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Navigating Pregnancy Worry: Focus on What You Can Control

Navigating Pregnancy Worry: Focus on What You Can Control

by | May 22, 2025 | Birth, Pregnancy

Why Pregnancy Can Feel Emotionally Overwhelming
Navigating pregnancy worry is a common part of the journey—even in the midst of joy and excitement. Pregnancy can be filled with hope and anticipation, but also a thousand questions. From prenatal testing to planning your birth, it’s easy to feel like there’s so much riding on every choice. That mental weight? It’s real. But it doesn’t have to take over.
Understanding What You Can Control
You can’t control when labor will start.
You can’t control every symptom or outcome.
But you can control:

  • How you prepare

  • Who supports you

  • What information you take in

  • How you speak to yourself

Shifting Your Mental Load with Intention
When your thoughts spiral into “what ifs,” pause and ask:
🔹 What is actually in my hands today?
Even one clear, doable action—like reviewing your birth class notes or texting your doula—can ground you and help  when navigating pregnancy worry.

Simple Tools to Protect Your Peace During Pregnancy

  • Breathe intentionally (even for 30 seconds)

  • Focus on facts, not fears

  • Use a journal or notes app to clear mental clutter

  • Prioritize rest and nourishment

  • Talk with someone you trust—don’t carry it all alone

  • Consider taking a class like Calm Birth
Support That Keeps You Steady
At Childbirth Concierge®, our mission is peace of mind. We know the mental weight pregnancy brings—and we’re here to help lighten it. Whether you’re facing big decisions or everyday anxiety, our certified team offers expert support that helps you feel prepared, informed, and never alone.

Original blog and art work

Spanning a 34-year career in the maternal health field, Kathy is an industry pioneer and the visionary behind Childbirth Concierge.  She honors all journeys to parenthood and feeding, and is committed to ensuring that parents feel seen, heard and valued while in her care.   As a mother of five herself, Kathy has considerable experience in preparing for the birth and care of newborns, and helps to empower parents by delivering peace of mind during what can at times be a challenging situation.  A born educator, she is in her element teaching new parents and health professionals.  She worked 14 years in Maternal Health at Winnie Palmer Hospital in Orlando and is a self-proclaimed “Birth JUNKIE”.

 

Peace of Mind During Pregnancy & Birth | The Peace of Mind Method™

Peace of Mind During Pregnancy & Birth | The Peace of Mind Method™

by | May 14, 2025 | Birth, Childbirth Education, Uncategorized

Peace of Mind During Pregnancy & Birth | The Peace of Mind Method™

At Childbirth Concierge®, we believe preparing for childbirth and parenting is about more than just checklists or clinical milestones. It’s about feeling safe, respected, and deeply supported. That’s why everything we do is grounded in The Peace of Mind Method™—a model where trauma-informed and evidence-based approaches intersect to transform perinatal care. Most importantly, our focus is peace of mind during pregnancy and birth.

More than a philosophy, this method is the foundation of our entire practice. It guides how we educate, listen, and walk alongside families—through childbirth classes, doula care, lactation support, and postpartum planning. In addition, it represents the intersection of what modern families truly need: practical tools, emotional safety, and deep trust in their own instincts.

Why “Peace of Mind”?

In a maternity system where many families feel unseen, rushed, or overwhelmed, peace of mind is more than a luxury—it’s a necessity. It’s the emotional and cognitive space to make informed decisions, feel secure in your choices, and be fully present in your own experience.

That’s why our model goes beyond typical education or support. It combines two vital elements:

  • Evidence-Based Care — grounded in current best practices and clinical knowledge.
  • Trauma-Informed Principles — recognizing that everyone’s story is different. As a result, care must be respectful, individualized, and empowering.

Because of this, our method builds trust, clarity, and confidence—no matter your background, birth plan, or path to parenthood.

The Peace of Mind Method™, Defined

Each letter in PEACE OF MIND represents a core value we embody at every stage of care—from the first consult to postpartum follow-up.

Our approach is built to support you with peace of mind during pregnancy and birth, so you can make decisions with clarity and confidence.

P.E.A.C.E. – The Foundation of Support

P – Personalized Support
Every journey is different. We meet families where they are—with tailored care, not one-size-fits-all plans.

