What does a doula do?

A doula is non-medical support: someone who knows birth and the weeks after it, and stays with you through both. Birth doulas are with you in labor. Postpartum doulas come to the house afterward and help with the baby, feeding, meals, and letting you sleep. Many are certified through DONA, CAPPA, or ProDoula, and since 2023 Medi-Cal covers doula care in California, which is why so many doulas now hold an NPI number.

What should I ask a doula in Poway?

How many births (or postpartum families) have you supported, and when was the last one? What happens if you can't make it to my birth? Who is your backup? What does your package include, and how many prenatal and postpartum visits? Do you take Medi-Cal, insurance, or offer a sliding scale?