FAQs

by | Jan 5, 2026

FAQs
What is the difference between a doula and a midwife?
A doula is your labor support person. She helps you and your husband prepare for birth, joins you in labor when you are ready, and stays with you throughout labor until 1-2 hours postpartum. She will be your postpartum debriefing person and go-to for questions about your postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, and newborn care.
A midwife provides your clinical care. She guards your health and the health of your baby. She will provide your prenatal and postpartum medical care and be the one to catch your baby.
How does a doula work with my partner?

Husbands really like having a doula! A doula helps your husband support you, and she supports him as he supports you. Doulas can provide education about what to expect during labor and about tools to help along the way. A doula educates about life with baby and about supporting you as you recover. The knowledge she provides helps him feel more confident as your anchor and as a father.

Are doulas only for home birth?

No. For most doulas, most clients are planning a hospital birth, but they do support home births. In the event of a transfer from home to the hospital, she transfers with you and continues your support until after your baby is born.

Do doulas support unmedicated birth only?

Not at all! A doula provides education, comfort tools, and resources in preparation for labor no matter your choice. She helps you know when to go to the hospital once labor begins. She provides evidence-based information during labor and helps with positions and tools to encourage your baby to engage and labor to progress, reducing the likelihood of c-section birth. The tools and positions will look different with an epidural, but the support is the same.

What if I have a c-section?

Doula support during a c-section is important.* She supports your husband while he is waiting to go into the OR, and then supports you both during the procedure and after. If your baby needs to go to the nursery temporarily, she will stay with you while your husband goes with your baby.

*Not all doulas can go into the OR nor have the same practice of support. It is a good question to ask during a consultation.

Does insurance cover doula support?

You will need to check with your insurance company about this. HSAs can be used for doula support. You will need to check with your insurance or HSA about their qualifications for doula support (certifying organizations they may recognize), and make sure your doula has an NPI number. She should provide a superbill along with any other required documentation for you to submit for reimbursement.

Why would I need a postpartum doula?

Throughout history and in other cultures, women were supported in their recovery after birth. This need hasn’t changed, but the support has in our culture. Today, some couples have not had the opportunity to be around newborns before. Many do not have their family nearby for support. It can be an especially isolating time. Your doula brings her presence, her listening ear. She provides gentle guidance about your baby and feeding, supports your recovery by caring for your physical needs, and helps siblings during the transition with a new baby. Postpartum doula support reduces the incidence of postpartum mood disorders by around 25%.

Do postpartum doulas take over baby care?
No. A postpartum doula’s position is to support the family while they take care of the baby. Sometimes that may be holding the baby while mom naps or showers, but she “holds the mother” while the mother holds the baby. Her job is to work herself out of a job by empowering the new parents and helping them become more confident.
 
If you are wanting someone to only provide baby care, you will want to look into newborn nurse support or a newborn specialist, then transition to a nanny when your baby is older.
Do postpartum doulas work days or nights?

Both, depending on your needs. This is a good question to ask during a consultation with your prospective doula. Ask about flexibility as well, since you won’t know of any special needs until after your baby’s birth.

Are Lactation Counselors (CLC) and Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) the same?
A lactation counselor (CLC) goes through 40+ hours of study and is certified through a proctored test. They provide lactation support and education, and experience will vary. Some may provide weighted feedings if they have the scale.
 
A lactation consultant (IBCLC) goes through 90+ hours of study, 500-1000 hours of clinical work, and is certified through a proctored exam. They provide lactation support, perform oral exams, and provide weighted feedings.
Does insurance cover lactation support?

Some insurance companies do cover lactation support. You will need to check with your carrier and your lactation provider. Your lactation support person will provide you with a superbill if they do not directly file for services.

Do I need childbirth classes?
Birth is one of life’s biggest events, and like other big events, preparation is so important. Out-of-hospital classes are especially helpful since they maintain independence. They can prepare the couple for a physiologically supported birth experience with knowledge of evidence-based information, tools, and skills.
 
Comprehensive childbirth classes have been shown to improve outcomes and birth satisfaction. While things can change during labor, classes help you to navigate those changes.