FAQ: your questions, answered

“What is a Birth Doula?” 
A Birth Doula is a trained childbirth professional who provides personalized support, advocacy, guidance and information to expecting families throughout the pregnancy, birth and postpartum period to aid in optimum birth outcomes and more enjoyable birth experiences. Much like a Wedding Planner, Realtor, Trail Guide or Travel Agent; professional Doulas walk the journey with Families ensuring all those special touches and individual preferences are met. 
Benefits of having Doula Support

“Published data indicates that one of the most effective tools to improve labor & delivery outcomes is the continuous presence of support personnel, such as a Doula.” 
-American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology March, 2014 

What a Doula is Not: 
Doulas are not medical professionals, do not perform medical care, do not give medical advice and do not deliver babies.
A Doula is not your prenatal provider- Not a OB, Doctor or Midwife.
A Doula offers family centered supportive care, guidance and advocacy; helping expecting families experience their best birth possible. 

“I want an Epidural and to deliver in a Hospital; Do I still need a Doula?” 
Doulas attend births in a variety of settings.  Your Body. Your Birth. Your Baby. Your Way. 
Published data shows that having Doula support in the use of interventions, the chances of a C Section is reduced by over 50%! Utilizing my previous Spinning Babies trainings, the use of Birth Balls and taking a gentle approach- we can safely put Mom in the best positions that encourage an uncomplicated vaginal birth. I have attended births in all the local hospitals, Birthing Centers and Home Births; Medicated and Natural. Whatever your individual birth plans are, Doulas are there to support you, without judgement or bias. 

“I am having a Home Birth, Do I still need a Doula?”
Doulas can be incredibly helpful in all birth settings. Parents may find the guidance of a Doula to offer a positive impact on the overall home birth experience.
Doulas often arrive to the home before the Midwives do and will continuously update your care team on contraction pattern, labor progress and when to come over.
Doulas take care of a lot! I want to ensure my Clients feel safe, are as comfortable as possible (my double hip squeezes get a lot of praise!) are well nourished/hydrated, see the calmness and create elements of peace: I always bring twinkle lights, battery candles and stars/sky projectors in my birth bag to decorate the birthing space; with my hands relaxing your body, light bites of foods to maintain your energy, soft music in the background and dim lights: Mothers will welcome their baby in upmost peace and tranquillity. All though a hospital transfer is rare, Doulas will accompany Families to the hospital and support everyone. You don’t have to navigate the hospital alone! I’ll be there for you. My contract still stands, complimentary birth photography and Lactation support will occur and all articles of my contract will be fulfilled: regardless of how, or where birth happens. If a hospital transfer is eminent, Midwives will call the hospital ahead to give the L & D department a heads up. Upon arrival I will relay all birthing preferences to the staff, decorate your birth space with twinkle lights and candles, request my favorite nurses who have previously shown my clients compassion, respect and loving care- giving your Family the best birth team and experience possible.

“What is in your Doula Bag?”
A lot! I am like a Girl Scout: “always be prepared”. My Doula bag is well equipped with an array of comfort measures: Portable fans, several essential oils, cooling towels, massage tools, Tens Unit, herbs to remedy nausea, massage lotion for leg cramps, tennis balls, heating pad, electrolyte drinks and I always bring nourishing food for you and your Partner. Everyone gets fed and taken care of when I am your Doula! I strongly believe in Mothers being well nourished and hydrated in Labor. You need fuel! To create an inviting birthing atmosphere, I bring birth affirmation cards, twinkle lights, a dome that recreates the night sky on your ceiling and several (battery) candles. Decorating your birth space; creating a visual of peace and calm is one of my special doula touches. I also have a robozzo scarf to help put baby in optimum birthing position (this can help reduce the chances of a C Section) and a ring sling to help Mothers safely lay skin-to-skin with their baby post C Section.
I also have extra toiletries, new cozy socks (hospital socks can be stiff) and an extra warm blanket for your Family to use, if needed.
Don’t worry if you forgot your cell phone charger.. I got that, too! Every baby receives a personalized onesie, a Book “On the Night you were Born” and a baby hat as a little keepsake.

