What is a doula?
A birth doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to new parents before, during and shortly after childbirth. A postpartum doula is a temporary family caregiver trained specifically to assist with the many changes that families experience following the birth of a baby. A doula can assist families with several things including pregnancy and birth preparation, childbirth education, birth rights education, postpartum recovery & care and newborn care. Some doulas specialize in fertility and help those who are trying to conceive. There are actually several types of doulas. You can learn more here.
What is the difference between doula and a midwife?
A midwife is a health care provider who has medical training. A doula is more of a birth coach as well as a new parent guide & caregiver during the fourth trimester. You might choose to have a midwife instead of an OB for prenatal care, labor & delivery. A doula does not replace your healthcare practitioner or partner, but can add extra support such as helping you with pain management during labor and even providing postpartum support after the baby arrives.
Why should I hire a doula?
There are many benefits to hiring a doula. Studies have shown that women who receive continuous support during pregnancy and labor from a doula can experience:
What is a birth collective?
A birth collective is a collaborative community of independent birth professionals who come together under shared values, vision, and standards of care. Learn more here.
What areas does the birth collective serve?
Each doula has their own service area and together we cover 8 counties in Central North Carolina. These counties include Wake, Durham, Johnston, Cumberland, Franklin, Edgecombe, Nash and Wilson Counties. Within these counties, we currently serve the following cities/towns: Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Wake Forest, Zebulon, Wendell, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Morrisville, Knightdale, Rolesville, Durham, Research Triangle Park, Chapel Hill, Fayetteville, Hope Mills, Spring Lake, Clayton, Smithfield, Selma, Benson, Rocky Mount, Nashville, Tarboro, Wilson, Youngsville, Franklinton, Louisburg and Bunn.
How am I matched with a doula from the birth collective?
Our model is unique in that you get to build your birth team based on your needs and preferences. Feel free to reach out to anyone on our team that you think would be a great fit. If you submit a contact form, your information will be sent to any available doulas who may be available for support. You can learn more about each collective member here.
Do you provide support for families who aren't Christian?
Yes! Our birth workers have worked with many families from many different cultures & backgrounds, religious and non-religious. While spiritual alignment is very important for some, it is not the only factor families consider when choosing a doula. Whether you are Christian, of a different faith or a non-believer, we are available for anything you may need about pregnancy, birth and parenthood.
We welcome you to read our privacy policy.
A birth doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to new parents before, during and shortly after childbirth. A postpartum doula is a temporary family caregiver trained specifically to assist with the many changes that families experience following the birth of a baby. A doula can assist families with several things including pregnancy and birth preparation, childbirth education, birth rights education, postpartum recovery & care and newborn care. Some doulas specialize in fertility and help those who are trying to conceive. There are actually several types of doulas. You can learn more here.
What is the difference between doula and a midwife?
A midwife is a health care provider who has medical training. A doula is more of a birth coach as well as a new parent guide & caregiver during the fourth trimester. You might choose to have a midwife instead of an OB for prenatal care, labor & delivery. A doula does not replace your healthcare practitioner or partner, but can add extra support such as helping you with pain management during labor and even providing postpartum support after the baby arrives.
Why should I hire a doula?
There are many benefits to hiring a doula. Studies have shown that women who receive continuous support during pregnancy and labor from a doula can experience:
- 12% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth
- 39% to 50% decrease in the risk of cesarean delivery
- 10% decrease in the use of pain medication and a 31% to 40% decrease in the use of Pitocin (synthetic oxytocin)
- 25% decrease in the length of labor
- 38% decrease in the risk of a low 5-minute Apgar score and a 14% decrease in NICU admissions
- 35% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience
- 57.5% to 64.7% lower risk of postpartum depression or anxiety for women with postpartum doula support
- 33% more likely to initiate breastfeeding and 68% of women still breastfeeding at 6 weeks postpartum
What is a birth collective?
A birth collective is a collaborative community of independent birth professionals who come together under shared values, vision, and standards of care. Learn more here.
What areas does the birth collective serve?
Each doula has their own service area and together we cover 8 counties in Central North Carolina. These counties include Wake, Durham, Johnston, Cumberland, Franklin, Edgecombe, Nash and Wilson Counties. Within these counties, we currently serve the following cities/towns: Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Wake Forest, Zebulon, Wendell, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Morrisville, Knightdale, Rolesville, Durham, Research Triangle Park, Chapel Hill, Fayetteville, Hope Mills, Spring Lake, Clayton, Smithfield, Selma, Benson, Rocky Mount, Nashville, Tarboro, Wilson, Youngsville, Franklinton, Louisburg and Bunn.
How am I matched with a doula from the birth collective?
Our model is unique in that you get to build your birth team based on your needs and preferences. Feel free to reach out to anyone on our team that you think would be a great fit. If you submit a contact form, your information will be sent to any available doulas who may be available for support. You can learn more about each collective member here.
Do you provide support for families who aren't Christian?
Yes! Our birth workers have worked with many families from many different cultures & backgrounds, religious and non-religious. While spiritual alignment is very important for some, it is not the only factor families consider when choosing a doula. Whether you are Christian, of a different faith or a non-believer, we are available for anything you may need about pregnancy, birth and parenthood.
We welcome you to read our privacy policy.