Frequently Asked Questions
Interested in hiring a doula for pregnancy, labor, or postpartum but have some questions? Below are some commonly asked questions and answers. If you have more questions, please feel free to reach out! You may reach me at angelafennellbirthservices@gmail.com
What is a Doula?
A doula is a professional trained in childbirth who provides emotional, physical, and educational support to a mother who is expecting, is experiencing labor, or has recently given birth. The doula’s purpose is to help women have a safe, memorable, and empowering birthing experience.
-American Pregnancy Association
What does a Doula do?
What does a Doula NOT do?
Doulas offer resources and education during prenatal and postpartum visits, provide emotional and physical support as comfort measures during birth, and advocate for your birth choices!
Doulas are not medical professionals, and the following tasks are not performed by doulas:
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They do not perform clinical tasks such as vaginal exams or fetal heart monitoring
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They do not give medical advice or diagnose conditions
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They do not make decisions for the client (medical or otherwise)
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They do not pressure the birthing person into certain choices just because that’s what they prefer
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They do not take over the role of the partner
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They do not catch the baby
What are the benefits of having a Doula?
For two of these outcomes (designated with asterisks*), the best results occurred when a birthing person had continuous labor support from a doula– someone who was NOT a staff member at the hospital and who was NOT part of their social network. The researchers found that overall, people who have continuous support during childbirth experience a:
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25% decrease in the risk of Cesarean; the largest effect was seen with a doula (39% decrease)*
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8% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth; the largest effect was seen with a doula (15% increase)*
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10% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief; the type of person providing continuous support did not make a difference
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Shorter labors by 41 minutes on average; there is no data on if the type of person providing continuous support makes a difference
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38% decrease in the baby’s risk of a low five minute Apgar score; there is no data on if the type of person providing continuous support makes a difference
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31% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience; mothers’ risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience was reduced with continuous support provided by a doula or someone in their social network (family or friend), but not hospital staff.
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-Evidence Based Birth
More FAQs...
What areas do you serve?
I am located in Sequim, WA but I serve the Greater Olympic Peninsula. If you live outside of this area, please don't hesitate to contact me! We can see if this could be a great fit for each other.
Are you certified? Where did you do your training?
I have professionally trained with DONA International as a Birth Doula at Simkin Center for Allied Birth Vocations - Bastyr University. I am not currently "certified" as I have yet to find an organization that works for myself and my family. This is something I do hope to pursue when the timing is right. In the mean time, I keep up to date with online trainings, up to date, evidence based research, and regular podcasts.
For Placenta Encapsulation, I have been trained and certified with Brilliant Birth Academy!
Do I have to give birth at home to have a doula?
Absolutely not! My goal is to provide comfort and support wherever you choose to birth. Many of my clients birth in the hospital but enjoy the support of a doula as I can help you feel comfortable in an unfamiliar space. When you go into labor, I will begin by arriving at your home until it is time to transition to the hospital or birth center. I will then continue to support you until your baby has arrived!
Do I have to give birth in a hospital to have a doula?
Absolutely not! Doulas are not midwives and you certainly don't want them to be. As a doula, I provide the mental and emotional support, while the midwife provides medical support for you and your baby.
Check out this blog post that does a great job explaining the differences between the various roles involved in birth!
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Do you take the place of my husband/partner?
NO! My goal is to SUPPORT your husband or partner to better support YOU. I do not want to impose on this relationship but help guide the two of you to become a stronger team. I certainly can provide extra support if you are needing it and I can also relieve your husband/partner for a much needed nap, bathroom, or snack break.
How many clients do you take on at a time?
I prefer to keep a smaller amount of clients and take only 1-2 clients per month. This allows me to not overextend myself and be present for each family that needs me, including my own :)
Have a question you didn't see answered here?