A doula is someone who provides physical, emotional and informational support from pregnancy through postpartum. Physical support includes comfort measures, pain management and quite literally being someone to lean on during labor. Emotional support includes having someone to talk/complain to, anticipating your needs, encouraging you, keep you calm, set the tone in the room and make you feel safe. Informational support at Root & Moon includes childbirth education for all clients (including repeat mamas) so that you have the knowledge necessary to prepare you for birth. It also includes a resource list of incredible specialists who can provide additional support before and after birth.

Labor can be intense and exhausting. You and your body are working really hard to get a baby out of there. Doulas are important because they are going to help you with the physical, mental and emotional aspects of labor and birth. Doulas help with movement and comfort measures to get your baby in the optimal position for a smoother delivery. Doulas help with pain management and coping mechanisms to help you work in lockstep with your body instead of working against it. Doulas help you maintain a mindset focused on having a healthy, positive birth experience and maintaining your mental & physical strength throughout the process. People who have doulas tend to lower their risk of a c-section, induction, use of pitocin, episiotomies and other medical interventions. People who have doulas also tend to report having a better birthing experience compared to those who don’t have doulas.

You should birth where you feel most comfortable and safe. Many healthy pregnant people with healthy babies are able to birth at home safely. There could be circumstances, however, that make birth at a birth center or hospital better for you. Be sure to discuss your preference with your provider to assess the pros and cons and make an informed decision.

Yes, giving birth at home is legal.

The midwife or nurse who attends your birth at your home or birth center can help you with registering your baby with the local clerk or county recording office to receive the birth certificate. You can also do this process yourself with the aforementioned offices. Just note that this must be done within 10 days of the baby’s birth.

Yes! We offer both! You can buy now and pay over time through a third party for our services. You can check your options without affecting your credit score. This option allows you to make small payments over a flexible timeline. Or you could set up a payment plan directly with Root & Moon. With this option, doula services must be paid in full by the 37 week mark in your pregnancy.

Some insurance companies may cover all or a portion of doula services. You may also be able to be reimbursed through your HSA or FSA. Check with your insurance provider for clarification.

A midwife is a medically trained person whose primary focus is the medical care for the pregnant person and the baby. They “catch” the baby. The doula’s primary focus is on supporting the birthing person emotionally and physically through labor and birth. They do not “catch” babies.

Before labor, doulas meet with you for prenatal visits to become acquainted with you, discuss your pregnancy background, review your birth plan and any other areas of your pregnancy and birth. Throughout your pregnancy, your doula is available via phone, text or email for questions, updates and emotional support. 

During labor, once your doula arrives they are there to help you physically and to help you and your partner emotionally. Physically, they’ll use comfort measures such as squatting, massage, hydrotherapy, position changes, hot/cold compresses, hip squeezes etc. They make sure you remain fed, hydrated and progressing in labor. Your doula will provide emotional support too. They will help you create a safe & calm space during labor, remind you of your affirmations, help you push through intense moments and encourage you when you need it most. Your doula will also provide reassurance and emotional support to your partner and cultivate the space for them to be involved and active in the process.

After labor, your doula will provide additional emotional support as you transition into postpartum. Your doula will visit you in your home during postpartum to offer additional resources, light house work, meal preparation and infant care.

Doulas can be certified, though they’re not required to be. Your Root & Moon doula is certified.

Doulas are a safe and great addition to your home birth! But keep in mind that doulas do not practice medicine so you want to have a midwife, some other medical professional or someone close to you present to help you catch your baby. 

We do not give refunds.