E – Educate to Empower
Knowledge reduces fear. We lead with education that’s relevant, respectful, and rooted in your goals. As a result, empowered families make confident decisions.

A – Access to Trusted Support
From Certified Childbirth Consultants™, doulas, and childbirth educators to IBCLCs, families receive reliable, compassionate care every step of the way—from planning to postpartum.

C – Continuity of Care
We bridge the gaps in traditional maternity systems. As a result, we offer ongoing, relationship-based support from pregnancy through postpartum.

E – Empowerment Through Connection
True peace of mind comes from feeling seen, heard, and never alone. You are supported by a team that walks beside you, not ahead of you.

O.F. – Ownership and Feeling Grounded

O – Owning Your Experience
You deserve to be at the center of your care—not just guided, but grounded. Peace of mind means having a say in what matters to you.

F – Following Your Instincts
While books and classes are helpful, no expert replaces the wisdom within. We help you tune out the noise so you can hear—and trust—yourself.

M.I.N.D. – Inner Clarity and Confident Decisions

M – Make Room for What You Feel
There’s no right way to feel on this journey. Birth and parenting stir up big emotions. For that reason, we encourage you to acknowledge them with compassion, not judgment.

I – Identify What You Need
Clarity starts from within. Whether it’s rest, reassurance, or real information, naming your needs is how you begin to meet them.

N – Nourish Your Inner Voice
Your instincts are valid. We help protect and strengthen that voice so it can guide your decisions with confidence.

D – Decide With Confidence
Whether you’re choosing a provider, setting boundaries, or even shaping your birth preferences, you can move forward with calm, informed intention.

The Foundation of Childbirth Concierge®

Whether you’re attending one of our childbirth education classes,, hiring a doula, joining a lactation consult, or connecting through virtual support, you’ll experience The Peace of Mind Method™ in action. It shapes our tone, the way we design materials, how we train our team, and how we walk beside every family we serve.

This is not a one-size-fits-all model. Instead, it’s relationship-centered care, rooted in both best practice and deep respect for your lived experience.

What Peace of Mind Means for You During Pregnancy and Birth

When you work with Childbirth Concierge®, you’re not just booking a class or service. You’re partnering with a team who sees you as the expert of your own story. In turn, we equip you with tools to navigate pregnancy, birth, and early parenting with both confidence and calm.

Because peace of mind isn’t a perk—it’s the foundation.

Ready to Feel Supported?

Let’s talk about what peace of mind looks like for your journey. Lets Connect and start the conversation.

Spanning a 34-year career in the maternal health field, Kathy is an industry pioneer and the visionary behind Childbirth Concierge.  She honors all journeys to parenthood and feeding, and is committed to ensuring that parents feel seen, heard and valued while in her care.   As a mother of five herself, Kathy has considerable experience in preparing for the birth and care of newborns, and helps to empower parents by delivering peace of mind during what can at times be a challenging situation.  A born educator, she is in her element teaching new parents and health professionals.  She worked 14 years in Maternal Health at Winnie Palmer Hospital in Orlando and is a self-proclaimed “Birth JUNKIE”.

 

The Journey of a Birth Doula in Orlando: Empowering Families Through Every Step

The Journey of a Birth Doula in Orlando: Empowering Families Through Every Step

by | Sep 26, 2024 | Birth, Doulas, Uncategorized

The Journey of a Birth Doula in Orlando: Empowering Families Through Every Step

Orlando is famous for its theme parks and sunny weather, but beneath the surface lies a vibrant community of families, each with their own unique journey into parenthood. As a birth doula in Orlando, I have the privilege of walking alongside these families during one of the most transformative and intimate moments of their lives: childbirth. It’s a role that involves not only emotional and physical support but also empowering families with the confidence and knowledge they need to navigate labor and delivery with grace and strength.

What It Means to Be a Doula in Orlando

The role of a birth doula is more than just providing support during labor—it’s about being an anchor for families through every stage of pregnancy and birth. From the moment a family contacts me, my goal is to create a space where they feel safe, heard, and empowered. In Orlando, a city filled with diversity, I encounter families from all walks of life. Some are first-time parents nervous about what’s to come, while others are experienced parents seeking a different type of support for their subsequent births.

