FAQs on Doulas

I have a partner, family, and friends to support me, do I still need a doula?

It’s great to have a partner in addition to and strong support team. That said, your partner may also need support and space to care for themselves during labor. Additionally, doulas bring the extensive education around birth, comfort measures and what to expect in the post-partum period. Check out Evidence Based Birth to read more about the unique role, offerings, and scientific studies on doulas!

What is a full-spectrum doula? What other types of doulas are out there?

A full-spectrum doula is a birth doula who offers non-medical support throughout the full pregnancy through pregnancy, labor, birth and postpartum periods. Full-spectrum doulas are also able to provide bereavement support after a loss (abortion, miscarriage, SIDS, etc.) Each doula has their own areas of specific offerings and expertise from childbirth education, massage (like myself :)), placenta encapsulation, cooking meals, etc. Birth doulas who are not full-spectrum may only offer labor or postpartum or bereavement support. There are also death doulas who offer non-medical support to individuals and their loved ones preparing for transition into the end of a life.

What is the difference between a birth doula and midwife?

Midwives are medically trained to do vaginal checks, vaginal births, cut umbilical cords among other things. Doulas are not medical providers. Generally, a doula’s focus is to provide consistent, emotional, informational, and physical support for the birthing person and their immediate support network. Both practitioners come with their individual specialities and hearts so it’s always best to interview your doula and/or midwife when making a choice!

Are birth doulas for home births only?

Definitely not! Doulas are not limited to home births and are only becoming more common in hospital settings. The clinical environment has a tendency to take birthing people out of their bodies— essential to healthy and easeful births. Between consistent support, forming a close relationship to the birthing person, and the extensive knowledge doulas hold—doulas have been shown to improve birth outcomes and prevent unnecessary interventions in hospital settings.

Because of COVID-19, there is only room for my partner at the hospital? How could a doula still support us?

Despite the challenges of COVID-19, doulas have been successfully supporting clients, partners and their families virtually. In prenatal, doula support can be a combination of virtual and socially-distanced in person visits. For hospital labors that don’t allow a doula to be present, you still have the right to have a doula on call virtually or over the phone. For more questions, please schedule a complimentary call.

When is the right time to find a doula?

While there is no right or wrong time to find a doula, I personally like to start working with clients no later than the beginning of the third trimester. This is because building a relationship of trust and sincere connection is crucial to best support you in the labor and birthing process. A good time to start interviewing for doulas would be around your 4th or 5th month of pregnancy. All of this said, if this suggested time frame does not align with your current situation and you want to work with me you are more than welcome to reach out.

FAQs on Massage Therapy

Money aside, what are the benefits of choosing 90 minutes over 60? What about massage packages?

The timing of a massage begins before you get on the table (hence requests to come ~10 minutes before your scheduled time). The more time on the table, the more bodywork. Also, it can take about 30 minutes or so for the body & muscles to relax and receive the deep restorative work you’re coming in for. Therefore, the more time on the table the more effective your session may be.

Packages also allow opportunity to co-create a treatment plan targeted towards a certain goal and lead to longer lasting effects.

How do I know what pressure I like?

Pressure levels are relative. If this is your first, second or even third massage you may not know. Or you may think you like deep and find that the therapist’s interpretation of deep is “too deep” or not deep enough. Your massage therapist should check in with you throughout the massage, but if you would like an adjustment definitely let them know. Communication is key and the time is yours!

Do I leave my underwear on or off during a massage? Can I stay clothed?

The choice is yours when working with me! Removal of bras make it easier to access the back and shoulder muscles. If your treatment plan calls for more low-back, buttocks and hip work than no underwear may similarly allow for more effective work. That said body work is still effective with bras and underwear left on.

As for other items of clothing, there are some modalities such as Shiatsu and Thai massage where clothes are best left on. That said, a massage therapist can always give a session to suite what makes you most comfortable as that is priority.

Why do massage therapists need to know about health history including surgeries, medications, allergies, etc.?

Getting to know your health history is essential in holistic care and creating effective treatment plans. This also helps a therapist be more aware of potential sensitive areas to the body. All information shared is confidential.

Why are massages expensive?

Giving a massage requires a lot of physical, mental and emotional energy. The process of getting a massage license and required continuing education is costly and requires many hours. Your money helps cover the overhead that may not be visible at first glance in your massage session. Additionally you are the sole focus during your time with the therapist.

There are massage therapists who set prices in a way that allows them to offer a number of pro-bono and low cost massages to those who are in need of the therapy but unable to afford it. Sliding scale offerings are available as well. Please reach out for referrals.

Do massage therapists accept insurance?

Yes! Look out for Massage Therapists who accept FSA or HSA insurance. I am in process of being able to accept insurance. Please stay tuned for more information on this!