FAQs

A doula is a person experienced in childbirth who provides advice, information, emotional support, and physical comfort before, during and after childbirth.

A doula does not perform medical procedures. Midwives and OB-GYNs can’t always be with you and may change shifts whereas your doula will remain by your side to provide continuous support and can be with you after your birth to provide support in your home.

A doula is a trained birth and baby expert. Believe it or not, many recommendations and best practices for birth and baby care have changed over the last several years and may be different from when your parent or grandparent had their babies (e.g. recommendations for SIDS prevention such as back sleeping, breastfeeding recommendations, etc.) Or sometimes, what worked for someone with their own baby, may not be the best option for you. Bayview Doulas are up-to-date on the latest information and evidence-based research surrounding birth childcare techniques without pushing for any agenda. Sometimes the birth and early child-caring process can be so emotional that family or friends who mean well, may not be the best at listening to your needs or may have outdated information.

In addition, you also don’t have to worry about ‘hosting’ while your doula is with you or in your home postpartum. You can feel free to ask us to do things, take a nap, whatever you want – we’re there just to serve you!

Bringing a baby home for the first time can be daunting and having a doula there can dramatically ease your stress. A postpartum doula can guide you through baby care techniques (you’ll be swaddling like a pro!) and also provide relief so that you can get some much-needed rest. Find out more about our postpartum doula services.

Yes, absolutely!

Either way is fine! We’re here to support you in your choices. If you want to have a natural birth, we can help provide massage, advice on positions, and breathing techniques. If you want to have an epidural the moment you walk in the hospital, we’re here 100% to support and help you advocate for that.

We get it! It can be hard to plan, especially for new parents who have never been through the birth process before. The best thing is to get in touch with us for a free consultation and we can discuss your situation and provide examples of what often works for other parents in terms of services.

We can also always add more hours to any of our packages at a later time.