“Do I still need a Birth Doula if my Partner will be present at the birth?”
As a Doula, I am never to replace the role of the birth partner and to take away from ones birthing experience. The role of a Doula is to make the birth the best experience possible for all, keeping in mind that this is a Father’s/Partner’s birth experience, too. Doulas offer far more than just birth support! A Doula will offer multiple prenatal visits, pregnancy support, evidence based/informed consent birthing information, childbirth education, birth prep, breastfeeding support and postpartum support. Come “game day” you both will be ready and fully informed. Many Dads have been grateful for having Doula support; we are a team. I support you both! Many Dads have said having a Doula at their birth was beneficial to them and took away a lot of stress, “fear of the unknown” and pressure. Professional Doulas carry multiple credentials, have years of doula experience and have a plethora of pregnancy and Breastfeeding education. I have attended hundreds of births, have over 22+ years of doula experience, 700 hours of related training and pull from these experiences to guide expectant families in obtaining their best birth, however it unfolds.

“What is your Photography style?”
Families who hire me as their birth doula will also receive birth photography, at no additional charge. It’s your Birth Story, told through my lens. No moment will ever compare: Let’s capture the joy, the elation, the bliss and the raw emotions that go with. I support families and document the birth story: Labor, Birth, postpartum, “first latch”, and all newborn details. Being invited into ones birth story is an honor, something I don’t take lightly. I understand how private and intimate birthing is; your birth will be tastefully documented, honoring all elements of your desired modesty and preferences. Any images posted on social media will be approved by the Family, first.

“Wait… You do both, Doula AND Photography? How does that work?”
Yes! As an experienced birth photographer (8 yrs) and Doula (22 years), I’m very comfortable moving between multiple roles. I shoot photos with intention, which means I usually have ample time to give my clients physical and emotional support along with comfort measures. I document the birth story as it unfolds while also supporting the Family. As you reach the finish line, I take a step back and grab my Nikon z7ii mirrorless camera: professionally capturing your joy, elation and the pure bliss of meeting your precious baby. I normally stay 2-3 hrs after birth to ensure Mom eats a nourishing meal (I always bring food) baby nurses well (I am also a CLC) and all desired photography shots are taken. Many families prefer to keep their birth team as small and intimate as possible, which is why more families are choosing to hire a birth professional who can offer doula support, Lactation consulting and birth photography.
- Photography Portfolio

“I am trying a VBAC, Do you have experience with VBAC’s?”
Yes! I absolutely LOVE attending VBAC births, they hold such an element of magic. I would be honored to support you through a trial of labor, guiding you to experience your desired birth plans. I have attended over 60+ VBAC’s, have 6 years of a 100% VBAC success rate and am a Certified VBAC Doula, through The VBAC Link.
(VBAC= Vaginal Birth After C Section)

“How many births do you take a Month?”
I run my business solo and am not an agency, I intentionally take on a lower volume of clientele (3 to 4 births a month) to ensure I provide local Families with the highest level of personalized, hands on support. My Doula package is robust offering multiple layers of detailed support before, during and after birth, along with additional offerings. I want to ensure I have the time dedicated to providing everything expecting families deserve: I do not compromise quality of care for profit.
“Quality over Quantity” will always be my business principle.

“What is your Doula training and background?”
I have certified with DONA multiple times since taking my first Birth & Postpartum Doula training in 2002. Over the years I have invested in my career by attending many trainings and certifications to give me more education and insight in best supporting Mothers before, during and after their baby is born.
You can read more about my background and bio here

“What hospitals do you attend births at?”
I attend births in all the places and spaces! Hospital, Home births with a Licensed Midwife and all local Birthing Centers.
Hospitals: Baptist Beaches, Baptist South, Baptist Clay, Uf Health North, Uf Health St Johns (Flagler, St Augustine) St Vincent’s Southside and HCA Memorial Hospital
Birthing Centers: First Coast Midwifery Center
Homebirth: Modern Midwives, STA Birth Collective, Sweet Grace Midwifery, Tara Duttra St Augustine Homebirth, North Florida Midwifery, First Coast Midwifery
Click here for my list of local  providers and places to meet your baby

