Frequently asked Questions

As a Doula, not only am I there for my clients physically, emotionally, and educationally; I am there for so much more. Oftentimes, pregnancy and birth are described as glamorous and beautiful but in reality, that is not always the case. Sometimes there are surprises, unplanned complications that arise, or uncertainties that you can’t resolve. Because that’s what pregnancy and birth are all about! It’s messy and unpredictable - but it’s also so extremely powerful. I am here as your biggest cheerleader and advocate, and also as a shoulder to cry on when things get tough and uncertain. I am here to remind you that you are strong and brave, when you feel anything but that. I cannot promise you that things are going to be easy, perfect or go the way you’d planned. But I can promise you that I will take every measure in my power to find you peace in the moment, future, and in your past experiences, whatever they may entail!

No. Doulas are trained in many areas, but we are not doctors or midwives. We are trained in pain management to help you manage your pain during labor and birth. We are also trained in different position techniques to help you labor quicker and easier. Doulas are NOT medically trained. We provide no examinations of any kind. We do not perform any medical procedures.

As your doula, part of my job is to help you and your partner connect with each other during your labor. I encourage your partner to fully engage during the labor process and help facilitate that process. We are a team. I understand how important the role of the partner is and their presence is critical to you feeling safe, secure, and loved.

A professional doula like myself, will always respect all medical staff that I encounter. I try to be somewhat of a bridge between you and the medical staff. It’s a delicate balance. My job is to give you any information that you might need to make a tough decision. I will help you talk through those tough decisions. If you have any questions that I can’t answer, I will make sure that either your OB/Midwife or a nurse can.

No, I support all mothers in all settings. I will join you at the hospital, birth center and or at home.

I offer the traditional Chinese medicine using ginger and lemon in the water that the placenta is steamed in. It is believed that the ginger restores the yang while the lemon has antiseptic properties and is thought to replenish yin energy efficiencies. I first steam the placenta prior to dehydrating in order to kill germs or bacteria.

Your placenta has to be placed in a cooler on ice or in a refrigerator within 4 hours after birth. If the process is unable to be started within 3 days of birth, the placenta should be placed in the freezer and defrosted 24 hours in the refrigerator. The placenta can be frozen up to 3 months.

I ask that you or your partner contact us ideally once you are at the hospital to give us a heads-up. In the case of an emergency or unplanned birth, please contact me by phone between the hours of 9am and 9pm within 12 hours of birth. My goal is to encapsulate your placenta quickly so you receive the benefits as soon as possible.

The amount of capsules varies from placenta to placenta. It will depend on the size of your placenta, as well as the method chosen. The Traditional Chinese Method tends to yield less capsules due to the steaming process.

In Massachusetts, the placenta is not considered “medical waste” if you decide to keep it. Many hospitals in Massachusetts already have a policy in place for placental release, which often includes a release form as well as offering a leakproof container for transportation. I recommend that you discuss your decision to encapsulate your placenta with your health provider and add it to your birth plan so everyone is aware of your wishes and plan. Have more questions for me? Book your free consult and let’s chat!

As a Doula, not only am I there for my clients physically, emotionally, and educationally; I am there for so much more. Oftentimes, pregnancy and birth are described as glamorous and beautiful but in reality, that is not always the case. Sometimes there are surprises, unplanned complications that arise, or uncertainties that you can’t resolve. Because that’s what pregnancy and birth are all about! It’s messy and unpredictable - but it’s also so extremely powerful. I am here throughout it all. The exciting, emotional, scary, messy, unpredictable, you name it - I am by your side. I am here as your biggest cheerleader and advocate, and also as a shoulder to cry on when things get tough and uncertain. I am here to remind you that you are strong and brave, when you feel anything but that. I cannot promise you that things are going to be easy, perfect or go the way you’d planned. But I can promise you that I will take every measure in my power to find you peace in the moment, future, and in your past experiences, whatever they may entail!

No. Doulas are trained in many areas, but we are not doctors or midwives. We are trained in pain management to help you manage your pain during labor and birth. We are also trained in different position techniques to help you labor quicker and easier. Doulas are NOT medically trained. We provide no examinations of any kind. We do not perform any medical procedures.

As your doula, part of my job is to help you and your partner connect with each other during your labor. I encourage your partner to fully engage during the labor process and help facilitate that process. We are a team. I understand how important the role of the partner is and their presence is critical to you feeling safe, secure, and loved.

A professional doula like myself, will always respect all medical staff that I encounter. I try to be somewhat of a bridge between you and the medical staff. It’s a delicate balance. My job is to give you any information that you might need to make a tough decision. I will help you talk through those tough decisions. If you have any questions that I can’t answer, I will make sure that either your OB/Midwife or a nurse can.

No, I support all mothers in all settings. I will join you at the hospital, birth center and or at home.