Orlando is a melting pot of cultures, and with that comes a variety of traditions and beliefs surrounding birth. I’m honored to adapt my approach to meet each family’s needs, whether it’s offering bilingual support, understanding cultural preferences for the birth process, or working with non-traditional family structures. Being flexible and attuned to the unique needs of Orlando’s community is key to ensuring that every family feels valued and respected.

In-Person, Private, and Virtual: Flexibility is Key

One of the things I love most about working in Orlando is the diversity of options I can offer families. I provide in-person support during labor and facilitate childbirth classes in the heart of downtown, but I also offer private and virtual sessions. Some families prefer the intimacy of in-home classes, where we can dive deeper into personal concerns or practice hands-on techniques like comfort measures and breathing exercises. Others find that virtual classes allow them the flexibility to learn at their own pace from the comfort of home.

No matter the format, the focus is always the same: ensuring parents feel confident, informed, and prepared for the birth they envision. Whether it’s their first or fifth baby, every family deserves individualized attention and care.

Supporting Families During Labor: The Heart of Doula Work

The labor room is where everything comes together—the education, preparation, and emotional work that families have invested during their pregnancy. As a birth doula, I’m there to offer continuous support, both physical and emotional. From providing comforting words during contractions to suggesting positions that may help the labor progress, my goal is to ensure that families feel supported in whatever way they need most.

Orlando has a range of birth environments, from large hospitals to cozy birth centers, and even home births. Each birth setting brings its own energy and dynamic, and I adjust my approach accordingly. In the bustling environment of a hospital, I may focus on creating a calm, focused space, offering counter-pressure or massage, and helping parents communicate with their medical team. In a birth center or home birth, my role might center around providing quiet encouragement and hands-on physical support, while also allowing the space for the family’s personal preferences to unfold.

Navigating the Emotional Journey

Birth is not just a physical experience—it’s deeply emotional. My role as a doula is to help families embrace the full range of emotions that arise during labor. For some, it’s excitement and joy, while for others, there may be moments of fear, doubt, or overwhelm. I remind parents that these emotions are all part of the process, and I am there to guide them through, offering reassurance and calm.

I often tell families that birth is like a marathon. It requires endurance, mental strength, and a good support team. As their doula, I’m part of that team, cheering them on through every contraction, every moment of doubt, and every surge of strength. Witnessing the joy and relief when a new life finally arrives is the most rewarding part of my work. It’s the culmination of hours of effort, both from the birthing person and their support team, and I feel privileged to be a part of it.

A Special Place in My Heart for Orlando Families

I was born in Orlando, Wand working as a birth doula in Orlando gives me the opportunity to serve a wide variety of families, each with their own beautiful story. Whether it’s welcoming a baby at one of our local hospitals or supporting a home birth surrounded by loved ones, every birth leaves a lasting impact on me. There’s nothing quite like witnessing a family come together in the shared joy of bringing new life into the world.

Being a birth doula is a calling—one that I’m honored to answer every day in this vibrant city. The relationships I build with families often extend far beyond the delivery room. Watching these babies grow and seeing the families thrive post-birth fills my heart with joy. In a city known for its magic, there’s nothing more magical than the moment a new life enters the world.

If you’re expecting in Orlando and looking for support on your journey, know that you don’t have to go through it alone. Whether you’re seeking a calm, peaceful birth or preparing for a more intense experience, I’m here to help you feel confident, empowered, and ready to welcome your little one into the world.  Also consider becoming a doula as our profession is also growing.  

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Feel free to share your thoughts or feedback! If you would like to add more specific anecdotes or details about your services, I’m happy to integrate them into the post.

Additional Resources

To Learn more on how How to become a doula check out our Training Program.

Check out my guest appearances on The Birth Ease Podcast.

How to Hire a Doula

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS9kbmozd2dLNQ/episode/N2YwOGMyYzAtNGNlOS00MDc3LWJlZDUtMGY0NzJjM2NiNGEw?ep=14

Doula Services and Labor Support

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS9kbmozd2dLNQ/episode/N2YwOGMyYzAtNGNlOS00MDc3LWJlZDUtMGY0NzJjM2NiNGEw?ep=14

Spanning a 34-year career in the maternal health field, Kathy is an industry pioneer and the visionary behind Childbirth Concierge.  She honors all journeys to parenthood and feeding, and is committed to ensuring that parents feel seen, heard and valued while in her care.   As a mother of five herself, Kathy has considerable experience in preparing for the birth and care of newborns, and helps to empower parents by delivering peace of mind during what can at times be a challenging situation.  A born educator, she is in her element teaching new parents and health professionals.  She worked 14 years in Maternal Health at Winnie Palmer Hospital in Orlando and is a self-proclaimed “Birth JUNKIE”.

