Doula Q&A

What made you become a doula?

Between my second and third child I became obsessed with birth and I started learning all about birth. Things went well enough but there were things that happened in my second pregnancy that just made me think “this doesn’t seem like the best way.” But at that time I didn’t know who to talk to about it. 

I found my way to the Evidence Based Birth podcast and listened to every episode in my third pregnancy. I had caught the birth bug. I wanted my third pregnancy and birth to be different. I wanted to feel like I was making the decisions, and I started to have the knowledge and research to adequately back up my decisions. 

My third birth was basically perfect as far as I am concerned and I think that was largely due to the preparation I did of my mind and body in my pregnancy. From there I continued to watch births, learn about pregnancy and birth, and tell everyone that would listen that they could have a great birth and feel amazing after birth. 

A couple years later and looking to more professionally support pregnant women, I took a doula training, started teaching prenatal flow & birth prep exercise, and became a Certified Nutrition Consultant.

All in all, I am so passionate about women having the knowledge they need to make decisions in their pregnancy and birth for themselves.

Have you provided care at the place I plan to give birth?

I have supported births at Samaritan and Carthage.

Do you come to my home during early labor or meet me at the hospital?

Depending on the distance from my home to yours and what we agree on once you are my doula client, it could be possible that I would head to your house during early labor to touch base with you and make sure you have what you need. 

If your home is further away, I will keep frequently checking in with you through texts or calls and meet you at the hospital once you head there and have settled in. 

Inductions are a little different as they can take many days sometimes. With this I could come to the hospital to check in early on and head back in when you are ready for more support, being available by text or call. 

Are you available via texting or emailing for information support? Parameters?

Until the on-call period (which begins at 37 weeks gestation, I am available by text or call from 9am to 8pm. Once the on-call period starts I make sure to be more available with my phone sound always on, and once you are in labor I am completely available.

You can book a free consultation to talk to me virtually, have any other questions answered, and book me as your doula - https://calendly.com/chelseyvmunnik/free-consultation

How many prenatal or postpartum visits are included?

I include 2 prenatal meetings (about 90 mins each) and 1 postpartum visit (about 90 mins each). Set up a free consultation to learn more about what we will do at each meeting. 

Do you have experience with all kinds of birthing positions and different modes of delivery?

Yes, I have been trained in many types of birth and have hands-on experience with many modes of birth and birthing positions. One of my passions is helping women know and use various laboring and birthing positions for maximum pelvic space and optimal position of baby. And this goes for unmedicated births or births with an epidural.

Is there any ability to extend my postpartum care with you if I am looking for extra support?

I would be open to adding a second postpartum visit to your package for an additional fee. I am not a postpartum doula, so the support I would provide would be limited to just a postpartum check-in, a listening ear, and providing resources and referrals. 

What do you bring in your birth bag to support my labor?

I bring many things in my doula bag. I bring a Rebozo, birth comb, playing cards (to pass the time if need be), electrolyte packets, hand-held fan, your birth plan, essential oils, twinkly lights, chewing gum and hard candies, and anything else that we discuss that would help you in labor. 

Do you have any specializations within your doula work?

Two big focuses in my doula work (and beyond) are intentional movement and adequate nutrition, as a Certified Yoga Instructor and Certified Nutrition Consultant specializing in preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum. 

Working on body and birth prep movements (that work to release tension, prepare your pelvic floor, and increase hip mobility for childbirth and postpartum healing) is incredibly important throughout your pregnancy and aid in labor progression, pushing in birth, and healing postpartum. 

Making sure you have adequate amounts of important nutrients for each trimester is equally as important. So many things, physically, emotionally, mentally, and for your baby can be tied to certain nutrients or deficiencies of these nutrients. 

No matter what kind of birth you desire or end up having, preparing with proper nutrition and intentional movement can only ultimately benefit you, your baby, and your healing postpartum. 

How will you support me if I need a c-section?

If you are planning a scheduled c-section then my ability to support you may be limited to prenatal meetings, being at the hospital to support you and your partner, before and after the c-section, and a postpartum visit as typically they only allow one support person into the operating room. 

If, for whatever reason, your partner or primary support person cannot be there in the operating room, then I could go in with you to support you. Also, if your partner is with your baby, I can stay with you in recovery. Otherwise, I can support you and your partner in other ways. 

How will you incorporate my partner?

This is very important to me. I am a support person but I am not in any way trying to take the place of your partner (or primary support person) and the connection that is between the two of you and how that connection can grow through supporting and witnessing the birth of your child.

During the prenatal meetings it is important that your partner is there as well to learn, get on the same page as you, know your birth goals and preferences (and give their input), and practice partner supportive labor positions.

Who is your back up if you cannot make my birth?

As of right now I do not have an official backup doula, which I take into consideration when scheduling births and is something you should take into consideration when hiring me.

You can book a free consultation to talk to me virtually, have any other questions answered, and book me as your doula - https://calendly.com/chelseyvmunnik/free-consultation