions Holistic Doula Services has partnerships with trusted birthing professionals. You will be given the contact information for a doula within that network of partnerships. That doula will attend you until your Innate Expressions doula arrives.

What are the best ways to contact my doula?

Your doula can be reached via phone, video chat, social media and email.

Any other specific questions feel free to contact us!