What is a doula? A doula is a person who provides physical, emotional, and informational support to new parents. A doula can be young, old, man, woman, experienced, or novice, and acts as an advocate for a new parents desires in birth and postpartum. The doula never speaks on behalf of the parents, but DOES remind parents of their desires and helps them to fulfill their desires.
Do doulas do what midwives do? They do not. Doulas do not do any medical care or medical procedures for parents.
Can doulas go to the hospital? Yes, doulas can attend home births, hospital births, and birth center births! Doulas are encouraged in most birth facilities.
Are you Novant verified? I am currently not Novant verified, and I have attended births in Novant facilities.
Do you have your own children? I do have two children, a son and a daughter. My son was born without interventions in the hospital, and my daughter was born at home.
How much time do I get with my doula? You and I will schedule meetings and visits before the birth of your child, and those will depend on your needs. You can also feel free to call or text me anytime if you have questions about anything at all. We will also arrange a postpartum visit to process your birth and make sure everything is going well for you and your baby. During the birth, I will be with you from the time you call me until your baby is born. Postpartum doula hours are scheduled very differently and are purchased in packages of 24-hours.
What services do you currently offer? I am currently teaching puberty and menstrual cycle classes for teens and adults. You can send me an inquiry about booking a class and/or class schedules!
Is FABM of birth control effective? According to Chelsea B Polis, Phd, and reproductive health epidemologist, FABMs vary in effectiveness, but Symptothermal Methods (which is what I use and will teach) have a 0.4% pregnancy rate with perfect use. The Guttmacher Institute endorses this graphic, which shows that Sensiplan, a symptothermal method very similar to the method I teach, has an almost equal success rate for both perfect use and typical use of the method. I will also offer this pamphlet made by medical doctors for medical doctors about the effectiveness of FABMs. Another great resource for some information on your options is BedSider.
When will you be teaching FABMs? I will be a certified educator in 2025.
What can I do in the meantime if I'm interested in FABMs? The best and most common place to begin is by reading Toni Weschler's Taking Charge of Your Fertility. You may want to read it cover to cover.
Can charting my biomarkers help me in other ways? Yes! Charting you basal body temperature, your cervical fluid, and cervical position if you so choose can help you to get to know your hormones and the way they interact during different times in your cycle. This information can be helpful to your doctor, also, if you suspect a medical condition such as PCOS or endometriosis.
Is it expensive? Charting can be FREE if or very low cost if you choose to chart on paper with a thermometer from your local pharmacy.