“Do you meet with your Clients before and after?”
I sure do! Within the comprehensive Doula package I offer 2 {in home & in person} prenatal visits that include evidence based childbirth education, detailed birth planning, preferences, risks/benefits, breastfeeding prep, pump assembly, prenatal nutrition and postpartum wellness.
I attend 1 meeting with you and your provider in the last weeks of pregnancy. When birth day comes we will have spent approximately 7-10 hours together.
After the birth I come over by day 3 or 4 to help Mom with breastfeeding, weigh baby, give newborn assessment, postpartum support, birth processing, healing/bonding, and I bring the family a nutritious complimentary dinner along birthday cake to celebrate you, your birth and this wonderful new chapter!
The second postpartum visit is within days 15-30 days post birth to readdress any hurdles, offer additional resources and tie up all loose ends.
The birth doula packages are listed here

“Are You in network with insurance?  Do you take insurance plans?” 
While there are some health insurance policies that reimburse for Doula support, I am not “in network” and do not take TriCare or Medicaid. Submitting for reimbursement the various insurance companies is a very complicated process for all. However, I do offer flexible low payment plans, Trades and Military/Veterans get a significant discounts. I offer discounts and complimentary add ons for repeat families. I am happy to tailor an individual payment plan that meets your family’s budget.

“What is your Doula Style?” 
I am a big ball of play-doh. I mold to best fit the family and their individual birthing/ postpartum preferences. I don’t doula every family the same, simply because every Mom has different likes/dislikes and is seeking a different experience. I fill whatever role the Mother is desiring: a nurturing family member, a sister, a coach, a cheerleader.
Whatever vibes and goals the Mother is desiring, that’s the doula I am for her.

“What if I have a C Section Birth?”
I support Families in however Birth occurs. Birthing is individual; One size does not fit all. Either Scheduled or unplanned; Sometimes Babies require extra help to safely enter the world. Upon the approval of the Hospital Staff, I will be there for you. I stay close to Mom in the Operating Room and we recite a calm and peaceful Birth Affirmation to welcome your Baby. We will play music (often the Parents wedding song) as your Baby emerges. Once baby is out and on Mom’s chest for skin-to-skin, I ask everyone in the Room to softly sing “Happy Birthday” to your baby. Hearing that first cry with everyone singing together, welcoming your baby to the world, is so beautiful. If the Family desires my complimentary Birth Photography, I will take all the photos and video I can. I stay until Mom is stable, has ate a hearty meal and Baby has nursed well.  All Doula Services within the contract will still occur. Doula fees do not increase (nor decrease) based on Birth Outcomes or Labor/Birth Duration. 
* Note: All Baptist Hospital locations currently do NOT allow for Doula support in the OR; we are actively working with Baptist Hospital representatives to change this policy, to improve birthing experiences and outcomes for all. I look forward to actively leading the movement to upgrade birthing practices in Jacksonville/ St Augustine.

“What discounts do you offer for Repeat Families?”
The biggest compliment is when I get invited to work with a previous client once again. My repeat families will receive the comprehensive Doula Package at a discounted rate with “lock in pricing”: they will pay the same doula fee as they did previously and additionally, repeat families will receive the “before, during & after” photography package complimentary (a $1,500 value!)

“What happens if Im in labor and you’re at another birth?” 
Working as a team with my fellow doulas, I always have multiple backup doulas available who offer a comparable level of experience and care who are ready to step in on my behalf. The use of a backup doula is included in the birth doula contract, at no additional fee.
I intentionally take on a low volume of clientele (3 or 4 births a month) to significantly reduce the chances of having multiple Moms in labor on the same day/night.
Since moving to Jacksonville/Nocatee in 2019, I have locally attended over 150+ births and used a backup Doula only 2 times- due to illness.

“Do you offer refunds?”
Yes, in extreme circumstances I do offer a partial refund; especially in circumstances of a 1st or 2nd trimester loss. I would never want a Family to pay for Doula support/ services they did not receive.

““Do you attend Unassisted births?”
 I do not attend intentional unassisted homebirths without a FL Licensed Midwife present. I am not a “birth keeper”.

“Wherever the journey takes you, whatever birth story your baby writes; I am committed to providing my Clients with evidence based guidance, upmost advocacy, loving care and the holistic centered support they deserve. No other day in your life will compare to that moment when you meet your baby. Let’s make it magical, however it all unfolds.”

- Jessica Gillan