General Questions about Doulas and Childbirth Educators
1) What is a doula?
2) Why should I use a doula?
3) What is the difference between a doula and a midwife?
4) What’s the difference between a doula and a labor assistant?
5) What is the difference between ALACE doulas and other doulas?
6) If I have a midwife or am having my baby at home, why would I need a doula?
7) If my husband or partner is there with me, why should I use a doula?
8) I’m planning to give birth in a hospital; why should I use a doula?
9) I’m planning to have an epidural; why should I use a doula?
10) I’m planning to have a C-Section; why should I use a doula?
11) Can a doula take care of my older children while I’m in labor?
12) Will my insurance cover my doula’s fees?
13) How can I find an ALACE doula?
14) Does an ALACE childbirth educator teach only natural birth?
15) Why Attend a childbirth class taught by an ALACE certified educator?
16) Will insurance cover a childbirth prep class if it’s not taught in a hospital?
17) Do I need to have a partner if I go to an ALACE childbirth prep class?
18) How can I find an ALACE childbirth prep class?
A labor assistant/birth doula provides continuous care for the laboring woman and her partner, and helps them fully experience their birth by offering physical and emotional support.
An ALACE doula is trained to understand the natural process of birth, respect its spiritual, physical, and emotional aspects, and facilitate the birth experience for parents, baby, and primary care providers.
Studies show that the presence of a doula results in shorter labor, a reduced need for pain medication, and improved outcomes for both mother and baby. Click here to read a scientific abstract about the medical benefits of having a doula (link to JAMA 1991). Click here to view the ALACE Professional Labor Support Brochure (link to PLS brochure (pdf)).
I want to become a doula (link to doula training)
I want to have a doula at my birth (link to parent resources)
Why should I use a doula?
Studies show that the presence of a doula results in shorter labor, a reduced need for pain medication, a reduction in Cesarean births, and improved outcomes for both mother and baby Click here to read a scientific abstract about the medical benefits of having a doula (link to JAMA 1991). Click here to view the ALACE Professional Labor Support Brochure (link to PLS). What is the difference between a doula and a midwife? Midwives are primary caregivers who make clinical decisions and give medical advice. ALACE doulas are not the primary caregivers for their clients; and, unlike midwives or doctors, doulas are neither medically trained nor responsible for the medical wellbeing of mothers or babies. What’s the difference between a doula and a labor assistant? The words are interchangeable; a birth doula and a labor assistant both provide the same services: providing informational, emotional, and physical support to a woman and her partner during labor and birth. There are also postpartum doulas who provide emotional and physical support in the client’s home after the birth; they may help with light housekeeping, cooking, babysitting older siblings, and breastfeeding support. ALACE trains birth doulas, or labor assistants, and does not provide postpartum doula training at this time. What is the difference between ALACE doulas and other doulas? ALACE doulas are known for their trusting support of the natural birth process. ALACE doulas are trained using a program which incorporates research in psychology, sociology and anthropology – but above all has been developed and guided principally by women. We respect birth as an intimate act and a creative expression of love. We believe that it is possible to help strengthen family bonds through improving the experience of birth. If I have a midwife or am having my baby at home, why should I need a doula? There are two reasons why it is a good idea to have a doula even when using a midwife. While a midwife may provide the same support of that of a doula, she may not in fact include that aspect of care in her services. Secondly, a midwife’s primary responsibility is of a clinical nature (taking blood pressure, vaginal exams, listening to the baby’s heartbeat, “catching” the baby and the placenta, repairing any tears etc). Even though you may need support during these times, the clinical tasks will take precedence over directly supporting you. Consequently it can help to have a designated person solely focused on your ongoing physical and emotional needs, regardless of what the midwife is doing. If my husband or partner is there with me, why should I use a doula? While your husband or partner may be the most intimate and important person to you during labor, he/she may not have the knowledge, stamina, and skills that are useful during labor and birth. It also may be difficult for him/her to watch his loved one experience the normal pain of childbirth. While the doula can provide all of the support herself if needed, she is also trained to help your partner or family know how to help you. Often the doula and your partner work together to provide the continuous support you will need. The doula never takes the place of the partner, but supplements his/her attention and care with her knowledge and experience. I’m planning to give birth in a hospital; why should I use a doula? Many of us are intimidated