Frequently Asked Questions
What does a doula do?
Simply put, doulas make life easier! With pregnancy and babies come questions, whether you are a first time parent or have older children too. Maybe you don’t have much experience with babies. Many parents don’t know where to turn for help - the internet? Friends with kids? By hiring me as your doula, you can directly reach one person to reliably answer your questions in depth, giving you personalized, non-judgmental guidance for implementing helpful changes as you navigate the steps on your parenthood path.
What is your service area?
I am located in south Orange County, California. I attend home and birth center births as well as births at the following hospitals: Providence Mission Hospital (Mission Viejo), Saddleback Memorial (Laguna Hills), Kaiser Irvine, Hoag Irvine, and St. Joseph’s (Orange).
For 24 hour or travel care, I am available to travel to you for the duration of our time working together. I do occasionally take on postpartum clients in San Diego County or Los Angeles County with a small travel fee. I also invite you to check out my Doula Over Distance options!
What kind of training do you have?
In addition to 15 years of experience, I have completed training and certification requirements as both a birth and postpartum doula (DONA International). Additional courses I have completed include Holistic Newborn Care Specialist (Gentle Ventures), Lactation Peer Counselor and Parent Educator (The Elizabeth Project International), Spinning Babies®, Herbalism for Birth Professionals (The Gaia School), Cultural Competency (Shafia Monroe Consulting), Motherwarming and Postpartum Practices (Red Tent Doulas) and multiple courses as Reiki Master Practitioner (The Holistic Mystic and Healing Light Energy). I also have and keep current my infant and adult CPR and First Aid certifications.
How is a postpartum doula different from a “mother’s helper” or a “baby nurse”?
As a doula, I have invested in expanding my knowledge and understanding of birth and parenting beyond just my desire to help. A “mother’s helper” may be less experienced, or expect you as the parent to tell them what you want them to do. A “baby nurse” is a title often misused to be synonymous with doulas or newborn care specialists (NCS), particularly with regard to overnight care. Most “baby nurses” do not have medical training and are not licensed nurses, which can be misleading if your baby does need skilled nursing care.
I know someone who just had a baby - do you offer gift certificates?
Choosing a doula is important for the person receiving the help - it needs to be the right fit! Instead of gift certificates, I suggest you speak with the person who is having the baby about having doula and why you would like to gift them doula care. If they are interested in booking with me, I am happy to work with them while making arrangements for friends and family that would like to help cover the cost.
What types of payment can you accept?
I am able to accept payment via cash, check, HSA funds or Zelle.
I am also now able to bill insurance! Currently, I am in-network through Medi-Cal with CalOptima and Optum and accept Kaiser Permanente (both Medi-Cal and commercial plans). I will need a copy of your insurance card and some services may need additional approval by a member of your medical care team.