Frequently Asked Questions

  • A Birth Doula is a dedicated professional who offers specialized support to women and their partners throughout pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. This person may or may not have received training from a certifying organization, but it is not required to be a Doula.

  • In most instances no. The role of a Birth Doula and Birth Keeper is not to provide any medical assistance. We do not replace the care you receive from your Midwife or OBGYN.

  • A Doula or Birth Keeper can be a valuable addition to your birth team if you are looking for unconditional and judgment-free support. Doulas and Birth Keepers are perinatal professionals who provide continuous support to women and families during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum periods. They can offer a wide range of services, including education and counseling, physical support during labor, and advocacy for your birth preferences.

    If you feel that you would benefit from having someone guiding you throughout the birth process who can provide you with personalized and continuous support, then a Doula/Birth Keeper may be the right choice for you.

  • A Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS) is a lactation professional who has received specialized education and training in breastfeeding support and counseling.

    A CBS is trained to provide support and guidance to new mothers who are experiencing breastfeeding challenges, such as latching difficulties, low milk supply, or nipple pain. They can offer advice on positioning and latch techniques, help identify and address any issues that may be impacting breastfeeding success, and provide emotional support to mothers during the breastfeeding journey as well as provide community resources/referrals.

  • If you are pregnant or have recently given birth and are planning to breastfeed or are currently experiencing breastfeeding challenges, a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist may be right for you.

    A CBS can provide you with valuable support and guidance on the breastfeeding journey, including advice on proper latching and positioning techniques, tips for increasing milk supply, and guidance on addressing common breastfeeding challenges such as nipple pain or engorgement.

    If you are struggling with breastfeeding and need additional support, a CBS may be able to help. They can provide individualized support and counseling, help you develop a breastfeeding plan that works for you and your baby, and provide emotional support during the breastfeeding process.

  • No. As a Birth Keeper/Doula, I am not a medical professional and do not provide any medical services. I strongly believe that if I were to accept insurance, then I would be feeding into the toxic maternity care system and have no intentions of accepting insurance. This includes my lactation services as well. I do not provide any super-bills either.

  • Yes, a virtual lactation consultation can be just as good as an in-person consultation in many cases.

    During a virtual consultation, the lactation consultant can observe a mother and infant breastfeeding, provide guidance and advice on positioning and latch, and offer tips and techniques for increasing milk supply or addressing common breastfeeding challenges.

    While virtual consultations may not be appropriate for all situations, they can be a convenient and effective option for many mothers. They can be especially beneficial for mothers who may have mobility or transportation issues, live in remote areas, or have difficulty finding a lactation consultant in their area.