 

Birth Doulas in Orlando: Empowering Families During Labor and Birth

Birth Doulas in Orlando: Empowering Families During Labor and Birth

by | Sep 22, 2024 | Birth, Doulas, Pregnancy

Benefits of Birth Doulas in Orlando: Empowering Families During Labor and Birth

When preparing for the birth of your baby, there are countless decisions to make. One choice that can have a significant impact on your experience is hiring a birth doula. In Orlando, more and more expectant families are turning to doulas to guide them through the life-changing process of labor and delivery. But what exactly does a birth doula offer, and how can they enhance your childbirth experience? Let’s explore the benefits of hiring a birth doula in Orlando.

Continuous Emotional and Physical Support

One of the most significant benefits of having a birth doula is the continuous support provided throughout labor. Unlike medical staff, who may come and go during labor, a doula stays by your side the entire time. They offer reassurance, comfort measures, and emotional support, helping you feel safe and cared for. This is especially beneficial in hospital settings where staff may be attending to other patients.

Whether you’re having a hospital birth, home birth, or birth center experience in Orlando, your doula will be there to provide calm and steady encouragement.

Personalized Birth Plan Assistance

Navigating the many options for labor and birth can be overwhelming, but a birth doula helps you prepare in advance. By working closely with you before labor begins, your doula helps you create a birth plan tailored to your preferences. They can provide information on pain management techniques, birthing positions, and interventions, ensuring you make informed decisions.

Doulas are familiar with Orlando’s hospitals and birth centers, making them an invaluable resource for understanding local practices and options.

Pain Management and Comfort Techniques

Birth doulas are trained in various comfort measures, including breathing exercises, massage, and positioning techniques that help reduce the intensity of contractions. They can also suggest movement or water therapy if available, all aimed at making labor more manageable.

In Orlando, many doulas are also skilled in alternative therapies such as aromatherapy or acupressure, offering natural pain relief options for those who prefer to avoid medication.

Improved Birth Outcomes

Research shows that women who have a doula by their side during labor often experience better birth outcomes. Studies indicate that doulas can help reduce the likelihood of cesarean births, shorten labor duration, and lower the need for pain medications or medical interventions.

For Orlando families seeking a more natural or low-intervention birth, a doula can be a critical ally in advocating for your wishes and providing support when things get challenging.

Support for Partners

The role of the doula extends beyond the birthing person; they also support partners. A doula helps partners understand how to best assist during labor, offering them guidance and reassurance. This can deepen the connection between the birthing person and their partner and allow the partner to be more present and engaged during the experience.

In Orlando’s diverse birthing community, having a doula who works well with your partner or family members can create a more cohesive and supportive birth team.

Postpartum Care and Support

Many doulas offer postpartum services, helping new families adjust to life with a newborn. This support can include breastfeeding assistance, newborn care tips, and emotional encouragement. In Orlando, doulas are often well-connected with local resources such as lactation consultants, pediatricians, and postpartum support groups, helping you access the services you need.

Familiarity with Orlando’s Birthing Options

Orlando offers a wide range of birthing environments, from top-notch hospitals to birth centers and home birth options. A doula familiar with these settings can help you navigate local policies, medical staff preferences, and hospital procedures, making you feel more at ease in any situation. Whether you’re planning a hospital birth at Winnie Palmer Hospital or a more intimate experience at a birth center, your doula can help facilitate communication with your medical team.

Choosing a birth doula in Orlando can empower you and your partner during one of life’s most profound moments. From emotional and physical support to guidance on birthing options and techniques, a doula is there to ensure that your birth experience is as positive and fulfilling as possible. By providing continuous care and advocacy, doulas help families feel confident and supported from pregnancy through postpartum recovery.

If you’re expecting a baby in Orlando, consider adding a birth doula to your support team for a more personalized, informed, and empowered birth experience.  Be sure to read How to Hire a Doula with Peace of Mind!

