Frequently Answered Questions
We do a lot of consultations and we field a lot of inquiries. We thought that compiling them all in one spot would be helpful for our clients, and those who are considering hiring Houston Birth & Baby.
What is the difference between a Doula and a Midwife?
A Midwife is a medical support person that often uses more naturally minded approaches when it comes to labor and birth. They are solely responsible for the health and safety of you and your baby. They work in hospitals, birth centers and home births.
A doula is a non-medical support person that is responsible for encouraging, comforting, and offering information when requested. They can be a valuable support person for the entire family. They work in hospitals, birth centers and homebirths (with a care provider in attendance)
What is your birth philosophy?
We support you and your choices with absolutely no bias, no judgement and no agendas-wholeheartedly. WE reduce fear, and instill confidence in your own abilities. That’s all we need to do.
How can you support me, or my partner/other support people?
In any way you need us to. We are fantastic at helping your main support person anticipate your needs, and keep them calm in the process. We are often hired specifically for this purpose. We offer many different services that can be combined to offer you a unique, customized experience.
What does your Birth Doula package include (prenatals, postpartum work, etc..)?
We offer you two prenatal visits to discuss your birth, get to know you, and be sure you have the tools needed to find the joy in your birth. We help you prepare for life with baby and discuss what to expect post birth- the fourth trimester.
After delivery, we offer a postpartum visit to discuss your birth and be sure you have the tools you need to care for the new being you’ve been blessed with.
What does your Postpartum Doula package include?
We provide you with a Postpartum planning workbook, and our doula team schedules a “home visit” before birth, if possible. This gives us the opportunity to learn our way around your house and helps them get acquainted with your family before the new baby arrives.
We offer a variety of options when it comes to postpartum shifts and packages. You can purchase a single shift a la carte style (day time or overnight, full shifts are required).
A typical shift looks different for every family. For an idea of the types of things we do, check out this blog post.
What does your Placenta Processing include?
We provide a transport kit, spill kit, and full instructions on how to get your placenta from your birth place to your home. Once home, you don’t have to do anything else with the placenta. We take care of everything and leave your kitchen cleaner than we found it. Additionally, we provide you with a detailed FAQ on how and why we process in the home. You can choose to have any or all of the following: pills, liquid tincture, salve, cord keepsake, and placenta print.
What does your Infant Feeding Support include?
This is a service that is catered specifically to your unique needs. We walk you through a feeding plan so we have an idea of what your goals and expectations are. Once we have that in mind, we are able to provide you with support to meet your goals, or information to help you manage your expectations. We are not IBCLC’s and cannot diagnose or treat. This service can be beneficial through the entire feeding journey. Breast, bottle, solids, weaning… we help with it all!
Do you have back up?
Yes, of course!
We operate using the team model. You always have the benefit of two doulas attending your prenatal vistis. Two doulas to ask questions. Two doulas to offer professional unbiased information. One member of your doula team will attend the birth, and her partner is her built in back up.
It would be highly unprofessional of any doula to not have a backup already lined up and ready to go, especially prior to taking on any clients.
We have a practice of five doulas that work closely together to ensure our clients have someone that works with their personality style. They are ready and willing to meet you if you would like. You will never be sent a completely new, strange person to be by your side. Check out their bios here.
Do you accept Insurance?
No.
However, we do accept funds from Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). We can also provide you with a detailed receipt and letter to submit to your insurance for reimbursement.
How do we pay you?
Upon signing, we set up a private client lounge for you. All of our communications and invoices are kept there. You can log in anytime and pay via credit/debit/FSA/HSA card. We also accept cash, Venmo, and electronic drafts. Additionally, we are happy to work out a payment plan with you. We offer gift certificates and can be placed on a gift registry if you have family/friends that want to help pay for any of our services.
What do I need to do to prepare for this baby?
Ideally, this starts before you’re pregnant. First, know what you want when it comes to a provider.
Where does that provider work? Home? Birth Center? Hospital?
- Hire your birth team.
- Educate yourself! (childbirth education, breastfeeding classes, CPR/First aid, research parenting methods)
- Educate the grandparents ( we offer a class just for them!)
- Take good care of your body.
- Exercise.
- Hydrate.
- Purchase a car seat, a place for the baby to sleep and some diapers.
- Find a pediatrician. We love Dr. Kathrym Espana at Concierge Pediatrics!
- Trust yourself. You’ve got this!
- If you feel like you don’t “got this”, hire us for postpartum support – we are really good at helping you feel more comfortable in your new role!