Frequently Asked Questions
Here you can find the answers to some questions I often encounter from the general public as well as potential families. I hope these help clear up some things you may be curious about or would like to know prior to contacting me.
What is a Doula?
Doulas have been around for centuries, traditionally aiding in the care of birthing women when births were at home. The word 'Doula' has Greek origin and directly means "female slave for the child-bearing woman."
Nowadays, Doulas are a non-medical support person throughout your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey. They provide individual preparation for your most positive and unique birth experience. They are hands-on emotional support throughout your labour and birth, providing proven comfort techniques and encouragement for a more positive birth experience. They then provide support after birth in your home when it is most needed.
Caring for women in this important stage of life, called Matrescence, is a strong passion of mine, and I will do my absolute best to ensure you have your most positive experience. It is truly my life's purpose, and I will strive to empower you in your Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum journeys.
Why Invest in a Doula?
Numerous research studies have proven that having a Doula for your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period leads to better outcomes overall. Evidence of the benefits of a Doula:
-15% more likely to have a spontaneous vaginal birth
-50% reduction in having a Caesarean
-shortens labour by 25%
-60% reduction in requests for an epidural
-40% reduction in the use of oxytocin
-40% reduction in forceps delivery
-Improved breastfeeding
-Decreased incidence of Postpartum Depression
-Greater Maternal satisfaction
-Better Mother-Infant Interaction
Doulas are now being recommended as an essential part of your birth toolkit, especially if birthing in hospital. Although a Doula cannot guarantee a med-free, perfect and easy birth, having one can significantly increase your chances to achieving your most positive Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum experience. Doulas are not a luxury--they are a powerful investment in a safer, more supported birth.
Where do you Travel for Care?
For Births, I am limited to traveling only two hours as I want to ensure I am present for your Labour & Birth. I refer to my care area as the CQ triangle, from Rockhampton down to Agnes Water and out to Biloela. As of April 2025, I will no longer be servicing Yeppoon or Bundaberg. If you are not located in the CQ 'triangle' and are interested in my care, please connect with me to discuss as I may be able to make an exception.
What births do you support?
Any type of birth deserves Doula support! I am always there to support in a non-medical capacity, no matter where or how you are birthing. Whether you are choosing to vaginally birth in hospital, utilising anaesthetic pain relief (epidural), having a planned Caesarean birth, a private Midwifery care Homebirth, or an unassisted Homebirth I will be there for you in a non-medical capacity, always.
Do I need a Midwife if I have you?
I do not in any way replace Medical care in your Pregnancy, Labour & Birth, or Postpartum. I am not a trained medical professional and do not have any kind of medical training to make me capable to care for you or your baby medically or perform any type of medical intervention in case of emergency. I will never practise out of my scope in any way which includes but is not limited to: giving medical advise, giving my opinion on the medical advise you have received from medical professionals, performing medical procedures such as vaginal exams, providing you with alternative care to medical care, assessing the progress of your labour, diagnosing medical situations in labour or post-birth, performing medical interventions, providing any kind of medical care in any way, or advising you on any medical directives which may come up.
I am a non-medical support person who will be there for you holding space, emotionally supporting and encouraging you, physically supporting you with non-medical comfort measures (i.e. massage), emotionally supporting and encouraging your birth partner, and any other way I can care for you in a non-medical capacity during your labour & birth.
I will stand up and advocate for you if I am witnessing something happening which: you have not given clear consent to, goes clearly against your birth wishes without being advised of it, or if you have clearly refused something and they are repeatedly offering it. But, I will never give any kind of opinion on the medical advise you are being provided, as I am not a medical professional.