A doula enters the space of a labouring woman and is highly responsive and aware of her needs, moods, changes, and unspoken feelings. She has no need to control or smother. Every pregnant woman should have the benefits of a doula. This person does not detract from the role of the baby's father or co-parent, by the way. It enhances it and leaves him (or her) free to do the very important job of loving the mother. (Christiane Northrup, M.D. Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom)
* What is your philosophy about childbirth and supporting women and their partners through labor?
Our philosophy is to help the woman have a safe and satisfying childbirth as the woman defines it.
* May we meet to discuss our birth plans and the role you will play in supporting me in childbirth and afterwards?
Absolutely! Our policy is to meet with our clients a minimum of two times before birth and once within two weeks postpartum.
* When do you try to join women in labor? Do you come to our home or meet us at the hospital?
This choice is left to the discretion of the client and is decided when reviewing your birth plan ahead of time.
* Do you work with one or more back up doulas for times when you are not available? May we meet with them?
Yes and Yes! We try to arrange our schedules to insure that one of us is available at all times. We limit our clientele each month to increase our availability to you. Ideally, we meet or speak with each other's clients at least one time.
* May we call you with questions and concerns before and after the birth?
Yes. We make ourselves available to you at all times. We know the support you may need.
* Is there a fee for an initial consultation with one of your doulas?
No.
*Do Health Insurance Companies cover doula services?
Some insurance companies cover doula services, and the numbers are increasing gradually as providers are beginning to recognize the benefits of improving parental satisfaction and the savings when parents employ a doula for their birth. Insurance companies are more likely to pay if the OB/Midwife writes a prescription for professional labor support and/or postpartum care. If your doula is also a childbirth educator providing both services, the insurance companies may reimburse for either the doula care service, childbirth education provided or both.
Also, postpartum care is something covered by insurance companies so ask us for more information if you are interested in postpartum doula care.
Factors that may increase your chances of reimbursement include:
- Using a certified doula and submitting the doula’s credentials with the claim to the company.
- Submitting a doctor or midwife’s referral or prescription for professional labor support services.
- Submitting well documented statistics of the doula’s influence.
- Actually achieving a low intervention, low cost birth.
- Submitting a bill/invoice for doula services complete with diagnosis and treatment codes.
- Resubmitting with more documentation if the first claim is denied.
- Talking to a person at the company to explain what you do if your services are denied payment.
