darVida, LLC

What is a doula?

Doula comes from the Greek word that means female servant. In the ancient Greco-Roman period, there were women whose sole responsibility was to keep company and help support physically and emotionally their matron when giving birth. In modern times, a doula is a woman who gets trained with evidence-based information and techniques to serve her client prepare for pregnancy, labor, delivery and postpartum.

At darVida, we as doulas want to come alongside you as a guide, advocate and encourager, through every stage of this birth journey. We will work with your team of caregivers (midwife, OBGYN, nurses) bringing you the emotional, mental, spiritual and physical support you need.

How soon should I hire a doula?

It is never too early to hire a doula. Although most doulas start working with their clients in their second trimester, we can offer support early on through resources and education.

Will you be able to incorporate faith into the birth experience?

Yes! For any client who asks for it, we will offer faith-based support. We will worship the Lord with you, pray for you and remind you of the truth from the Scriptures.

If I decide to use pharmaceutical pain medication, will you support me?

We will support all the decisions you make regarding your birth, (including the use of pain medication or not). Our role is to support you in your ideal birth experience.

Do you support inductions?

Yes! If your care provider believes that is the best route and you decide it is too, we will be there to support you.

Do you support c-sections?

Yes, we do support births through cesarean. We will help you create a gentle cesarian birth plan and depending on hospital protocol we can be with you during surgery prep, at the operation room and in recovery. We can help narrate what is going on if you so desire, stay by your side if birth partner/father needs to go with baby, to ensure you are not alone. We will also be with you to help you with the first hour of skin to skin and first latch if you so desire.

I want to have a water birth at home, can you be my doula?

Absolutely! Water births usually require more work for the birth team, so I would love helping assist you and the team that way.

What if my pregnancy is high-risk?

As doulas we cannot change the circumstances affecting your health, but we can offer the support you need, emotionally and physically. We will provide care and comfort during any challenges that may present during a high-risk pregnancy.

Does a Doula replace the role of a father?

No. We support both of you (or anyone else in the birth space that you want support from). We will work as a team; we can show them techniques or give them breaks when needed.

Do you make medical decisions or offer medical advice?

No. As doulas, we are not qualified to make medical decisions or offer medical advice. Decisions need to be made by you and your birth partner. I CAN provide you with information and resources so you can make an informed decision. If you need medical advice, I will advise you to reach out to your midwife or ob/gyn.

Can I reach out to you during postpartum period?

Yes! We will schedule a postnatal visit within the first two weeks to see how you and baby are doing and to provide resources and support during the first six weeks.

What are the benefits of hiring a doula team?

Hiring darVida doulas guarantees you will have a doula that you know. My daughter and I will tag team so we can provide the best care for you even if it is a longer than usual labor.