Additional Resources

Check out my guest appearances on The Birth Ease Podcast.

How to Hire a Doula

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS9kbmozd2dLNQ/episode/N2YwOGMyYzAtNGNlOS00MDc3LWJlZDUtMGY0NzJjM2NiNGEw?ep=14

Doula Services and Labor Support

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS9kbmozd2dLNQ/episode/N2YwOGMyYzAtNGNlOS00MDc3LWJlZDUtMGY0NzJjM2NiNGEw?ep=14

Spanning a 34-year career in the maternal health field, Kathy is an industry pioneer and the visionary behind Childbirth Concierge.  She honors all journeys to parenthood and feeding, and is committed to ensuring that parents feel seen, heard and valued while in her care.   As a mother of five herself, Kathy has considerable experience in preparing for the birth and care of newborns, and helps to empower parents by delivering peace of mind during what can at times be a challenging situation.  A born educator, she is in her element teaching new parents and health professionals.  She worked 14 years in Maternal Health at Winnie Palmer Hospital in Orlando and is a self-proclaimed “Birth JUNKIE”.

 

The father’s comical response to his partner giving birth has become an internet sensation

by | Aug 4, 2023 | Birth, Uncategorized

Childbirth takes women on an unparalleled emotional roller coaster, fluctuating between bliss and horror, with agony that is beyond comparison.

For fathers, this occasion can be both fulfilling and emotionally challenging.

Recently, a couple captured the incredible moments of their third child’s birth on camera, and the photographs quickly became viral, touching the hearts of many. The new father’s facial expressions mirrored the emotional highs and lows of welcoming a newborn into the world.

It’s truly amazing to witness how much things have changed. In the past, fathers were not allowed to be present inside the delivery room with their pregnant wives; they had to wait outside with skilled midwives for updates.

But now, fathers are expected to actively participate and provide support throughout the delivery process, breaking away from traditional norms.

Over time, fathers’ roles during childbirth have evolved, and they are now encouraged to do anything to comfort and support their wives during labor, even offering a strong hand to hold onto.

 

Brett Sillis and Amanda Renee’, parents based in Arkansas, shared heartwarming photographs of their baby’s birth on social media, turning their journey to parenthood into an internet sensation.

Brett’s emotions were beautifully captured as he witnessed his son’s birth, resonating with people worldwide.

Despite the gravity of the situation, Amanda found Brett’s momentary expression of disgust amusing rather than disrespectful.

Caught up in the moment, they didn’t notice the photos until they returned to their room. However, upon seeing the pictures, Amanda felt compelled to share them with the world, and the response was overwhelmingly positive.

Both parents are doing well after the successful birth, and it’s evident from the photographs that Brett was incredibly thrilled and relieved.

Spending time in the hospital during childbirth can feel like an eternity, and Amanda expressed her joy at finally returning home with their newborn baby, a feeling many parents can relate to.

Brett’s emotional reactions resonated with people worldwide, resulting in over 6,000 shares, 7,000 likes, and 2,000 comments, making their story go viral.

Many others shared similar tales, and new fathers acknowledged feeling like Brett did during the childbirth experience. Some mothers also shared touching and amusing stories about their delivery experiences with their partners.

The comments were filled with encouragement and camaraderie.

The journey of childbirth is a unique and evolving event for both mothers and fathers. The growing involvement and support of fathers during birth represent a significant societal change.

The emotional bond and shared experiences during this pivotal moment create memories that last a lifetime. Brett and Amanda’s story has touched the hearts of countless people, spreading joy and laughter worldwide.

Let us celebrate the wonder of childbirth and the bonds it creates within families. Share this heartwarming tale with your friends and family to spread the love!

How to Hire a Doula with Peace of Mind!

How to Hire a Doula with Peace of Mind!

by | Apr 14, 2022 | Birth, Doulas

Your Guide

With the popularity of Doulas dramatically increasing in recent years, many expectant parents are finding it a bit harder to navigate all the choices available.  At Childbirth Concierge, our tag line is “Delivering Peace of Mind”. With that in mind, we provide guidance for families to find the right support for unique situations and dreams for your pregnancy and birth.  Our desire is that you experience Peace of Mind in this process.  This document has been created to help you navigate all the basic nuts & bolts of how to hire a doula who will support your pregnancy, birth and postpartum period.

