Frequently Asked Questions

What does a doula really do and why do I need one?  

A birth doula is very integral to the prenatal, birth and postpartum season.  Consider your doula as your family’s go to person for information, resources, advice, and practical, physical, and emotional support person from the beginning of your pregnancy to your postpartum closing visit.  She is your personal  advisor for those never ending questions and decisions that you encounter throughout your pregnancy, labor, postpartum stages.  She is committed to providing you with excellent care so you feel pampered, supported, and nurtured as you prepare to nurture your little one.  As an added benefit your primary support person can rest assured should they need a break from the labor room knowing that mom is being well provided for by your doula.  Furthermore, studies overwhelmingly prove the valuable asset a doula can be to the expectant family.  Doula attended births are commonly associated with a more satisfying birth experience, less need for interventions, decreased requests for pain relief, reduction in the amount of C-sections, decreased length of labor, and a positive breastfeeding experience.

Why choose Graceful Birthing over other area doulas?  

With our combined years of experience totaling over 35 years serving in the birth field we have accumulated a wealth of knowledge in the areas of pregnancy, labor, childbirth, postpartum, and lactation, just to name a few.  These are the areas of primary concern to our expectant families and we make it our business to stay well informed of relevant information as they pertain to our clients needs.  We are well versed in home, hospital, and birth center deliveries as well as very familiar with both OB/GYN and midwifery models of care. 

 I have an amazing husband for my support person…do I really need a doula?

Keep in mind that the doula is there to support the entire birthing family during what can be an overwhelmingly wonderful but stressful event.  She is a calming presence during a potential storm of emotional upheaval that labor and birth can bring about.  With her specialized training, skill set, and experience she brings to the table the tools necessary to incorporate Dads to their fullest comfort level while supporting both Mom and Dad as they work together during the laboring process.  We strive never to replace Dad but to enhance him in his role as your primary support person.

I was considering having my mom/sister/sister-in-law attend my labor…can’t they fill the doula role for me? 

Although having family members present during such a memorable occasion can be a tremendous blessing and addition to the birth process, we recommend having a professional fill the role of birth doula.  A birth doula has specialized training that equips her in the areas of comfort measures, relaxation techniques, massage, pain managements, positioning, etc. which sets her apart from the support offered by a family member.  Furthermore, a professional birth doula, although highly invested in your labor and birth, doesn’t have the emotional connection to you that a family member does, thus making her the ideal support person able to assist you throughout the entire undertaking.

 What service areas does your birth and postpartum team cover?

We cover the following areas in Central Virginia: Richmond, Lynchburg, Charlottesville, and Farmville.

 What training have your received to assist you in serving your clients? 

We have received extensive training and qualifications in the areas of pregnancy, labor, childbirth, medical and non-medical pain management, comfort measures, lactation, postpartum recovery, communication styles, CPR, trauma and abuse survivors, optimal fetal positioning, VBACs, acupressure, herbal support, etc.  See here for detailed training information.