FAQ

What is a full-spectrum doula?

‘Full-spectrum’ indicates a dedication to supporting a continuity of care. A full-spectrum doula serves as support to all pregnancy experiences (birth, miscarriage, stillbirth), family planning choices (adoption, abortion), and family formation orientations (single parents, surrogates and intended parents, adoptive parents, and polyamorous parents).

Full-spectrum doulas serve as a presence for you regardless of your method or outcome of pregnancy — and hold space for those who have had traumatic sexual/reproductive experiences in the past.

How do I hire a doula?

Hiring a doula begins with finding the right person to hold space for you. Often times this will involve reaching out to multiple doulas to meet and talk. With any doula you’re considering working with, your consultation is a time to discuss your needs and any questions you have about their services. Your ideal doula should make you feel heard and affirmed in exactly the place you are. Taking the time to see who you feel compatible with is essential in this intimate work.

If you’re thinking of hiring for support, I begin with a complimentary consultation (in-person or virtual; 30 minutes to 1hr). If you would like to move forward with my services, we sign my doula agreement.

Do doulas only attend home births?

I attend births wherever my clients intend to deliver. This includes (but is not limited to) homes, hospitals, and birthing centers. If you’re in discernment over where you’d like to be for your birth, I can absolutely support you in your decision-making.

I love my OB/midwife and have a supportive partner(s). Why might I want to hire a doula?

Your OB/midwife is present to attend to your medical needs and perform clinical tasks. Your doula is present for your personal needs — a steady emotional and physical support as your labor progresses. Your provider (and depending on your model of care, any nurses or assistants) will be there periodically throughout your labor, but your doula stays with you for the extent of your birth experience.

Doulas never serve as a replacement for the presence of any supportive partner. The presence of a doula is not only to ease and uplift a birthing person’s experience, but to also give family members breaks (rest, snacks, bathroom) as labor progresses.

Your partner(s) are encouraged to be present at our prenatal visits if you’d like, and discussing the roles of your support team is a part of the way I help you and your family prepare for birth.

Do you hire a back-up doula for births?

I work with a back-up doula for every birth. It is my highest intention to be present for you in the ways we plan for, but in the rare case of an emergency (family or personal health), I always work with a peer doula to ensure that you will be supported. Outside of an emergency, if you go into labor before your 37th week of pregnancy (when I am officially on call), I will make every effort to be in attendance, or send a back-up if necessary.

Who do you work with?

I work with individuals & families who hire me directly (from the good word of family/friends/community/this website), as well as individuals & families who find me through Queer Doula Network & Ancient Song Doula Services.

What are some things you do?

My work as a doula widely varies based on the needs of who I’m working with.
> Prenatal support
> Birth support
> Abortion support
> Miscarriage support
> Postpartum support

What does it cost to work with you?

> For birth doula support, I offer a three-tier sliding scale of $650 / $850 / $1050.
> For prenatal and postpartum doula support, I offer a three-tier sliding scale of $25 / $35 / $45 an hour.
> My miscarriage and abortion doula support are always based on individual consultation — click here to get in touch.
> Referrals are no-cost.

Reproductive support should be accessible to you regardless of income, period. If you’re concerned, let’s chat — payment schedules are always negotiable and I accept exchange of services as an alternative to direct payment. Beyond my own offerings, I can absolutely connect you with a trusted peer or collective to support your needs.