This guide will offer thought-provoking questions that you may not have yet considered. There is great value in spending time with your loved ones discussing what really is important and how you envision yourself giving birth.  The more clear you are regarding your hopes and dreams for your baby’s birth, the easier it is to express what is key for you. This clarity helps the doula to determine how to meet those needs and support you more fully.

 

Your Birth Goals

I always love to ask the question “how do you see yourself giving birth”?  Do you see yourself in a hospital or out of hospital setting?  You have most likely played many different scenarios through your head.  Do you want to labor without pain relief medications or do you want an epidural?  There is no right or wrong, but even taking the time to identify what resonates with you helps begin to paint a picture of important items for your experience.   I encourage parents-to-be to list out ten things that are important to you for your baby’s birth. Once you have your 10, then narrow it down to your top 5.

When you identify those 5 items, begin to envision how a doula would help you work towards that.  In other words, think about, “What do I want for my birth experience and who is going to help me to get that?”  A skilled doula will help you navigate options and help you determine if your expectations are realistic or unrealistic based on where and with whom you are planning to give birth.   Questions to ask yourself and your partner are   “What am I hoping a doula will do for us? How will hiring a doula impact my birth experience?”.

Doulas Explained

The mere fact you are reading this shows that you have some working knowledge about doulas, but let’s go a little deeper. There are birth doulas and there are postpartum doulas. Birth doulas focus on preparation for and during birth and immediately after birth.  Most doulas offer package rates for the Birth service.   Postpartum Doulas traditionally care for the family day or night and focus on mother, newborn care, and home life for an extended period of time following the birth on an hourly rate.

It is safe to say that in the US, the cultural norm is that a doula is a non-medical support person who provides emotional and physical support and education.  Their primary role is to support the families they serve.  Here is a quick read https://www.vogue.com/article/what-does-a-doula-do-top-experts-pregnancy-birth .  Another way to think of a doula is like a wedding coordinator, golf caddy or even a travel agent.  They are professionals in their field, giving guidance and feedback based on their years of experience.  You should never feel shamed or judged for your birth plans and parenting choices when working with a doula.

Non-Medical

Doulas do not provide clinical skills or assessment like blood pressures, vaginal exams, measuring fundal height or fetal heart tones. Those skills are provided by your medical care giver whether a doctor or midwife.  Some doulas may be cross trained as birth assistants or nurses who have a medical skill set, but when working as a doula, they should stay within the doula scope of practice and on the non-medical side of care and support.  They should also never tell you what you need to do, instead help you navigate options.  Ultimately, decisions rest with the pregnant person and it is their responsibility for their medical care.

How are Doulas Trained

It may come as a surprise, but there are no State or Federal guidelines on universal training or competencies for doulas. So that means a doula can choose to attend a training or not, promote herself and accept clients.  Some bigger organizations like DONA.org and CAPPA.org set their own Ethics and Standards and police their own memberships. Some trainings require a certain number of births and experience before certifying the student, while others don’t require any experience to become certified.  Therefore, this leaves the process in the hands of families hiring a doula.  Just because someone is certified doesn’t make them the right doula for you and vise versa.  You must trust your gut when interviewing. It is also a helpful starting point if you are being referred to a doula.

Where to find doulas

A good old Google search of “doulas near me” should get you a list to navigate through.  You can also ask your care providers who they have worked with and can recommend.  Doulamatch.net is a national data base where a lot doulas lists their services.  You can also call local birth centers to see who they work with and recommend, as well as friends and colleagues. Word of mouth is still the best way! Always, always look at the Google or social media reviews, as this can be very telling about the doula, their services and their professionalism.  If a doula doesn’t own a formal company on Google and has website, be sure to ask to speak to previous clients to get feedback.  Nowadays anyone can quickly set up a beautiful website, but it doesn’t always equate to excellence of service.  Do your homework!

When to hire

The sooner the better, if you can.  The earlier you connect with a doula the more time in your pregnancy you have to reach out when guidance is needed.  Also depending what area you are in, there can be waiting lists as the demand maybe larger than the number of skilled doulas in your area.  Starting the process in the 1st trimester allows you to take your time and interview. This will reduce your stress of needing to secure someone later in pregnancy.

