FAQ
General Questions
A doula is a non-medical assistant in prenatal care, childbirth, and during the postpartum period. The word "doula" is Greek and refers to a woman who personally serves another woman.
A doula provides continuous non-medical support in prenatal care, childbirth, and during the postpartum period, while a midwife is a licensed medical provider who can work freelance or be an employee in a hospital and can monitor and deliver your baby.
| Doula: Your One Consistency throughout Pregnancy, Labor and Postpartum | Midwife: Medical Support during Your Pregnancy |
|---|---|
| Does home visits | Does not do home visits unless you have a home birth. |
| Non-medical pregnancy and birth coach. Might have other certifications like childbirth educator or lactation counselor | Takes care of you medically, is often in a team of 4-6 and one of them will be at your birth. |
| Works in your home and the location you choose for your birth | Works in a hospital, birthing center or does home births |
| During Labor: Coaches you, moves you around into good positions, guides you through contractions, massages you, creates a calming atmosphere, makes sure your partner feels safe and confident, informs you on procedures at the hospital, communicates with your birth team. | Will check on you from time to time, keep you safe from the medical side, monitor and deliver your baby. |
Yes. A 2013 study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that Medicaid recipients who received doula support had a cesarean delivery rate of 22.3%, compared with 31.5% among Medicaid recipients without doula support — a 40.9% reduction in the odds of cesarean delivery after adjusting for clinical complications, maternal age, race, and ethnicity (adjusted odds ratio 0.59; 95% CI, 0.51–0.68; P < .001).
Source: American Journal of Public Health, published online February 14, 2013.
Research shows measurable postpartum benefits at 6 weeks after birth for mothers supported by a doula or midwife, compared with those who were not:
- Lower levels of anxiety and depression
- Greater confidence in caring for their baby
- Higher satisfaction with their partner (71% vs. 30%)
- Higher rates of continued breastfeeding (52% vs. 29%)
Source: American Journal of Public Health, published online February 14, 2013.
Yes. Doulas provide continuous emotional, physical, and informational support throughout labor — regardless of your pain management choices. They can help you understand your options and support you in deciding when to request an epidural, based on your preferences and how your labor is progressing.
Even with an epidural, a doula can help you stay comfortable, suggest optimal labor positions, support communication with your care team, and provide reassurance for both you and your partner. Their role is to support your experience and preferences every step of the way.
Services and What to Expect
Yes, all doulas and night nannies offer a virtual interview on Zoom or FaceTime.
Each doula sets her own rates based on experience, training, and certifications. Birth doula services typically start around $800 and can range up to $8,000, depending on the level of support and included services.
Night nannies start at $350/12 hours for overnights with a minimum of 4 overnights per week.
For detailed pricing, package options, and availability, please contact us directly by email to [email protected] or call/text to 347-257-5157.
Yes. All hospitals in the NYC area allow one to two support persons in addition to your doula during labor and birth. Policies can vary slightly by hospital, so we recommend confirming specific guidelines with your chosen facility in advance.
Reimbursement for birth doula services is becoming increasingly common in the U.S., though coverage varies by plan. We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to confirm your specific benefits and any documentation required for reimbursement.
Doulas are typically considered out-of-network providers. Once you've hired a doula, we can provide the necessary paperwork for you to submit a reimbursement claim.
You may also have access to employer-sponsored benefits through programs such as Carrot, Maven, or Progyny, which often include coverage for doula support — be sure to check with your HR team.
Lactation consultants (IBCLCs) are more commonly covered by U.S. health insurance plans. After your visit, you'll typically receive a superbill to submit for reimbursement.
Stephanie from NY Baby is in-network with Cigna, which includes five virtual sessions at no cost and five in-person sessions (travel fees may apply).
While this situation is rare, every doula works within a trusted backup system. If your primary doula is unavailable, a qualified backup doula (often from NY Baby) will step in to support you.
Because birth timing is unpredictable, we maintain a network of experienced doulas to ensure continuous coverage — so you can feel confident that you'll have dedicated support when you need it most.
Absolutely not. Doulas support your choices and respect what feels right for you and your baby. While breastfeeding is often encouraged for its benefits, there are many valid reasons to choose alternatives such as supplementing, exclusively pumping, or bottle-feeding.
Lactation consultants can help guide you through your feeding options and support you in making informed decisions that work best for your family. Be sure to check with your insurance provider, as many plans cover lactation support.
Practical Tips & Preparation
The following are signs that the baby is sucking properly at the breast:
See it:
- The temple/ear wiggle, jaw movement — baby's ear and temple will wiggle with each suck.
- Baby's lips should be flanged and tongue should cup the breast.
Feel it:
- Gentle tugging at the breast — mother should feel a gentle tugging, but no pain.
- Upon initial latch baby will begin to suck quickly — these quick sucks will trigger mother's letdown reflex.
- Baby's sucking will become longer and a suck-suck-pause pattern should develop as the milk lets down.
Hear it:
Audible suck, swallow, pattern.
When packing for a hospital birth, prioritize essential identification, comfort items for labor, basic personal care supplies, and going-home clothes for baby.
Here are some of our suggestions that may make your hospital stay more comfortable:
- Insurance card and any hospital paperwork you need
- Birth plan, if you have one
- Bathrobe
- Nightgown
- Slippers
- Pairs of warm socks
- Lip moisturizer
- Hair band
- Basic toiletries
- Birth ball
- Massage oils or lotions
- Music
- Phone charger
- Your own pillow
- Snacks, such as chocolate, almonds, coconut water, Preggie Pops or cookies. Ask your OB/midwife if you are allowed to eat during labor
- Something to read
- Nursing bra
- Breast pads and gel pads
- Baby clothes for the way home
- Infant car seat
A checklist of time-tested baby calmers:
Motion & Physical Carrying
- Carrying & Walking: Wearing baby in a sling, neck nestling, taking a walk, pushing baby in a carriage, or nursing while walking.
- Gentle Motion: Swinging baby, dancing together, draping baby over a beach ball, or taking a car ride.
Soothing Sounds & Rhythm
- Voice & Music: Singing lullabies, playing music, or echoing baby's cry back to them.
- Rhythmic Ticks & Devices: A metronome, the tick-tock or pendulum swing of a clock, or vibrating/humming gadgets wrapped in a diaper or blanket.
- White Noise & Household Sounds: Running water, tapes of environmental sounds, womb sounds, or heartbeats.
- Ambient Appliance Noise: Ceiling or bathroom fans, vacuum cleaners, dishwashers, washing machines, or air conditioners.
Visual Distractions & Environment
- Faces & Interaction: Showing baby your "silly face" or looking into a magic mirror.
- Visual Focal Points: Gazing at traffic, watching a parent on an exercise machine, watching TV/videos, or watching a fire in the fireplace.
- Atmosphere: Draping a red cloth over a lamp to create red light, and working to create the most peaceful home environment overall.
Touch, Warmth & Feeding Comfort
- Physical Touch & Bathing: Infant massage, a "warm fuzzy," or taking a warm bath together.
- Comfort Sucking: Nursing or using pacifiers.
- Dietary Adjustments: Eliminating bothersome foods from the mother's diet (if breastfeeding) or changing formula.
HELPFUL LINKS
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