What is a doula?

“Doula” was originally defined in Greek as “Woman Caregiver.” Today we use this word to describe a person who attends a mother-to-be in pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. A doula is not a medical practitioner, but a source of information and continuous emotional and physical support.

What does a doula do?

See this page for a full outline of our services. Additional services are available upon request, please don’t be afraid to ask!

What does a doula not do?

We don’t do anything medical. We won’t be doing exams, checking for fetal heart tones, blood pressure, etc. We also don’t provide any medical advice. Those questions will be referred to your medical provider.
We will not be the “go between” between the couple and their doctor, midwife, or hospital staff. Instead, we will help empower and equip you to make those communications for yourself.
We will not take the place of the father or partner in the birth experience. We will help the partner to be more involved and included! Of course, if the partner cannot be there for the birth, we can provide additional support to help fill in gaps.

What is the difference between partner support and doula support?

A doula can support both parents through the process of having a baby!
In addition, the doula is not emotionally involved with the mother in the way a partner is, which makes it easier for her to be the “level head” in a stressful situation.
Fathers are among our biggest supporters! If you would like to speak with to any past clients or their partners, be sure to ask.

I have heard of people who hired a doula, but she wasn’t available the day of the birth. How do you handle this?

We are a group of three doulas who work together closely. You will have a primary doula and a back-up, who you will meet at least once during prenatal care. In the event your primary doula should be unavailable for your birth (note this is very rare, but family emergencies, etc. are a part of life), your back-up would step in.

Will my insurance cover a doula?

Coverage of doula care in part or total is becoming increasingly common among insurance plans. While there is no guarantee you will be reimbursed, we are happy to help you file the required forms. Health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts are also possibilities.

Are payment arrangements available?

Absolutely! We are more than happy to work with you to come up with an arrangement that makes having a doula comfortable for you.

What areas do you serve?

We attend births regularly in Williston and Sidney, but we are flexible and willing to travel as appropriate. If you are in the surrounding area and interested in a doula, please contact to check availability.

Are doulas only for “natural” births?

Definitely not! Doulas attend all kinds of births – from those wanting no drugs in labor or wanting a home birth to those planning an epidural or a cesarean section. Support varies with the situation. Our number one goal is to help each mother to have the birth that is right for her.

Is it too late to hire a doula? How about too early?

We have had moms contact us at 39 weeks and at 4 weeks! There is no such thing as too late or too early, we can work with your situation and circumstances.