Question 1

What is a doula?

Accepted Answer

A doula is a person who provides support during birth, or postpartum.  There are also death doulas, abortion doulas, sibling doulas and fertility doulas, but our team doesn't currently offer those services (reach out to us for a referral if needed!).

Doulas are not medical professionals.  We don't do cervical checks, take your blood pressure, or make medical recommendations.  Our job is to provide:
1. Physical support
2. Emotional support
3. Education / Information
4. Advocacy

Studies show (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/)that doulas increase client satisfaction with their birth, and improve outcomes for birthers and babies.

Question 2

When should I hire a doula?

Accepted Answer

You get the most out of the experience if you hire us before 28 weeks, but we often have availability for 3rd trimester clients too.

Question 3

Can I interview you before I hire you?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely!  Reach out to us here,(https://www.thereclaimedvillage.com/contact) and we'll email you to schedule a free Zoom consultation.  It is important to us that we're a good fit for you and vice versa.

Question 4

Which birth locations do you work at?

Accepted Answer

We have no restrictions. We attend births at all Twin Cities hospitals, birth centers, and home births.  ~70% of our clients plan hospital births, and 30% plan birth center or home births.  If your birth location changes during your pregnancy or labor, we change with you!

Hospitals:
- Hennepin County Medical Center, HCMC (Minneapolis)
- Abbott Northwestern Mother Baby Center (Minneapolis)
- University of Minnesota, M Health Fairview Riverside Masonic Children's Hospital (Minneapolis)
- Methodist Hospital (St. Louis Park)
- Ridgeview Medical Center (Waconia)
- North Memorial Health - Maple Grove Hospital (Maple Grove)
- North Memorial Health - Robbinsdale Hospital (Robbinsdale)
- M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital (Edina)
- M Health Fairview Ridges Hospital (Burnsville)
- United Mother Baby Center (St. Paul)
- Regions Hospital (St. Paul)
- M Health Fairview St. John's Hospital (Maplewood)
- M Health Fairview Woodwinds Hospital (Woodbury)
- Lakeview Hospital (Stillwater)

Birth Centers:
- Minnesota Birth Center (Minneapolis and St. Paul)
- Roots Birth Center (Minneapolis)
- Willow Birth Center (Minneapolis)
- Twin Cities Birth Center (St. Paul)

If you're planning a birth at a location not listed here, please reach out and we'll see if we have availability.

Question 5

There are multiple doulas on your team...who will I get in labor?

Accepted Answer

We assign a "Primary Doula" to each of our clients, based on availability and personality fit.  You'll meet your primary doula in your free virtual consultation, before you decide to hire us.  Your primary doula is your main contact through all of pregnancy, and is on-call for your labor.  The only reason you wouldn't get your primary doula in labor is for an unexpected conflict (such as illness or two clients being in labor at the same time).  This is rare, but in the event your primary doula cannot attend your birth, another doula from our team will attend.

We like our team model, because it allows our clients to develop a deep relationship with their primary doula, but also have access to the knowledge, expertise, and consistency of the other doulas on the team.  While we each bring unique personalities and skillsets to the table, we all have the same core birth values.

Question 6

My partner is worried a doula will take their place.  How do you support my partner?

Accepted Answer

We do not take over your partner's place (unless you want us to), but we do help them better support you by teaching them techniques during prenatal visits and labor.  During labor, we take turns with them on more hands on stuff (like counter pressure or massage), and encourage them to take a break if needed.  When labor gets really intense, we often work together with partners.  For example, they might be focusing you by whispering words of affirmation, while we do massage.  Our goal is to lead you AND your partner through birth so you can fully focus on the experience of becoming parents.

Question 7

I have a midwife, do I need a doula?

Accepted Answer

YES! Your provider (OB, midwife, or family doc) usually isn't going to be spending a lot of time with you until you are pushing.  And in hospitals, you will rarely get the exact provider you saw for your prenatal visits in clinic because they operate on a schedule, and are not on call for your birth.  Doulas provide continuous support and will meet you at your home and labor with you there if requested, and stay with you until a few hours after the baby is born.  We love working with midwives (and OBs, and family docs), but our role is very different from theirs.

