Frequently Asked Questions.

What exactly is a birth doula?

A birth doula is a hired person of your choice that helps to guide you through pregnancy, labor, and delivery. She uses her knowledge, experience, and expertise to do so.

What is the benefit of working with a birth doula?

Doulas can help in so many ways! According to research, birthing people using doulas are:

  • 28% less likely to have a cesarean section

  • 40% less likely to use synthetic oxytocin to speed up labor

  • Huge reduction in pain medications of any kind

  • Women report feeling more relaxed, calm, and pleased with their experience

Will a doula replace my partner?

Never! We aim to model behavior, not shove others out of our way. Birthside Doulas is there to support everyone who you have chosen to be a part of your birth team. If they are important to you, they are important to us too!

What can I expect from Birthside Doulas?

We offer full spectrum support from the moment you hire us until...well...forever! Our services include 3 prenatal visits, 24/7 on call doulas, and two postpartum visits

What is the benefit of a doula group?

Let us count the ways! First off, the amount of knowledge and experience within our group is like nothing else offered on Long Island. Our varied backgrounds come together to form some truly beautiful energy. No matter if you are 2 or 42 weeks, someone will always be on call to answer your phone calls, texts, or emails in a timely fashion. Pooling our knowledge, we feel confident that we can provide you with the best possible care and meet you exactly where you are on your birth path. Zero judgement. Just love, kindness, and compassion.

When are the prenatal visits?

Visits typically begin after your 20 week mark. Your first private prenatal visit will take place via Zoom with both of us in attendance. The second two visits are in person, in your home, one with each of us! This way we all get to spend lots of good time together!

How do I know who to call for my birth?

You don’t have to! We have one phone number for you to call or text at any time throughout your pregnancy and labor. No confusion there! We will always answer or respond within a timely fashion.

Will I see you again after I deliver?

You can bet your bottom dollar on it! We provide a postpartum visit in your home within the first week or so after your birth. During this time, we talk through your labor story, help troubleshoot anything that has come up since, and provide you with additional references as needed. There is a second optional visit offered that can be either a traditional visit or a Birth Energy Cleanse.

Our Beliefs

Education - Having a comprehensive knowledge of what labor & birth may look like as well as knowing that you ALWAYS HAVE OPTIONS is very important to us. We convey this through your prenatal visits and 24/7 on call doulas to help talk through anything that comes up and helping to guide you to form your own birth preferences. Knowledge is power. When you know your options, you keep that power. 

Community - You were never meant to take this journey by yourself and you don’t have to! Birthside Doulas strives to create a community with our expectant parents. We think family is so important! We also love when friends become family and believe that is exactly what you will find here

Empowerment - When you take the time to educate and surround yourself with a good team, you can’t help but feel empowered! We are ready and excited to be a part of your experience and to help support your vision for your birth

The Trifecta of Birth

Physical - birth is the greatest athletic event of your life! We will be there to support you through guidance and suggestions with positions as well as hands on comfort measures. Whether a planned home or hospital birth, we will model behavior for the partner as well as step in with our own hands when needed

Emotional - this goes without saying! You already know that your hormones are being taken for a ride and we will be there to help keep you steady at the helm. Whether you are the birthing person or the partner - becoming a parent is a BIG deal! Birthside Doulas is here to talk you through every step of the way

Mental - often overlooked, the mind is a VERY powerful thing! Preparing yourself mentally through education and support can help get you on the right track. Birthside Doulas is here to assist you in navigating your pregnancy, labor, and birth journey