Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the benefits of a doula?
A: According to a 2012 Cochrane review the presence of a doula results in the following benefits for the laboring woman
Q: Will a doula replace my partner?
A: The short answer - NO! While I have played a primary support role when there was no birth partner and/or he could not be present, I am trained to support mom AND dad during labor. My presence allows dad to have support too. I make suggestions for position changes (that you and dad may have forgotten from your childbirth education class), suggest ways that dad can provide comfort for mom, and remain as a constant source of knowledge and reassurance during the entire labor process. This means that dad can feel free to go to the bathroom, grab a bite to eat, or step out to update family members without feeling like he is leaving mom to labor alone. Dad is the expert on mom, his role is invaluable and he has known her a lot longer than I have. I firmly believe that dad should be free to experience this birth without having to be distracted by other tasks (grabbing cool washcloths, getting mom a sip of water in between contractions, keeping a working knowledge of common labor medication and interventions, etc).
Q: What if you are already attending a birth when I go into labor?
A: I have a small group of wonderful women who provide back up and support in the highly unlikely event that I am unable to attend a birth. I provide their contact information at our first prenatal meeting and encourage you to call them. I have selected these women carefully and do my best to match you up with the doula who will best meet your needs.
Q: I plan on getting an epidural/planned cesarean section, can I still use a doula?
A: Absolutely! I support a birthing couple in whatever their choices are. It is not my intention to persuade you to any particular choice. My goal is always to provide evidence based information and allow you to make the choice that fits your personal beliefs and goals.
Q: How much do your services cost?
A: My fee changes as my experience grows. I offer payment plans and gift certificates. Please see the Services/Options tab for more information on different packages and contact me for pricing.
Dana Bannigan, CLD (CBI)
danabannigan@yahoo.com
267-242-1199
A: According to a 2012 Cochrane review the presence of a doula results in the following benefits for the laboring woman
- 31% decrease in the use of Pitocin (a drug designed to start or augment labor contractions)
- 29% decrease in the risk of cesarean section
- 12% increase in the likelihood of spontaneous birth (no forceps or vacuum extraction)
- 9% decrease in the use of pain medications in labor
- 14% decrease in the risk of her newborn being admitted to the special care nursery
- 34% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied in the birth experience
Q: Will a doula replace my partner?
A: The short answer - NO! While I have played a primary support role when there was no birth partner and/or he could not be present, I am trained to support mom AND dad during labor. My presence allows dad to have support too. I make suggestions for position changes (that you and dad may have forgotten from your childbirth education class), suggest ways that dad can provide comfort for mom, and remain as a constant source of knowledge and reassurance during the entire labor process. This means that dad can feel free to go to the bathroom, grab a bite to eat, or step out to update family members without feeling like he is leaving mom to labor alone. Dad is the expert on mom, his role is invaluable and he has known her a lot longer than I have. I firmly believe that dad should be free to experience this birth without having to be distracted by other tasks (grabbing cool washcloths, getting mom a sip of water in between contractions, keeping a working knowledge of common labor medication and interventions, etc).
Q: What if you are already attending a birth when I go into labor?
A: I have a small group of wonderful women who provide back up and support in the highly unlikely event that I am unable to attend a birth. I provide their contact information at our first prenatal meeting and encourage you to call them. I have selected these women carefully and do my best to match you up with the doula who will best meet your needs.
Q: I plan on getting an epidural/planned cesarean section, can I still use a doula?
A: Absolutely! I support a birthing couple in whatever their choices are. It is not my intention to persuade you to any particular choice. My goal is always to provide evidence based information and allow you to make the choice that fits your personal beliefs and goals.
Q: How much do your services cost?
A: My fee changes as my experience grows. I offer payment plans and gift certificates. Please see the Services/Options tab for more information on different packages and contact me for pricing.
Dana Bannigan, CLD (CBI)
danabannigan@yahoo.com
267-242-1199