Frequently Answered Questions about Doulas

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What does the word Doula mean?

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Doula comes from the Greek word: “woman’s servant.”

 

Throughout time and in societies around the world women have supported each other during birth.

 

Today, Doulas are hired professionally, who are often Certified and experienced with many childbirths and methods, or non-professionally, by asking a family member or friend to support you.

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Uniquely, a Doula's purpose is to provide support and advocate entirely on behalf of a birthing person. She does not work for a hospital, midwife, or obstetrician. This "primacy of interest" means that she can be one of your closest allies through your birth.

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What are the different types of Doulas?

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The most common types of Doulas to help through your motherhood journey are Birth Doulas and Postpartum Doulas. Some postpartum Doulas that help you with child sleeping and feeding are referred to as Night Doulas.

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What does a Birth Doula do?

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A Birth Doula provides the following:

 

• Emotional Support - offers companionship, solidarity, empathy, and sometimes support groups.

• Mental Support - offers coaching, information, resources, perspectives, and mindsets to navigate your journey.

• Physical Support - offers physical relief, support, and assistance during the birthing process, based on preferences.

• Advocacy - assists Mothers to create birth plans, and helps to ensure that their interests are kept once labor starts.

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What does a Postpartum Doula do?

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Caring for a newborn is hard work! Whether it is all new to you, or you have other kids and just need a break, we're there. The Womb Room Doulas in Baltimore are equipped and eager to serve you by helping pick up where you've left off.  

 

Let us take the edge off by holding and caring for the baby or older siblings, cleaning up the home, running errands, or spending the night so you can get some much-needed rest. Read more about our Postpartum Doula services here.

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What is a Night Doula?

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Sleep is so important, especially after you have had a new baby! A night doula is someone who comes to your home at night to take care of your baby so that you can sleep. That can include bottle feeding your baby for you or helping you breastfeed and safely do skin-to-skin if that is your goal while you rest. Night Doulas can also provide encouragement while you breastfeed, then burp, swaddle, and soothe your baby after so you can quickly go back to sleep.

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What is the difference between a Doula and a Midwife?

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Doulas are not medical professionals and do not perform medical tasks. They are trained to support, comfort, and help birthing people advocate for themselves during labor. 

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Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNM) are at a minimum Master level (MSN) trained nurses (RNs). They are considered advanced practice registered nurses, who are additionally trained in women’s health, newborn health, and non-complicated births. They can serve as your primary provider both before and after you deliver, and can prescribe medicine as necessary.

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The Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) credential is the only midwifery credential that requires the holder to demonstrate knowledge and have experience in providing midwifery services in out-of-hospital settings. Most CPMs work in their clients’ homes and in private birthing centers, providing care to women throughout their childbearing cycle. 

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Do Doulas work in Hospitals?

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Doulas work in hospitals, birthing centers, or home births! Or they can attend virtually through Online Doula Services!

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Generally Doulas at The Womb Room have relationships with many of the midwives and birthing departments, and they seek to develop and improve those connections, in case it is a hospital birth, or a hospital transfer is necessary.

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Is a Doula covered by insurance?

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The Womb Room advocates for a world where all maternal medical and support costs are provided  by your healthcare.

 

However, unfortunately at this point, not so many insurance companies do. Some insurers and plans can cover Doulas, though, so be sure to call your insurance provider directly, and ensure if your particular plan covers doula services.

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When to call your Doula?

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When to call your doula normally depends on what you have discussed with them in your prenatal visit.

 

If you are planning on delivering at a hospital or birthing center, most doulas like to be called as soon as you think you are going into labor and when you are headed to the hospital or birthing center  -- unless you want them at your home sooner to support you. However, there is no wrong time to call your Doula. She will tell you if you need more time.

 

At The Womb Room, our Doulas provide constant text, call, or video chat support to you whenever you need it! 

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Do you need to be Certified to be a Doula?

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No, anyone could call themselves a Doula. However each Doula at The Womb Room is Certified, and highly experienced.

 

The first official doula certification program was created by the Doulas of North America or DONA. DONA requires a trainee to attend in-person classes, a 3-day training workshop, complete a list of required readings, and assist in a number of childbirths to gain experience and to earn a certification. As DONA has grown, other certification programs have emerged.

 

How do I find Doulas in Maryland?

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Hire a Doula through The Womb Room!

 

We typically attend hospital, birth center, and home births. Or we can meet you virtually anywhere via Online Doula Services!

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What if I have Questions?

 

We'd love to help you with them!

 

Our Doulas are all friendly, helpful, and motivated by supporting and serving family's needs. You can also interview them to determine which one is right for you.

 

Please reach us at Doulas@WombRoom.Mom!

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How do I book Doula Services?

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Book Online Doula Services below, or reach out to Doulas@WombRoom.Mom!​

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