A doula is a professional companion who provides emotional, physical, and educational support to expectant mothers during pregnancy, not just during the labor process. I help with birth planning, provide information on pregnancy and childbirth, and offer emotional support and comfort techniques.

Your doula gives prenatal support in many ways, including assisting with birth planning by discussing your preferences and options, teaching comfort measures for pregnancy symptoms and during labor, and providing emotional support through listening to your thoughts and concerns. I can also connect you with resources for additional services you may need for truly personalized care.

They are there to complement the care you receive from your healthcare provider, offering emotional, educational, and physical support. Your care provider may only see you for short visits to assess your overall health during your prenatal period. Your doula can sit with you for as long as you need, respond candidly to messages and questions anytime and suggest natural remedies. A doula's scope is focused on preparing you to have the birth you envision so, no, a prenatal doula does not replace a healthcare provider. Doulas do not provide medical care.

Yes, a prenatal birth doula can still support you if you have a high-risk pregnancy. If anything, you may need a doula more than you realize. They can provide emotional support, help you understand your options, and give you the tools to self-advocate for your needs. However, they will not replace the medical care and monitoring that's necessary in a high-risk pregnancy.

The frequency of meetings can depend on your needs and the service package you choose. Some expectant mothers meet with their doulas several times during pregnancy, while others may meet more frequently as their due date approaches.