in medical institutions, especially when we are the patient in that institution. In addition to the continuous physical and emotional support provided by your doula, she can also help you understand what the nurses, doctors and midwives are talking about. She can remind and support you in asking questions and stating your concerns or your preferences. Your doula is a knowledgeable lay person who can understand the medical system, as well as stay focused on you and your needs throughout your labor. I’m planning to have an epidural; why should I use a doula? A doula’s support is not only focused on managing pain during childbirth. She is your advocate throughout your labor and birth helping you and your family with any questions or concerns that may arise, helping you understand what your care providers are saying, and attending to your comfort and needs. Pain medication and/or anesthesia don’t always arrive at the exact moment you are ready for it. You may benefit from having a doula support you during contractions until you get the relief you are planning on receiving. Once you have received anesthesia, although you may not be feeling the intensity of the contractions, you are still having a baby. Your doula will remain with you throughout the birth, as well as the immediate postpartum period to support you and ensure that your and your family’s needs are being met. I’m planning to have a C-Section; why should I use a doula? Having a cesarean section is having a baby. Your doula is your support and advocate throughout the preparation for surgery, and depending on hospital policies, she may be able to support you in the operating room as well. She will be at your side in the recovery room and can help you and your family with any questions or concerns that may arise, helping you understand what your care providers are saying, and attending to your comfort and needs. Can a doula take care of my older children while I’m in labor? Yes, a doula can take of your older children while you are in labor, but she can’t provide her support services to you at the same time. Children can become tired, antsy, bored, curious, hungry or irritable in the normal course of the day. They need designated adults to focus exclusively on them during their mother’s labor so that you are not trying to both have a baby and take care of your other children at the same time. Many women hire doulas for themselves and doulas for their older children as well. Will my insurance cover my doula’s fees? Currently most insurance plans do not cover doula fees. Most doulas will expect to be paid up front by the client and will provide you with a bill to submit to your insurance company. Although your claim may be denied, we encourage consumers to submit a claim and then appeal if the initial claim is denied. Insurance companies are not going to start reimbursing for doula services unless they are aware of the consumers’ demand for the service and the potential that the presence of a doula will save them money. The ALACE office can supply you with supporting information to submit with your appeal. How can I find an ALACE doula? Click HERE to find an ALACE doula in your area. You can also call the ALACE office at 888-222-5223 or email to info@alace.org if you have trouble finding one in your area or you have questions or special concerns. Does an ALACE childbirth educator teach only natural birth? ALACE birth professionals support women and their families in all birth settings: hospital, birth centers, and home. An ALACE childbirth class will prepare couples for birth in all settings. Why attend a childbirth class taught by an ALACE certified educator? ALACE certified childbirth educators (CBEs) seek to help all women experience birth’s transforming power with respect and dignity, support, and confidence. CBEs empower women and their families to choose what is best for them by informing them of their options surrounding labor and birth. ALACE trained CBEs have a holistic perspective of birth, and view birth as a women-centered process. The educator’s goal is to help women reclaim trust in their ability to safely and dependably give birth. Will insurance cover a childbirth prep class if it’s not taught in a hospital? Currently most insurance plans do not cover independent childbirth classes. Most childbirth educators will expect to be paid up front by the client, but will provide you with a bill to submit to your insurance company. Although your claim may be denied, we encourage consumers to submit a claim and then appeal if the initial claim is denied. Insurance companies are not going to start reimbursing for independent childbirth classes unless they are aware of the consumersí demand for the service. The ALACE office can supply you with supporting information to submit with your appeal. Do I need to have a partner if I go to an ALACE childbirth prep class? You can attend an ALACE childbirth class by yourself, if you don’t have a partner or your partner is unable to attend. We encourage you bring another support person to class with you if possible, but this is not necessary. How can I find an ALACE childbirth prep class? Click HERE to find an ALACE childbirth educator in your area. You can also call the ALACE office at 888-222-5223 or email to info@alace.org if you have trouble finding one in your area or you have questions or special concerns.
