Frequently Asked Questions
What is a doula?
Doula is a Greek word that is interpreted in modern times as a woman
who is specially trained to “mother the new mother”.
Dana Rafael, an author and anthropologist, studied breastfeeding in
cultures throughout the world and introduced the term doula in our country
about 30 years ago in her book, The Tender Gift. Dr. Raphael defines
this mother’s mother, the doula, as anyone who can, by being supportive
and helpful, free the new mother as much as possible to make caring
for her newborn her sole responsibility. “Mothering the mother”
is also Dr. Raphael’s prescription for successful, healthy breastfeeding.
Doulas are also known for their labor support skills. Mother
& baby Matters provides both birth and postpartum doulas.
What type of training do doulas
receive?
There are no regulations, state or federal, regarding the practice
of doulas. Therefore, no licensing is required and training varies.
National organizations for doulas have developed over the last decade
and provide guidelines and certifications for practice. The Doulas
of North America (DONA) provides their membership with opportunities
for training, and certification as birth doulas. The National
Association of Postpartum Care Services (NAPCS) provides their membership
the same opportunities for the postpartum care provider. The Childbirth
and Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA) provides their membership
with certification and training for childbirth educators, labor doulas,
postpartum doulas and lactation educators. Mother & baby Matters’
doulas meet and exceed the above noted requirements for training and
certification.
Why have a Birth Doula?
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Having a birth doula by your side can enhance the birthing experience
for you and your partner through special comfort measures, relaxation
techniques, guided imagery and involvement of your partner as the
primary labor coach or to whatever extent desired.
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A birth doula can help you set up and attain certain goals you would
like to achieve in your birth experience whether you are planning
a non-medicated or medicated labor experience. Your doula may
help you avoid an episiotomy by applying warm compresses and stretching
the vaginal wall.
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The birth doula acts as a liaison between you and the hospital staff,
interpreting information that helps in decision making.
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A birth doula can alleviate the apprehension of the first-time experience
and allow for a more enjoyable birth.
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Experienced parents may choose to have a doula to achieve new goals
and improved comfort based on a past experience.
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Women desiring a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) may choose to
have a doula to provide the guidance and support necessary in achieving
a successful vaginal birth.
Who uses Postpartum Services?
Any mother, first time or experienced, can benefit from postpartum
doula care. The new mother may welcome advice and assistance through
the recovery period. The doula offers guidance and encouragement
to the new mother until she is confident in her own mothering skills
and feels physically recovered. The flexibility of scheduling
allows for increased focus on supportive help after a cesarean section
birth or for mothers with other children at home. New mothers
of multiples benefit not only from the extra pair of hands most needed
but also from the tips and expertise the doulas have acquired from caring
for multiples over the years. Some doulas actually specialize
in the care of multiples and assist with organization and feeding patterns.
What is the difference between
a Doula and a Family Care Assistant (FCA)?
The major difference is that the doula is trained to provide counseling
and guidance, assess the needs of the new mother, and meet her needs
in an independent manner. While an FCA may from experience be
able to answer questions and provide guidance, she is not trained and
credentialed according to national standards to provide guidance or
teach a new mother.
What is the difference between
a “Baby Nurse” and a Doula?
The concept of the “Baby Nurse” which dates back at least
two generations, is to focus strictly on the baby’s needs.
Baby nurses are caretakers and generally do not provide guidance.
The philosophy of the doula is to mother the mother, therefore the focus
being on the needs of the mother be it to help with the baby, household,
or provide guidance as needed. The doula’s goals are more
focused on supporting the mother in her goals and meeting her needs
until she is feeling comfortable on her own. Note: The term “baby
nurse”, although implied, does not mean the individual is credentialed
as a professional registered nurse (RN).
Which plan of care is best for
me?
Mother & baby Matters offers several packages to choose from and
sets up a plan of care that’s best for you. The office can
assist you in determining the level of service that would best meet
your individual needs, depending on what other support systems you already
have in place.
Who uses overnight services?
Anyone who has problems with sleep deprivation, and has a history of
or is experiencing depression can benefit from overnight services. Overnight
services are widely used especially in the case of a multiple birth.
Almost all parents of multiples, even those who have family help, usually
need some type of overnight assistance from outside sources. Extended
care should be anticipated and arranged in advance as early as possible
to assure coverage. As you recover, you can begin to wean the overnight
coverage and use fewer nights per week. Some of our overnight
staff specialize in caring for twins and have developed an expertise
in helping to establish feeding and sleeping patterns. First time
mothers can relax and enjoy the comfort and reassurance those first
couple of nights home after delivery by utilizing our overnight doula
services. The use of overnight services during the hospital stay
especially following cesarean sections are becoming increasingly popular.
How can overnight assistance
help me if I’m planning to breastfeed and will be “up”
anyway?
Again, depending on certain factors, i.e., level of anxiousness, maternal
age or concern for sleep, an overnight doula may be beneficial. The
doula can assist you and make you more comfortable with initial breastfeeding
needs. By helping you relax, you can get through a breastfeeding session
more smoothly and go back to sleep allowing the doula to burp and console
your newborn between feedings.
Can I change my package once
I have a contract?
You can always add hours. We cannot guarantee your primary doula will
be able to assist you for the duration of these extended hours.
We prefer that you start with a lower package and add hours rather than
reduce hours. The doula staff arrange their schedules according
to contracted hours.
How long can I use services?
A time limit of six months from time of the baby's discharge from the
hospital is in accordance with our insurance coverage plan. In the case
of premature birth, or infants with special need, care can oftentimes
extend past the six month timeframe. Typically, clients have completed
services by about four months postpartum.
Can I meet the doula or FCA
ahead of time?
Yes. When you register, a staff person will contact you to arrange
an acquaintance visit. You are welcome to meet more than one person
if you wish and if time and staffing allows.
When should I register?
Registration for a birth doula is encouraged by the fifth month of
pregnancy. Registration for a postpartum doula is highly recommended
prior to birth to ensure placement of a doula. Registrations after birth
are filled on a staff available basis and may require more than one
staff person to meet your request.
How do you schedule when a
delivery date is uncertain?
We consider two weeks before and after your due date when making assignments.
If you are designated as high-risk for premature labor, we will consider
at least three weeks prior to your due date.
Why should I choose Mother
& baby Matters over any
other provider of doula and family care services?
Mother & baby Matters is an established and premier
perinatal care service for the Washington D.C. metro area since 1991.
We have a comparatively large and stable staff who specialize in the
field, with many coming to us from professional backgrounds. Our
doulas are reliable, mature, educated women who practice under the auspices
and quality control of a company headed by someone with extensive experience
and training in the field of maternal-infant and women’s health.
Mother & baby Matters was the first doula business
in the area, and has remained in business while others have come and
gone. Since we have a fairly large staff of doulas, there is a
stronger likelihood that when you need the help, it will be there.
It happens at times that back-up is needed which we can facilitate much
better than smaller or single person operations. Mother & baby
Matters also provides continuing educational opportunities for those
working for the company, keeping staff abreast of the latest practices
in maternal-infant care based on standards set by the American Academy
of Pediatrics and the College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Careful
screening and criminal background checks are performed prior to hiring
staff. Additionally, all of our staff are bonded, insured and CPR certified.
We also require annual TB checks. Mother & baby Matters
ensures staff are credentialed and trained. Our scope of services is
specialized and limited to the perinatal period (time period surrounding
childbirth), allowing our staff the ability to develop expertise in
this area that can greatly benefit the client.
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