A birth doula is a trained professional who provides physical, emotional, and informational support to a person before, during, and shortly after childbirth. Unlike midwives or obstetricians, doulas do not provide medical care but focus on helping the birthing person have a positive and empowered birth experience.

Their support typically includes:

1. Emotional Support: Offering reassurance, encouragement, and comfort during labor.

2. Physical Support: Assisting with comfort measures like positioning, breathing techniques, and massage.

3. Informational Support: Providing evidence-based information about childbirth, helping with birth plan discussions, and assisting with understanding medical procedures and options.

4. Advocacy: Helping the birthing person communicate their preferences and needs to their medical team.

Doulas work alongside healthcare providers to ensure that the birthing person has the support they need to navigate the labor and delivery process.

A postpartum doula is a professional who provides support to families in the weeks and months following the birth of a baby. Their role focuses on helping the new parents transition into their new life and ensuring they have the support they need during this critical period. Here’s what a postpartum doula typically does:

1. Emotional Support: Offering reassurance and a listening ear to new parents as they navigate the challenges and joys of early parenthood.

2. Practical Help: Assisting with household tasks like meal preparation, light cleaning, and laundry to ease the burden on new parents.

3. Infant Care Guidance: Providing support with newborn care basics, such as feeding, diapering, and soothing techniques, and helping parents build confidence in their parenting skills.

4. Breastfeeding Support: Offering guidance on breastfeeding techniques and troubleshooting common issues, although they are not usually lactation consultants.

5. Educational Support: Sharing information about infant care, postpartum recovery, and self-care for new parents.

6. Sibling and Family Adjustment: Helping older siblings adjust to the new baby and offering support to other family members as needed.

Overall, the goal of a postpartum doula is to help families adjust to their new routines, enhance their well-being, and promote a smooth transition into parenthood.

Deciding when to hire a doula depends on your specific needs and preferences, but here are some general guidelines to help you determine the best time:

1. Early in Pregnancy: It’s often beneficial to hire a doula early in your pregnancy, ideally during the second trimester. This allows you to build a relationship with the doula, discuss your birth plan, and receive support throughout your pregnancy. Early hiring also ensures you have more options and availability.

2. Before Labor: If you’re interested in hiring a doula for labor support, it’s a good idea to reach out at least a few months before your due date. This gives you time to interview potential doulas, find the right fit, and ensure they’re available around your due date.

3. Postpartum Doula: If you’re considering hiring a postpartum doula, you can start looking during your third trimester. This way, you can arrange for their services to begin soon after your baby is born. Some families choose to have a postpartum doula start immediately after birth, while others may begin support a few weeks later.

In summary, the earlier you start the process, the better the chances of finding a doula who fits your needs and schedule. If you’re considering a doula for labor or postpartum support, reaching out a few months in advance is generally a good practice.

Lactation support is designed to help new parents navigate the breastfeeding process and address any challenges they might encounter. Here’s what typically falls under lactation support:

1. Breastfeeding Education: Teaching about the benefits of breastfeeding, proper latching techniques, and the basics of milk production.

2. Latch Assistance: Helping ensure that the baby latches onto the breast correctly, which is crucial for effective feeding and preventing nipple pain.

3. Positioning Guidance: Demonstrating and helping with different breastfeeding positions to find what works best for both the parent and the baby.

4. Milk Supply Management: Offering advice on how to increase or maintain milk supply if there are concerns about production.

5. Troubleshooting Issues: Addressing common breastfeeding problems such as sore nipples, engorgement, blocked ducts, or mastitis.

6. Feeding Plans: Assisting with creating and managing a feeding schedule, whether it involves exclusive breastfeeding, pumping, or supplementing with formula.

7. Pumping Guidance: Providing advice on how to use a breast pump effectively, including when and how to pump, and how to store breast milk.

8. Support for Special Situations: Offering assistance for specific needs, such as breastfeeding multiples, premature infants, or babies with health issues.

9. Emotional Support: Providing encouragement and reassurance, as breastfeeding can sometimes be emotionally challenging.

10. Resource Referrals: Connecting parents with additional resources or specialists if needed, such as lactation consultants or support groups.

Lactation support can be provided by lactation consultants, nurses, or trained doulas, and it can be offered in various settings including hospitals, clinics, and through home visits.

Paying for a doula can vary depending on factors like location, the doula's experience, and the type of services they provide. Here are some common ways to cover the cost:

Medicaid Oregon Health Plan (OHP) covers doula support in the state Medicaid program. It is our hope that this will help pave the way for private-pay coverage in the near future! 

1. Personal Savings: Many families choose to pay for a doula out of their own pocket, using personal savings or budgeted funds.

2. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): Check with your HSA or FSA provider to see if doula services are eligible for reimbursement. Some plans cover these expenses.

3. Insurance Reimbursement: Some health insurance plans offer partial or full reimbursement for doula services. You may need to submit a claim and obtain a receipt or invoice from the doula. Contact your insurance provider to understand your coverage options.

4. Payment Plans: Some doulas offer payment plans or sliding scale fees based on income. Discuss this option with your doula to see if it’s available.

5. Gift Registry: Some families create baby registries that include contributions toward doula services. Friends and family can contribute to the cost as a gift.

6. Grants or Assistance Programs: Look for local or national programs that offer financial assistance for doulas, especially for low-income families or those facing specific challenges.

7. Community Resources: Some communities have organizations or non-profits that provide doula services at reduced rates or offer scholarships.

8. Doula's Fee Structure: Understand the doula's fee structure, which may include a flat rate, hourly rates, or packages. Discuss any potential additional costs and payment terms upfront.

Be sure to communicate openly with the doula about costs and payment options to find a solution that works for your budget and needs.

No, a doula does not replace your partner. Instead, a doula complements the support your partner provides during labor and birth. Here’s how a doula and your partner work together:

1. Complementary Roles: While a doula offers professional support, including comfort measures and informational guidance, your partner provides emotional and personal support. The doula can help by taking on some of the physical and informational tasks, allowing your partner to focus on being emotionally present and supportive.

2. Team Approach: A doula can help both you and your partner by providing additional reassurance and guidance. They can offer suggestions for comfort techniques, help with communication with medical staff, and assist with decision-making. This teamwork can make the labor experience more manageable and less stressful for both you and your partner.

3. Support for the Supporter: Sometimes, partners may feel overwhelmed or unsure of how best to support during labor. A doula can provide guidance and suggestions, helping your partner feel more confident and involved.

4. Respecting Preferences: A good doula will work with your partner to ensure they are included and respected throughout the process. The goal is to enhance the support system, not to replace any part of it.

Ultimately, a doula’s role is to support and enhance the birthing experience for everyone involved, working alongside your partner to create a positive and empowering environment.

Doulas are typically certified rather than licensed. Certification is offered by various organizations and involves meeting specific training and experience requirements, passing exams, and sometimes completing additional assignments. Certification helps demonstrate a doula's knowledge, skills, and commitment to their role.

Here’s a breakdown of the distinctions:

1. Certification:

- Purpose: Certification is a way to validate a doula’s training and competency in providing support during childbirth or postpartum. It often requires completing a recognized training program, gaining hands-on experience, and passing an examination.

- Organizations: Common certifying bodies include DONA International, CAPPA (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association), and the National Black Doulas Association. Each organization has its own certification process and requirements.

- Benefits: Certification can enhance credibility and demonstrate to clients that the doula has met industry standards.

2. Licensing:

- Not Typically Required: Unlike some healthcare professions, doulas are generally not required to have a state license. Licensing typically involves meeting state-specific regulations and requirements, which are not usually applicable to doula services.

- Professional Regulations: Since doulas do not provide medical care, licensing is not generally part of their professional framework.

In summary, while doulas are usually certified through recognized organizations, licensing is not a standard requirement for their practice. Certification serves as a way to ensure that doulas have the necessary training and skills to provide effective support.

A Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) is a professional who provides support and guidance to individuals on breastfeeding and infant feeding issues. The CLC certification is offered by organizations like the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice (ALPP) and is designed to ensure that the counselor has the necessary knowledge and skills to assist families with lactation and breastfeeding challenges.

Here’s what you should know about a CLC:

1. Training and Certification:

- Educational Requirements: To become a CLC, individuals must complete a training program approved by the certifying body. This typically includes coursework on topics such as breastfeeding physiology, common breastfeeding problems, and counseling techniques.

- Exam: After completing the training, candidates must pass an exam to become certified. The exam tests knowledge and practical skills related to lactation support.

2. Scope of Practice:

- Support and Guidance: CLCs provide support with breastfeeding techniques, addressing issues such as latch difficulties, milk supply concerns, and feeding schedules.

- Education: They educate parents about breastfeeding benefits, proper techniques, and how to handle common challenges.

- Counseling: CLCs offer emotional support and counseling to help families manage the emotional and physical aspects of breastfeeding.

3. Certification vs. Lactation Consultant:

- LC vs. CLC: It’s important to distinguish between a CLC and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). An IBCLC has more extensive training and certification and is often required for more complex breastfeeding issues. CLCs typically provide more basic support and education.

In summary, a CLC is a trained professional who helps families with breastfeeding through education, support, and counseling, ensuring they have the information and assistance needed for a successful breastfeeding experience.