How Your Doula Will Help You Through Labor

After an initial phone conversation, we will send materials further explaining Genesis Doula services. We can schedule an interview at no charge.

Once an agreement is signed and the retainer fee is received, we will send you an educational packet. We will discuss all of the material in the packet during your prenatal visit. We will make ample time for you and your partner to ask questions and practice techniques you will use during labor. The remainder of the fee is due by the 38th week of your pregnancy.

I have a supportive partner do I still need a doula?
The most well intentioned partner can not replace the value of a trained professional. The role of your doula is very different from the partner's role. While they are equally important, labor support works best when the doula and the partner are working together. The partner is able to support the mother emotionally because there is an intimate relationship already established.

The doula has the experience and training of a professional. Your doula's experience and training will bring a calm to the birth at a time that can feel scary or uncertain. A woman is better able to cope with her labor when she has both the emotional support of her partner and the professional support of a doula.

Your doula will come to you when labor becomes intense and you feel like you need help. This is usually when your contractions are about 5 minutes apart with a duration of approximately 1 minute. You can choose to labor at home with support from your doula or your doula can met you at your birthing place.

Your doula will provide support during labor and delivery and immediately after the baby is born. Your doula will also support you throughout initial breastfeeding.

Your doula will contact you during the first week after your delivery to set up a postpartum visit.

My doctor doesn't see the value of labor support, can I still have a doula?
Your doula will meet with you prenatally to get a clear understanding about what is important to you. She will spend time educating you and helping you achieve your goals. Your doula has no agenda about how you should give birth; she is there to support you.

Your doctor will probably be present towards the end of your labor when birth is eminent. He/she will most likely not be there for emotional support or to provide comfort during your labor. Since the doctor comes to you towards the end of labor they may not appreciate the value of a trained professional by your side.

Your doula is a professional and is skilled working with medical personnel. Her job is completely separate from the work of your doctor. Often it is the doctor who is thanking the doula after the birth!


What if I am giving birth to my baby by cesarean section, can I still have a doula?
No matter how your baby is born it is still a birth. Becoming a mother is an exciting time. Going through major abdominal surgery is not an easier task nor is it any less frightening than a vaginal delivery. Hospital policy allowing, your doula will continue to be by your side during the delivery of your baby by cesarean section and follow you through the immediate recovery process.

While the baby and the birth partner are in the nursery, the mother may find herself in recovery alone. The benefits of having your doula by your side throughout this process are immeasurable.

"I can't express enough to you how grateful we are for all of your wisdom, thoughtfulness, sensitivity, constancy, calm and soothing presence during our labor and delivery."
-Huyen and Greg Brannan
St. John's, Santa Monica

"Tamara's experience and gentle demeanor allowed me to relax and really bring a peaceful, loving support to my wife. She was a tremendous positive influence on our wonderful and successful birth experience."
-Jonas Basom
Good Samaritan Hospital, Los Angeles

"An amazing encouragement. Able to really change the course of my labor and empower me. Reassured me that our decision to eventually have the c-section was sound and justified"
-Jackie Smith-Hastie
UCLA Hospital, Santa Monica

"I was so overwhelmed and she was my calm. She was there for me as I needed her and without judgment".
-Nora Sullivan-Houndalas
Kaiser Sunset, Los Angeles

"I was able to rest, go out to eat and have a moment to myself and I knew my wife was in good hands. She was there for all of us, not just my wife."
-Dimitris Houndalas
Kaiser Sunset, Los Angeles

"I felt totally supported and safe."
-Gabrielle Samuels
Cedars Sinai, Los Angeles

"I was able to relax. It was great to have an experienced person there to support my wife, and help me feel at ease."
-Howard Samuels
Cedars Sinai, Los Angeles

"Tamara's presence gave us a sense of calmness and her encouragement helped us stick to our birth plan when the going was tough."
-Brenda Herr
Huntington Memorial, Pasadena

"This was the birth of our first child, so it was helpful to have someone who knew what to expect during the various phases of labor."
-Andrew Herr
Huntington Memorial, Pasadena