Costs

Most insurance companies do not yet cover doula services although the profession is seeing a positive movement in this area. Check with your insurance company and employer benefits. Doulamatch.net will give you a bird’s eye view of the average rates in your area.  Also, if you have a Health Savings Account you may be able to use this for doula services.  One can expect to find those gaining experience (students) to be no cost, all the way up to 3k and more depending on what area you are in.  I encourage you to have a price point in mind as you begin looking for services. Some doulas will offer payments plans, and most take credit cards.

Things to ask and consider when interviewing doulas:
  1. Are they available for your due date?
  2. What do they offer and what are their price points? Most offer packages that offer a variety of services and some a La Cart Options like childbirth education, breastfeeding support, placenta encapsulation, belly binding.
  3. What is their or the company’s philosophy of birth? This is really important as you want a doula who is respectful and comfortable with your birth desires, providers and location of birth.
  4. What motivated them to get into this field? Was there an experience that was a turning point for them, and if so, was this a positive or negative experience? Both are motivating forces but I encourage you to look for a doula who has worked through her traumas and is not projecting those traumas into your birth experience.
  5. What is their style of advocating for clients? How do they empower those they work with?
  6. How long have they been practicing as a doula? When you hire a doula you are hiring their years of experience, and their ability to correctly articulate that in your birth experience.  Experience in this field is important, however there are doulas who may not have a lot of experience (as in number of births), but carry themselves professionally, and are able to articulate well, and offer you skilled support.
  7. Are they a solo practitioner or do they work as a team with another doula? This will determine a lot how things get handled if the doula has an illness or family emergency when you go into labor. Who is their back up and will you need to pay additionally for that back-up? Also, will you get to meet them beforehand if even virtually? Another thing to ask is how often have they needed back up?
  8. What is their specialty, if any? Many doulas specialize in the following areas; Birth, Postpartum, High Risk, Multiples, VBAC, bereavement, hypnodoula, full spectrum, trauma informed, abortion, queer, BIPOC, breastfeeding, hospital birth, out of hospital birth. Be sure to ask what they consider their areas of speciality.

 

What should I look for in a contract?

Part of choosing a doula is the financial piece and it is very important to look at the contract, as this is a binding agreement.  I have had clients tell me they have interviewed doulas who said they didn’t use contracts. I highly advise against that as you would have no legal recourse if needed.  When items are clearly spelled out it is clear for both parties, and reduces chances of misunderstandings.

A basic bare minimum contract should include both parties’ names (who is the contract between), beginning and end dates, scope of work, what they do and some include what they do not do, or the provisions if back-up is needed, the cost of the service, and how to terminate the contract if needed.

Making a final decision

After evaluating all the options and things to think about, we really do encourage you to go with your gut feeling.  So often we dismiss what our true self is communicating to us.  We get all up in our head around so many things. It has been medically proven with over 400 studies that the heart sends more messages to the brain than the brain does to the heart.

I encourage you to take a look at this 3 min quick video about the Science of Heart Focused Breathing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxNjw3bcfVo .  Practicing this simple quick coherence breathing can help calm you and listen to what your heart is telling you.

Additional Resources

Check out my guest appearances on The Birth Ease Podcast.

How to Hire a Doula

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS9kbmozd2dLNQ/episode/N2YwOGMyYzAtNGNlOS00MDc3LWJlZDUtMGY0NzJjM2NiNGEw?ep=14

Doula Services and Labor Support

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS9kbmozd2dLNQ/episode/N2YwOGMyYzAtNGNlOS00MDc3LWJlZDUtMGY0NzJjM2NiNGEw?ep=14

Spanning a 33-year career in the maternal health field, Kathy is an industry pioneer and the visionary behind Childbirth Concierge.  She honors all journeys to parenthood and feeding, and is committed to ensuring that parents feel seen, heard and valued while in her care.   As a mother of five herself, Kathy has considerable experience in preparing for the birth and care of newborns, and helps to empower parents by delivering peace of mind during what can at times be a challenging situation.  A born educator, she is in her element teaching new parents and health professionals.  She worked 14 years in Maternal Health at Winnie Palmer Hospital in Orlando and is a self-proclaimed “Birth JUNKIE”.