FAQ
I'm sure you have many questions! I'll be updating this page regularly; in the mean time, please email me all of your questions and I will be happy to chat with you!
Birth Services
Scroll down for answers.
Where can I birth?
What is a Labor Doula?
What is an Antepartum Doula?
What is a Postpartum Doula?
What goes into a doula's fee?
Where can I find a free doula?
How can I afford a doula?
Are Doulas covered by Insurance?
What areas do you serve?
I've had a C-section, must I have another?
What do you include in your doula services?
So, are you a midwife or a nurse?
Do you replace my husband during labor?
How do you prevent my family and friends feeling left out?
Will you advocate for me to hospital staff and my birth team?
Why would I want a doula? What are the benefits?
My husband doesn't think I need a doula...?
As a Natural Birth Activist, are you hostile to hospitals and OB's?
What if I don't want a natural childbirth?
Will you leave me or judge me if I get an epidural?
Can I have a natural childbirth?
How can you help with my cesarean?
Is there anything you can't do?
What happens after I hire you?
How does the Obstetric Model of Care differ from the Midwifery Model of Care for pregnant women?
What is a Lotus Birth?
Where can I birth?
What is a Labor Doula?
What is an Antepartum Doula?
What is a Postpartum Doula?
What goes into a doula's fee?
Where can I find a free doula?
How can I afford a doula?
Are Doulas covered by Insurance?
What areas do you serve?
I've had a C-section, must I have another?
What do you include in your doula services?
So, are you a midwife or a nurse?
Do you replace my husband during labor?
How do you prevent my family and friends feeling left out?
Will you advocate for me to hospital staff and my birth team?
Why would I want a doula? What are the benefits?
My husband doesn't think I need a doula...?
As a Natural Birth Activist, are you hostile to hospitals and OB's?
What if I don't want a natural childbirth?
Will you leave me or judge me if I get an epidural?
Can I have a natural childbirth?
How can you help with my cesarean?
Is there anything you can't do?
What happens after I hire you?
How does the Obstetric Model of Care differ from the Midwifery Model of Care for pregnant women?
What is a Lotus Birth?
- Where can I birth? At a hospital, a birth center, or your home; you are welcome to birth anywhere and in any way you like! You may even birth outside if you wish, perhaps in your garden or a hot tub. Just so long as your care provider is there, I can help you in any location.
- What is a Labor Doula? Every woman deserves a doula. A doula assists women and families in preparation for and all during labor and birth! They are trained and experienced in all sorts of childbirth--they know what's going on, how much more time you have until certain pathway markers, how to explain in common language a care provider's instructions or tools or suggestions, when something is normal or abnormal, how to touch or move or position you for your utmost comfort and to facilitate baby's descent, how to unstick a stuck baby, how to position baby optimally prior to birth, words to say and touch to use to give you strength as you navigate this wild earthy thing called birth. We can't birth the baby for you, we can't "catch" the baby, but we can help you do it all yourself with your birth team. We stay with you the whole time--starting at your home and ending at your choice of birthplace after you and baby are settled. There is nothing else like it.
- What is an Antepartum Doula? If you are placed on bedrest and need assistance with basic self-care, house care, and/or childcare, you should hire an antepartum doula. It's a prenatal doula who comes to you to help you since you must stay in bed and can't much help yourself.
- What is a Post Partum Doula? A postpartum doula is a wonderful animal I wish I had known about during my childbearing years. While each PP doula offers their own unique services, their service is invaluable, especially to those who do not have supportive family and friends nearby and able to wait on the mother and her new family during the weeks following birth. PP Doulas usually help with breastfeeding (although if you are having issues, you will want to hire a Lactation Consultant. Search for an IBCLC.), newborn care, postpartum care, rest for mom, care for other children and some house care, making sure you have meals lined up, and more. PP Doulas charge hourly and often set up a package of time to suit your situation (ie, 4 hours a day, 3 days a week for 2 weeks, etc.). Ideal for every post-partum mom, and especially moms of multiples, moms who already have children at home, and they are a great gift for single moms.
- What is in a doula's fee? The time I spend with you during birth is only a fraction of the time and effort I put into serving you. I meet with couples for prenatal appointments where I learn best how to serve them and they learn more about birth. I research and take classes and read a lot of books to have appropriate information to share with clients so they can receive the best care during their pregnancies, birth, and postpartum. I go on-call for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from your 38th week until you deliver--that means being nearby, not busy, and ready to go at the drop of a hat to serve you with my utmost knowledge, passion, and care. Not to mention my training, record-keeping, taxes, networking, advertising, website creation and maintenance, childcare, and supplies. I also volunteer with many organizations in your community to improve maternal/fetal wellness and outcomes for all. I need to feed my family just like you do--this is how I do it. Think of it this way: How much did you spend on your wedding and reception? Now how much are you willing to spend to do your best to ensure the safest, most personal, most empowering, and gentlest birth experience that will impact you, your family, and your relationship with your child for the rest of your life? It's not so much, after all, for so great a service.
- Where can I find a free doula? There are some certifying organizations who suggest that brand new doulas offer services for free to build up their experience, but I don't know where you can find them. However, for those who are truly in need, there are organizations to go through. The ones I know of are Chester County Women's Services--a local crisis pregnancy center, PALS or Philadelphia Alliance for Labor Support, Operation Special Delivery--if your husband is deployed military, and the Pettiway Foundation. Both the very wealthy and the very poor are able to afford the things or services they place value on. There is always a way.
- How Can I afford a Doula? Here are five ways you can afford your doula. Also, you could have your friends help pay via donations at your Baby Shower, Mother Blessing, or Diaper Raffle, as well as online registries like: BabyList and PlumFund.
- Are doulas covered by insurance? Some insurances cover doulas that have a national provider number, as I do; some insurances reimburse you for doula care with a receipt, and some insurances allow you to pay for a doula with your HSA or Health Savings Account card. Check with your provider. Some insurance providers just need convincing, so write those letters and pursue those appeals. Being reimbursed for my care is much more likely as I have a National Healthcare Provider Number for you to submit to your insurance.
- What areas do you serve? I serve basically a 35 mile radius from 19508. I travel up by Bensalem, Pa, sometimes into Trenton, NJ, Over to Cherry Hill, NJ, Down into the top of Deleware, and Over into Reading, PA. I am based out of Birdsboro, PA, and would love to support you in your Homebirth, Birth Center Birth, or Hospital Birth!
- If I have had a previous C-section, must I have another? No! That is a myth! There are a few women with rare conditions that warrant a c-section every time, but "once a cesarean, always a cesarean" is a refuted myth! Contact your local ICAN chapter for info on VBAC and finding a supportive (read: knowledgeable) care provider!
- What do you include in your doula services? My Labor Doula services include an in-person interview to make sure we are a good match, two prenatal visits to help me learn how best to support you, to make sure you are prepared, and to get baby in optimum position, a Simple Belly painting at your convenience, my going on-call at your 38th week until you deliver, my presence at your birth, normally beginning in your home, and I follow you to your choice of birth place, I stay with you the whole time until you and baby are settled and have begun to breastfeed, plus a postpartum visit to see how you are doing, if you have any questions, and to go over your birth story.
- So, are you a midwife or a nurse? No. A midwife is a care provider--much like an OB, who cares for you prenatally and catches your baby at the birth. A nurse cares for you clinically--keeping records of your care, doing assessments, making sure protocol is met, etc. The midwife, like the OB, is primarily there for the end of your labor. The nurse is caring for you and a dozen other women and goes home after 12 hours. The doula is with you from the time you need her assistance, care, and presence in labor until you give birth and are settled. I have no other job to do during that time, but be there for you and your family and no one else. I do not check your blood pressure or do vaginal exams or catch the baby. I do nothing clinical--my work is all skill and heart and knowledge and comfort. In fact, if you don't have an OB or a Midwife, I cannot attend you, as I am not a baby catcher. I do not attend unassisted labors or free-birthing.
- Do you replace my husband during labor? Absolutely not! If you are married or have a partner, I will help them help you! He knows how to comfort you already, and he has a connection with you that I couldn't and don't wish to interrupt, however, I know birth, and chances are he knows less than I and has less experience. Men are so grateful for their doula--we help them know what's going on, when and how to help you, if they don't know, and are a general reassurance that they will not be lost or left out of the whole event. For first hand accounts of dads who have had a doula, see here, here, or here.
- How do you prevent my family and friends feeling left out? If they are attending your birth, I give them reassurance and updates, I can give them helpful jobs to do, and if they are as vital as your husband, I will help them help you the same way I do with him.
- Will you advocate for me to hospital staff and my birth team? I help you self-advocate, and I make sure you have time you need to discuss your options.
- Why would I want a doula? What are the benefits? See here.
- My husband doesn't think I need a doula...? See here.
- As a Natural Birth Activist, are you hostile to hospitals and OB's? No! I was trained by a doula who was an OB nurse for decades--she taught us how to work WITH the hospital protocol, the nurses on duty, and your Medwife or Ob. They are not my enemy.
- What if I don't want a natural childbirth? That's up to you. There is so much help you'll need for a medicated birth--positioning, limited movement creating a need for different comfort measures, knowledge of the procedures and what are normal reactions, etc.
- Will you leave me or judge me if I get an epidural? No! If you get an epidural, you are going to need a lot more help, because there is Less you are able to do yourself. I don't judge --no matter how you birth, every mother is a rock star--and I don't leave until you are settled with your newborn.
- Can I have a natural childbirth? Yes! Well, barring any medical issues. Even a C-section can be done as naturally as possible--I can guide you to achieving the most natural birth possible for you in your unique situation.
