Frequently Asked Questions

What is a doula?

A doula is a health professional who has been trained to guide people through transitions of life. There are doulas specializing in birth, death, gender transitions, and more. Many doulas use the title “coach” or “guide” instead of “doula”. Read more about birth doulas in my blog, What Do Birth Doulas Do?.

Can my birth doula enter the hospital during COVID?

Doulas are essential birth workers! Depending on the severity of virus spread, birth doulas have been able to enter hospitals during COVID with the correct forms and credentials. Check out my post Birth Support During A Pandemic to get more information.

I already have a doctor / midwife. Should I hire a birth doula?

Yes! A Cochrane review found that having a birth doula has proven to lower emergency intervention during labor and increase healthier birth outcomes for both the parent and their baby. Birth doulas are a huge part the birth team. We do not replace the care you get from your doctor or midwife, midwife’s assistant or nurse. We work alongside your care-provider to enhance your birthing experience positively. Birth doulas use knowledge, experience, and training to support their clients.

My spouse / parent / sibling / friend will be at the birth. Should I still have a birth doula?

Similar to the statement above, birth doulas have the knowledge, experience, and training to support their clients. Your spouse, parent, sibling, or friend may be a good support person, but they are not trained birth professionals. Birth doulas are trained to recognize vital signs of distress, are ready for emergency scenarios, and provide information about birthing that an emotional support person may not know.

Golden Moon Births also encourages support people to join at least one prenatal meeting to learn how to help with labor management, postpartum care, and other important techniques. This allows the support person to bond with their loved one while the birth doula guides them both.

What if I need to cancel my services?

Sometimes, circumstances change and services are no longer required. For these situations, Golden Moon Births is committed to supporting the clients needs. Most of the payment will be returned to the client, depending on how much of the service contract has been fulfilled.

Is there a payment plan?

Yes, payment plans are available upon request. All birth service payments are due in total before the estimated due date, and other service payments are due before the time of service. If a payment plan is used, a small convenience fee will be added to the calculated total and discussed during the consultation before contracts are signed.

What if I can’t afford payment?

There are occasionally scholarships available! Qualifying clients could receive partial or full scholarships towards specific services. During our complimentary consultation, we will discuss payment options that fit your needs.

What Happens in the First Hours Post-Birth?

What to Expect Immediately Postpartum The most common complaint I hear from new postpartum clients who did not have a birth doula is this: "I thought I was prepared for birth, but I didn't know what would happen right after the birth." In one moment, your life has completely shifted. All of the slow progress and hard work resulted in the birth of a little one (or two, three, etc!). The hours and days immediately after giving birth are a whirlwind of physical changes, hormonal shifts, and emotional highs and lows. Whether you've had a vaginal delivery or a cesarean section, this period, known as the postpartum phase, requires patience, support, and self-care to ensure a smooth recovery. Here’s what you can expect during those first crucial moments and how you can help your body heal. Summary of the Placenta The placenta, often overlooked in discussions about birth, plays a crucial role in pregnancy and is the final part to be delivered after the baby, in what is cal...

How to Start Doula Shopping: Steps to Find the Right Birth Support

Choosing the right doula for your birth is a deeply personal decision that can affect your birth experience. With so many options available, the key to finding the right fit is less about credentials and more about connection. This is the person you’re trusting to guide you through one of the most important and intimate days of your life, so choosing someone you connect with on a personal level is crucial. Why Connection Matters More Than Experience Many parents-to-be think the most important question to ask a doula is, "How many births have you attended?" While experience is important, it’s not the defining factor of a great doula. A doula with a hundred births under their belt might not be the right fit if you don’t feel comfortable with them or share similar values. On the flip side, a doula with fewer births but a stronger connection to you can offer a far more positive experience. In my years working as a doula and educator, I’ve seen that clients who did not fully tru...

I Think I’m in Labor… What Do I Do?

First, take a deep breath. Let the worry go. “Am I in labor? Is this happening?” is something nearly every person in your position has asked, and laboring can be the most daunting part of the birth experience. Remember, not everyone experiences that Hollywood version of birth with an obvious spontaneous amniotic fluid splash on the floor followed by contractions and a rush to the birth center while heavily panting . More often, the waters stay intact throughout part or all of the labor. Educating yourself on the process of labor and birth is essential for navigating this life event, whether you plan to have a vaginal delivery or have opted for a cesarean section. Even with an elected cesarean, there is still the possibility of going into labor before the procedure. Knowing how to interpret your body’s signals and cope with the intensity of contractions can reduce uncertainty and help you stay calm and focused as labor progresses. Contractions Prepare the Body All types of contractions,...

Are We Doing Periods Wrong? Hacking Your Menstrual Cycle

Whether you realize it or not, you are living in a cycle. Most of us run our day-to-day on a 24-hour cycle, preparing and functioning based on the time of day until we rest at night. Another great example of cycles we live by is the 4-seasons cycle when our lives are subject to the changes in weather. But there is a cycle that has taken years to rejoin the chat - the menstrual cycle. The 28-day menstrual cycle, with its physical and emotional effects, is often seen as an inconvenient monthly occurrence. But what if we could use it as a tool for productivity and self-development? By understanding and charting your menstrual cycle, you can align your personal and professional schedules with the natural rhythms of your body. This approach can lead to increased productivity, better mental health, and a more balanced life. Days 1-4: Menstruation Phase Characteristics: Lowest energy, low hormone levels, high sensitivity Strategy: Rest and Recharge During the Menstruation Phase, your body i...

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