FAQ
let's get curious
1. What is a birth doula?
1. What is a birth doula?
A doula is someone who walks alongside you through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, offering steady physical, emotional, and informational support. Unlike a midwife or doctor, a doula doesn't provide medical care. Instead, I'm there to help you feel prepared, supported, and confident in whatever birth you're working toward: answering questions, help you create you birth intentions, offering comfort measures during labor, and holding space for you to trust your body and lean into your faith along the way.
2. What are the benefits of hiring a doula?
2. What are the benefits of hiring a doula?
Studies show that doula support leads to shorter labors, fewer interventions, and lower rates of cesarean birth. But just as important is what can't be measured: a steady, familiar presence who prays with you, encourages you, and helps you trust the body God gave you. I'm with you for the whole journey, not switching shifts or dividing my attention, so you can move through labor feeling calm, supported, and deeply known.
3. Is there a difference between a doula and a midwife?
3. Is there a difference between a doula and a midwife?
Yes. A midwife is a medical provider who manages your clinical care and delivers your baby. A doula offers no medical care, instead providing continuous physical, emotional, and informational support before, during, and after birth. Many families work with both: a midwife for medical care, and a doula for steady, personal support throughout the experience.
4. What area do you serve, do you travel outside Chattanooga?
4. What area do you serve, do you travel outside Chattanooga?
I primarily serve families in Chattanooga, but I'm happy to travel up to 20 miles outside the city if I we are a good match. If our values align and you feel called to have me as part of your birth story, reach out, and we'll figure out the details together.
5. How far along should I be when I reach out to book?
5. How far along should I be when I reach out to book?
There's no wrong time to reach out, even early pregnancy is a great time to start the conversation. I intentionally keep a very low volume of clients in my calendar to make sure every family gets my full presence and attention, so my availability is quite limited. The earlier you inquire, the greater the oppurtunity we have of securing your due date.
6. Do I have to share your faith to work with you?
6. Do I have to share your faith to work with you?
No, you don't have to share my faith to work with me, but I want to communicate that this work is my ministry. I don't see doula care as just a job, it's an extension of my faith in Jesus. Prayer, scripture, and the presence of the Lord are the fabric of how I show up for every birth, because I believe birth is holy ground. That said, my role is to serve you, not to impose on you. Every woman I walk alongside is tended to with the same reverence, care, and full presence, regardless of where she's at on her spiritual journey.
7. Do you have a backup doula, and what happens if you're unavailable?
7. Do you have a backup doula, and what happens if you're unavailable?
- Yes, you'll always be cared for. I keep a trusted backup doula on call, so you're never without support if I'm unable to be there. If my backup doesn't offer photography, I'll offer a 2-hour in-home newborn/family session.
- I will let you know upfront, before you book, of any dates I'm not available, so there are no surprises. A backup doula will be set in place for said dates. Rest assured, I have yet to need a backup to fill in for me!