Q. At what point in my pregnancy should I contact you?
A. Contact me at any point of pregnancy, or even in the pre-conception period if you like. I will make every effort to accommodate last minute requests. If you are in the pre-conception period or in your first trimester, we can schedule an interview now and hold our prenatal meetings later on in your pregnancy. If you are in late pregnancy, you can choose to have the interview combined with your prenatal session(s).
Q. Hiring a doula seems expensive. Why not just ask a friend to come along to the birth?
A. I believe that the more positive support a woman has during labor, the better her chances are of attaining her birthing goals. As long as your care provider allows it, invite whomever you are closest to.
However, a doula is trained and experienced in birth and can be a guide throughout the process. She is trained in physical and emotional support. Considering the amount of money that is spent on interventions such as epidurals, vacuum and forceps deliveries, and c-sections, the monetary cost of a doula (average $500) is low. The opportunity to avoid unwanted interventions is priceless. I don't know any women who thought that the full support of a doula wasn't worth the money. But I do know some women who had poor birth outcomes (namely, c-sections) who wished they would have paid for a doula.
Q. What birthing places do you go to?
A. I will accompany women to any birthing place, including their home, in Indianapolis or surrounding area. I gladly will assist women who want to labor at home, as well as women who want to labor at the birthing center or hospital.
Q. I want to avoid a cesearean section. How can I do that?
A. You're already headed in the right direction by hiring a doula! Doula assisted births have a lower c-section rate than do non-doula assisted births. Selecting a doctor or midwife who has a low c-section rate is a great idea. Other ways you can help to lower the chance you'll have a c-section is by avoiding interventions and changing positions during labor. Staying upright will also facilitate the birthing process. Read Henci Goer's The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth for more ideas.
Q. I feel kind of weird inviting a stranger to my birth.
A. If you select a doula early in your pregnancy, she will not be a stranger to you. We meet at least three times during pregnancy, and remain in contact over the phone until you go into labor. A doula can protect your modesty and integrity by ensuring that you have the birthing environment that you desire. Labor nurses, and other medical professionals you may encounter during your birth, will be brand new to you and will most likely not stay with you. You can rest easy knowing that a trusted doula is continuously at your side.
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317-753-5574
rachelle@alovingtouch.net