Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Doula?

A Doula is a skilled birth professional dedicated to offering emotional, physical, and informational support to new and expectant parents throughout the entire reproductive journey—before, during, and after birth, including the early postpartum period. The primary objective of a Doula is to assist families in achieving a safe, healthy, and positive labor experience tailored to their unique needs. I am here to provide unwavering support that best fits the needs of the birthing person and their family.

What does a Doula do?

Doulas provide continuous support to the birthing person, encompassing emotional and physical care throughout pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum. Their role is defined by the educated and therapeutic presence they bring, focusing on human-to-human interaction and caring behaviors. Importantly, a Doula's allegiance lies solely with the birthing person, ensuring their interests take precedence. The support extends from being a compassionate listener to assisting with practical matters.  The scope of a Doula's responsibilities is diverse and caters to the specific needs of each client and their families.

Why should I hire a Doula?

Evidence indicates that having a Doula significantly reduces the risk of a C-section, increases the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth, decreases the use of pain medication, shortens labor duration, reduces the chance of a low 5-minute APGAR score, and lowers the risk of dissatisfaction with the birthing experience. Hiring a Doula is not a luxury; it is a necessity for feeling heard, educated, safe, and seen during this significant life chapter.

How early should I hire a Doula, and what services does a Doula provide before the baby is born?

It is never too early or too late to enlist the support of a Doula in your reproductive journey. Booking a Doula can occur as soon as the pregnancy is confirmed or as late as two weeks before giving birth. Early booking increases the chances of finding a Doula available for your Estimated Due Date (EDD). Timely engagement allows for better availability, especially around holidays and peak seasons. Before birth, Doulas provide tailored information, education, and support on various topics, offering a valuable resource for questions, concerns, and overall guidance.

I’ve read all of the books and watched all of the videos and feel confident in my ability to birth well, but everyone keeps saying I need a Doula! Help me understand why.

While feeling confident is commendable, a Doula provides additional support, especially for navigating the unexpected, addressing questions, and offering a non-judgmental perspective. Doulas bring expertise, experience, and a wealth of knowledge to enhance your journey. Even doulas hire doulas.

Can I benefit from a Doula if I am considering pain medication?

Absolutely! Doulas offer support at various stages of pregnancy, labor, and birth, including times when pain medication is considered. They provide insights, facilitate communication, and ensure a holistic approach to your birth experience.

My partner desires to be very involved and is afraid a Doula will place him/her in the back seat.

A Doula's presence enhances a partner's role and encourages active participation. Partners are welcome to be involved as much or as little as they desire, with Doulas supporting both the partner and the birthing person.

What if I decide I would like an epidural?

The decision to use an epidural is entirely yours. Doulas respect individual choices and can provide information, assistance, and emotional support regardless of the chosen pain management method so the birthing person feels confident in their decision.

How does a Doula interact with my partner and family during birth?

Doulas collaborate with partners to ensure their comfort level, actively involving them during labor. Studies show increased partner participation when a Doula is present, creating a strong support system combining the Doula's expertise with the intimate knowledge and emotional connection provided by partners and family.

Are doulas welcome in hospitals and medical settings?

Yes, Doulas actively work to establish positive relationships with medical staff, doctors, and midwives. Professionalism, communication, respect, and trust contribute to a supportive birthing team.

How can I ensure the doula I hire will be available the day I go into labor?

While no guarantees exist in birth, most Doulas limit their client load to maintain high-quality support. In unforeseen circumstances, a backup Doula with the same level of care and professionalism will step in.

What happens if the baby comes early or late?

Once you retain a Doula, their commitment extends to supporting you, whether your baby arrives before or after the estimated due date.

Why should I take childbirth education and other preparation if I hire a doula?

Satisfying birth experiences result from thorough preparation at each stage. Childbirth education enhances physical, emotional, and mindful readiness for prenatal, labor, birth, and postpartum phases.

See my upcoming birth education classes.

If I have a C-section, can I still benefit from having a doula?

Absolutely. In a surgical setting, a Doula provides comfort, explanation of procedures, and guidance through the immediate and long-term recovery. Assistance with the first breastfeeding and bonding is also part of the support.

Does health insurance cover doula services, and how can I seek reimbursement?

Some insurance companies may reimburse for Doula services as 'out-of-network' care. 

 

CPT Codes

There are twenty+ insurance companies that have begun paying for doula services. You will have to call your insurance company to see if they participate. And if they do you will have to find out if they'll cover all the expenses or just part of it. There is a special CPT code (CPT stands for Current Procedural Terminology and is a copyright of the American Medical Association) covering doula services. Here is the special CPT code: Birth doula (99499) for Evaluation and Management Services/Labor Support. Postpartum doula services (99501 and/or 99502).

​

NPI Numbers

This is important! Your doula must have an NPI (National Provider Identification) number for you to apply for reimbursement. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) developed the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) to assign NPI numbers.

 

Follow these steps for insurance submission:

 

1. Pay your doula in full

2. Get an invoice from your doula which includes the doula's name and address, the CPT Code, the diagnosis code, their NPI Social Security, or Tax ID number, and the doula's signature.  

3. Submit the invoice with a claim form from your carrier. Note that the standard form usually provider is  (HCFA-1500) but each carrier may have their own 

4. Within 4 weeks expect a letter telling you that they either need more information or that they can't cover the claim.  Rest assured, that is okay but your next steps are crucial to successful reimbursement

5. Ask your Doula to send you a copy of any certifications, training, or credentials along with a letter explaining services performed

6. Consider asking your obstetrician or midwife for a letter explaining why a doula helped you, was necessary, or saved the insurance company money. (Did you have a high-risk pregnancy? Did the doula's suggestions appear to prevent complications or help your labor to progress more quickly? Did the doula's presence decrease your need for expensive pain medications?

7. Write a brief cover letter explaining why you felt the need for a doula and how you believe the doula was beneficial to your health

8. Submit to your insurance company: the doula's letter and credentials, the letter from the doctor and your cover letter.