Frequently Asked Questions

You’ve found your way to my website so you’re curious about doula support, but maybe you’re wondering any combination, or beyond, of the following:

• Is this the right investment right now?

• Why do I need a doula when I have my partner?

• Why do I need a doula when I will have my midwife or OB/GYN. 

These are all very fair questions and I think you’re wise to be exploring your options! 

Your providers (the nurses, midwife, and/or OB/GYN) are there to clinically look after you and keep you and your baby medically safe. This isn’t to say that they don’t also care for your wellbeing! But, their many (needed) responsibilities may make it difficult for them to prioritize your emotional needs and spend extensive time comforting you. Your providers may also not be with you for your entire labor due to changing shifts.

As a doula, I’m solely focused on you and providing continuous, one-on-one care, physical support, and emotional support during your labor - and that extends to your partner! Your partner will hopefully be a great support to you as well and they may also need some support through this process and that’s where I can come in to coach them to show up for you. I cannot, and could never, replace your partner or key support person that you’re inviting into the space.

I’ll work with you before your birth to help you and your partner feel more prepared, be with you through your labor, and also be a resource after. 

Still feeling unsure? This article can provide deeper perspective and the benefits of having doula support, including what some specific ways research has found doulas to support a positive experience: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/

All types! You might think that a doula is only for people having home births or an unmedicated birth, but that isn’t true. A doula is for any type of birth! Whether you are having an unmedicated home birth, a planned cesarean, planning on an epidural - whatever birth it will be - I’ll be present to hear your concerns, affirm your choices and support you the whole way.

The short answer is: when you feel like you need one!

I believe it’s never too early or too late to seek out my support. If you hire me later in your pregnancy, I’ll be ready to jump in, eager to learn more about you and focus on your needs in that space and time. If you hire me earlier, we’ll have more time to explore the things that you need support with like planning and education.

Short answer: no, I do not accept insurance payments at this time. One of the main reasons I am working to certify with BADT is so that I can apply to be a MassHealth doula!

Some insurances will reimburse for doula support, but please note that I am not in network with any insurance at this time. I recommend reviewing your health insurance plan for information on doula coverage and seeing if this may be an option for you.

I currently accept payment via cash, check and card. 

I am committed to making my services as financially accessible as possible: I offer sliding scale fees and arranged payment plans. If my rate is outside of your current financial means, and you would like to work together, let’s talk!

It’s a time for us to get to know each other and see if my support will be a good fit for you. You are in no way committed to working with me by starting this conversation

This will be done remotely either via a video conference or facetime and last 30-60 minutes. I’ll take the opportunity to learn more about you and what you’re seeking in doula support, and you can ask me any questions that you have. This would also be a space to discuss the sliding scale fee or payment plans so I can include this in your contract draft.

After we connect I’ll share my contract and intake forms for you to review (and you can ask me any questions in the meantime about the contract!). If you decide you’d like to hire me, you’ll sign the contract and pay the deposit as outlined in your contract.

If you’re not within one of these listed towns or plan to give birth elsewhere, and you’re interested in my services, let’s talk and see what’s possible.

I’ll serve clients generally within I-95 with an exception for a bit further out on Route 2, towns including: Acton, Arlington, Belmont, Boston, Braintree, Brookline, Burlington, Cambridge, Chelsea, Concord, Dedham, Everett, Hingham, Lexington, Lincoln, Lynn, Malden, Medford, Melrose, Milton, Needham, Newton, Quincy, Revere, Rosindale, Saugus, Scituate, Somerville, Southborough, Stoneham, Stoughton, Wakefield, Waltham, Watertown, Wellesley, Weston, Weymouth, Winchester, Winthrop, and Woburn.