Question 8

Will you advocate for my wishes in birth?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely, if you want us to.

There are two competing philosophies in the doula profession, with regards to advocacy.

Some doulas say: "I teach you all of my tips and tricks for advocacy, so that you can feel confident speaking up for yourself in labor.  I would never speak for my clients."

We believe that isn't enough.  There are moments in labor where it's exhausting to have to repeat yourself again and again.  There are also times when it can feel intimidating to advocate for yourself.  We don't want you in a state of fight-or-flight (stress) during labor.  Our team talks with you about advocacy during your prenatal appointments and childbirth education classes, and preps you with a thorough birth plan tailored to your family's preferences.  We teach you our advocacy tips and tricks, as well as communication skills to build your relationship with your medical team to reduce the need for advocacy.  Once we're in labor, there are sometimes moments when advocacy becomes necessary.  We are not afraid to respectfully speak up and amplify your voice & wishes in those moments.  Our goal is always to reduce unnecessary trauma, and advocacy is a huge piece.

Question 9

Do you support people who want an epidural?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  We support all birth: unmedicated & medicated vaginal births, as well as planned and unplanned c-sections.  It's our job to help you learn about all of your options, and then we whole-heartedly support whatever you choose!

Even if you're planning an epidural, we still recommend doula support.  Read more about it on this blog post: Do Doulas Support Epidurals? (https://www.thereclaimedvillage.com/post/do-doulas-support-epidurals)

When you get an epidural (planned or not) we still stay with you at the hospital and continue providing support.  Sometimes we'll step out to grab a snack, or take a nap, if you're trying to snooze too, but we stay close by.

Question 10

Do you support people who are planning a c-section?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely!  We've attended many planned c-section births.  Our package doesn't change for a planned c-section, but what we talk about in prenatal meetings shifts a bit.  Even in a c-section, you still have options.  We help you learn about what to expect, prepare a birth plan, and prepare for complications.

We're still on call for your birth (we've had many clients not make it to their scheduled c-section date!), and will be with you whenever you need us.  We meet you at the hospital as soon as you call us in, and support you during prep.

We cannot guarantee that we will be able to be in the OR (operating room) with you, though historically we have a pretty high attendance rate.  Our attendance will be up to your surgeon and anesthesiologist.  We recommend that you talk to them in advance, and advocate for the support team that you want.  We can also recommend medical teams who have been very friendly to doula attendance in the past.

After your surgery, we'll stay with you in the postpartum room until you're settled, to assist with infant feeding.  We'll also visit you postpartum and will provide lactation support if you choose that as part of your package.

Question 11

Where do the prenatal meetings take place?

Accepted Answer

We prefer to do prenatal visits in-person, in your home, because it is easier to get to know you and your family.  We can also do visits over Zoom if you prefer.  Prenatal visits can take place during business hours, in the evening, or on a weekend.  Your partners are encouraged to be present, and kids/pets are welcome too.

Question 12

Are your childbirth classes in person?

Accepted Answer

Our group classes are currently in person only, in Shoreview Minnesota.

Our private classes can be held in your home, or virtually.

Question 13

Do you accept insurance and payment plans?

Accepted Answer

We don't accept insurance, but a lot of clients use their HSA/FSA accounts to get reimbursed for doula services, and some insurance companies reimburse for doula services as well.  We are happy to provide a detailed invoice for you to submit, and any other paperwork they request.

We are working to be set up to accept Medicaid, hopefully by 2025.
If you work for Target, Best Buy, or Allina, check with HR to see if you qualify for employee doula benefits.

We can work with you on a payment plan!

Question 14

Are any of your doulas on the MN Doula Registry?

Accepted Answer

Yes, both Bria and Jenell are.  This does not mean they have more training/certification than the rest of the team.  They're on the registry for insurance companies or employers who require that for reimbursement.

If you specifically need a doula on the MN Doula Registry, please note that when you first reach out to us!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS