Frequently Asked Questions

Birth and postpartum doula support can have an incredibly positive impact on how you experience this transformational time and contribute to improved health outcomes. But don’t take my word for it — a May 2023 review of 16 studies on how doulas might improve birth outcomes found that overall, doula support reduced cesarean sections, premature deliveries, and length of labor. Emotional support reduced anxiety and stress. Doula support was also shown to improve breast/chestfeeding success. Recognizing the value of doulas for birth and the postpartum period, in 2022 Washington State passed legislation championed by the Doulas For All coalition that established doulas as a recognized health profession.

Yes! All of the above. As a doula, I am not a medical provider and work directly for you at your choice of birth place.

If you are a client of Northshore Midwives, you may also be able to work with me as one of their contracted birth doulas. Ask your midwife about the program!

Yes! Doulas play a critical support role not only for the birthing person but for a partner or other involved family/friends as well. We work as a team. I can show another person how to implement a variety of comfort techniques, take turns and work together supporting the birthing person (often four hands are needed!), and help ensure everyone gets to make informed choices that are then respected throughout the birth process.

For birth or postpartum support, I recommend getting in touch after week 12 of pregnancy, in the second trimester, to schedule a chat.

I have also been able to work with clients that did not reach out until they were already postpartum. It's never too late to ask for help! And if I'm not available, I may be able to point you to another great doula.

No, they are different levels of expertise. I am a certified lactation educator, which means I completed 45 hours of in-person training plus additional study and work time. My qualification helps me to educate clients about feeding issues, answer questions, and recogize potential problems when working together in person. A lactation consultant, specifically an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), has completed additional education and training, passed a detailed exam, and is qualified to diagnose and treat lactation and other feeding complications. I rely on our outstanding IBCLC community in the Puget Sound region when clients need more advanced help than I can provide.

Yes! Covid, flu, you name it, I am up to date.

This is highly individual. Families have opted to do all daytime, all overnight, or a combination. This is something we would talk about during the consultation. Because of the extra impact on my schedule outside of a shift, my overnight rate is slightly higher than daytime. Also, my maximum number of nights per week is 2 to 3, and sometimes less depending on my schedule. If you are looking for more nights, I may be able to work in a team with another doula, or refer you to someone who offers more nights per week.

Yes! For birth doula support, I contract one or more back-up doulas to ensure that you have support when it’s needed. Typically, you’ll have the opportunity to meet them at least online, and possibly at a prenatal visit.

For postpartum contracts, the first option is to reschedule the visit(s) if there is a conflict such as family/doula illness or severe weather. However, when needed, I will make every effort to find a back-up doula.

Yes! Families that are covered by Washington's Apple Health (Medicaid) program are now able to hire state certified birth doulas with no out-of-pocket cost. See my birth doula services page for additional info.

Yes! Currently, I’m certified as a birth and postpartum doula. For many employer benefits, such as Carrot, they require certification.

HSA/FSA reimbursement is not tied to doula certification. If your plan includes doula support, you may only need a letter of medical necessity from your provider to ensure you can use your HSA/FSA funds.

If your private health insurance covers doula support, please let me know! At this time, I'm not aware of any plans that do so.