- How can you help with my cesarean? There is so much I can do to help you prepare for your cesarean, and so much I can do to help you before, during (if I'm allowed in the Operating Room), and after your cesarean. Schedule an appointment and we'll talk about it.
- Is there anything you can't do? Not much!
- What happens after I hire you? See above, "what is included in your services?"
- How does the Obstetric Model of Care differ from the Midwifery Model of Care for pregnant women? Some great examples are here, here, and here. One is not necessarily better than another, but I feel both have their place and you should hire the one who is best for your unique birth.
- What is a Lotus Birth? This is an uncommon, but lovely, practice in our country. This is when the umbilical cord is never cut and the cord and placenta remain attached to baby until they fall off naturally after a few days. It is considered a very gentle practice for birth, in keeping baby attached to his first friend while adapting to life earth-side. The placenta would be lovingly placed in a fabric bag and swaddled with baby. It also serves as a great way to keep visitors at bay the first few days of baby's life! For more information, see here.
in the Greater Philadelphia and Reading, PA Areas.
Artwork
Scroll down for answers.
Why would I want Belly painting or Belly Casting?
What is a Belly Bowl?
Is a Soul Exploration Session necessary for a Belly Cast?
How long does it take to paint my belly?
What is your art style?
What are some ideas for decorating my Belly Cast?
What are some ideas for painting my Belly?
Why would I want Belly painting or Belly Casting?
What is a Belly Bowl?
Is a Soul Exploration Session necessary for a Belly Cast?
How long does it take to paint my belly?
What is your art style?
What are some ideas for decorating my Belly Cast?
What are some ideas for painting my Belly?
- Why would I want Belly Painting or Belly Casting? Painting or Casting your belly is a great way to remember your beautiful form long after this time. You may display your art or just keep it for yourself. It is a precious keepsake to cast your belly or take photos of your painted belly.
- What is a Belly Bowl? A belly bowl is a cast of your belly with a flat bottom added to the front of your belly cast that enables it to stand on a table as a bowl. Display things in it or let it stand alone!
- Is a Soul Exploration Session necessary for a Belly Cast? No; Soul exploration is a nice option for your custom artwork on your painted belly or belly cast. It helps Angela Rachele to seemingly draw forth the essence or "soul" of the piece in her creativity based on your experiences, preferences, and feelings surrounding the birth of your baby.
- How long does it take to paint my belly? A simple belly painting takes 10 min or so, a full belly painting takes 40 min or so, and a custom design can take around an hour. Adding body painting will, of course, add time on top of that.
- What is your art style? I like to describe my art as impressionistic. I don't really paint on purpose in a certain way, but the piece paints itself through me. Almost always the final result is not exactly what my mind intended, but is better and lovelier and more interesting in that the shape and the emotion guide the brush.
- What are some ideas for decorating my Belly Cast? Match the nursery, feet or hand prints, stick a bird on it, tree of life, mixed media...the possibilities are limitless.
- What are some ideas for painting my belly? Football, watermelon, pumpkin, animals, cartoons, fine art, mosaic, mandala, flowers, match the nursery, tree of life...again, the possibilities are limited only by your creativity and my skill--I can paint almost anything.
in the Greater Philadelphia and Reading, PA Areas.
Celebrations
Scroll down for answers.
How can you help me afford Cloth Diapers?
What is a Mother Blessing?
What is Postpartum Pampering, aka PostPartum Blessing?
How far Postpartum must I be to enjoy Postpartum Pampering?
Where can I find info on Belly Binding?
Do you offer placenta services?
How can you help me afford Cloth Diapers?
What is a Mother Blessing?
What is Postpartum Pampering, aka PostPartum Blessing?
How far Postpartum must I be to enjoy Postpartum Pampering?
Where can I find info on Belly Binding?
Do you offer placenta services?
- How can you help me afford Cloth Diapers? Cloth diapers are a wonderful and doable option that is actually much cheaper than Disposable diapers, though it's cost is mostly upfront, instead of spread over time. Host a Diaper Raffle, or have a Diaper Raffle at your Baby Shower, or put individual Cloth Diapers on your Baby Registry.
- What is a Mother Blessing? See here and here.
- What is Postpartum Pampering or a PostPartum Blessing? See here.
- How far Postpartum must I be to enjoy a blessing ceremony? You can enjoy Postpartum Pampering anytime after you have your baby. Ideally you can indulge after you've been home for a few days up to six weeks postpartum, however, we are pleased to bless you anytime for the rest of your life after you've given birth.
- Where can I find more information on Belly Binding? See here.
- Do you offer any placenta services? Other than making art prints, I myself do not process placentas for encapsulation, etc., however I have wonderful and reliable resources to refer you to! Contact me today!
in the Greater Philadelphia and Reading, PA Areas.