FAQs

Setting ourselves apart from competitors, Haven Place Doulas thrives on fostering community bonds and embracing cultural nuances. Our approach recognizes that birth and postpartum journeys are individualized, not standardized, shaping our services to honor this uniqueness. Central to our mission is promoting health literacy, and empowering families to make informed health choices. Additionally, our commitment extends to accessibility, aiming to establish a scholarship fund ensuring our services are available to all women, irrespective of financial constraints. We strive to become a doula agency and your one-stop shop for doulas of color.

Haven Place Doulas fulfills a vital community need by offering essential information, emotional guidance, and physical support to pregnant women and postpartum families. Recognizing the disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes, especially prevalent in the black community, our services directly target this urgent need for comprehensive doula support. We bridge this gap by providing personalized care, ensuring accessibility regardless of economic circumstances, and empowering every woman to access the invaluable assistance that doulas offer.

Haven Place Doulas’s collaborative nature as doula duos is a game-changer in empowering clients and their families through the transformative journey of pregnancy and childbirth. By working in doula duos*, we offer our clients unique advantages such as: ​​ Continuous Support Both labor & postpartum Diverse Expertise Cater to needs through advocacy and education Flexibility & Availability Uninterrupted care in unpredictable situations Emotional Connection Deeper relationships, trust & comfort Doula Duo Shared responsibility & focused care approach

At Haven Place Doulas, our core mission is to educate and empower women of color and their families by equipping them with the knowledge and tools needed to advocate for themselves within the healthcare system. Recognizing the alarming rates of black maternal and infant mortality in the US, we go beyond conventional care by offering transformative support that addresses the unique challenges faced by our community. Doulas are here to ensure that each woman receives the quality care she deserves during this pivotal life phase.

The Power of Doula Duos: Why Two Doulas Can Make a Difference Introduction: Welcoming a new life into the world is a profound journey, and having the right support can make all the difference. In the realm of birth and postpartum care, the concept of a doula duo takes on an extra layer of support when two doulas are working together. 1. Continuous Support: One of the key advantages of a doula duo is the ability to provide continuous support throughout the entire childbirth experience. With two doulas, there's a seamless transition of care, ensuring someone is always present to offer comfort, guidance, and encouragement. 2. Diverse Expertise: Each doula brings a unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives to the duo. This diversity can enrich the support provided, catering to a broader range of needs and preferences. Whether it's different comfort techniques or varied approaches to emotional support, the doula duo can offer a well-rounded and comprehensive care package. 3. Flexibility and Availability: Pregnancy and birth are unpredictable, and having two doulas in a partnership enhances flexibility and availability. In case of overlapping commitments or unforeseen circumstances, the backup doula seamlessly steps in, ensuring that the birthing person receives continuous care without any interruptions. 4. Emotional Connection: Building a strong emotional connection is a vital aspect of doula support. With two doulas, there's an opportunity to establish deeper connections with both members of the doula duo. This can contribute to a sense of trust and comfort, fostering a supportive environment for the birthing person and their partner. 5. Shared Responsibilities: A doula duo with two doulas allows for shared responsibilities and tasks. Whether it's providing physical comfort, advocating for the birthing person's preferences, or offering postpartum support, the workload is distributed, ensuring that both doulas can focus on specific aspects of care. Conclusion: In the journey of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, the presence of two doulas working in harmony can be a game-changer. The collaborative nature of a doula duo with two professionals enhances the overall support system, empowering individuals and couples to navigate the transformative experience of childbirth with confidence and assurance.

For your safety and the safety of your doula, we have implemented a 15-hour clause regarding in-person labor support. Here are some of the details that are covered within the clause: Virtual support (phone, video calls, & text) begins once labor starts until you are in active labor. The 15 hours start when you are in active labor(5-6 cm) and the doula arrives for in-person support. If you choose to have your Doula in person before you are an active labor, the 15 hours start then as well regardless of dilation. If your in-person labor support lasts 15 hours or less, the doula will remain with you for up to two hours postpartum. You are not charged for the two hours after delivery. If your in-person labor support goes beyond 15 hours, then the $30 per hour charge will begin and the backup doula will be called in to support you for safety. You are not charged for the two hours after delivery.

We are in the process of getting credentialed to start accepting insurance. Let's talk about what insurance you have and see how we can help!

Doulas provide ongoing physical, emotional, and informational support before, during, and after birth. Doulas support the birthing person and their partners in advocacy for themselves during the birthing process. Doulas help nurture the birthing person and their partner.

After we have met during our interview and got to know each other, you will then say, "YES! I/We want you to be our doula!". We will celebrate with you! We are excited to be a part of your birth story. Administration will send you the contract and the non-refundable retainer fee payment link. After you have signed and submitted the payment, your doula will schedule your postpartum visits to discuss the kind of support you need and answer and address any questions you have. Administration will set up your payment plan for the remaining balance. We ask for weekly payments once services start. This will depend on if you have had the baby yet. Your doula will come to your home for the duration of the scheduled visits. Postpartum visits are a minimum of 2 hours for daytime support and a minimum of 8 hours for overnight support. After we have completed the contract, Haven Place Doulas will then become a resource for you as you continue in your journey through parenthood either for the first time or again.

* A birth doula is a companion who supports a birthing person during labor and birth. Birth doulas are trained to provide continuous, one-on-one care, as well as information, physical support, and emotional support to birthing persons and their partners. ​ *Sited from Evidence Based Birth Learn more from Evidence Based Birth about Doulas

YES! Let's meet to talk about your overnight support needs.

~The researchers also looked to see if the type of support made a difference. They wanted to know—does it matter who birthing persons choose for continuous support? Does it matter if they choose a midwife, doula, or partner for continuous support? The researchers were able to look at this question for six outcomes: use of any pain medication, use of Pitocin during labor, spontaneous vaginal birth, Cesarean, admission to special care nursery after birth, and negative birth experiences. For two of these outcomes (designated with asterisks*), the best results occurred when a birthing person had continuous labor support from a doula– someone who was NOT a staff member at the hospital and who was NOT part of their social network. The researchers found that overall, people who have continuous support during childbirth experience a: 25% decrease in the risk of Cesarean; the largest effect was seen with a doula (39% decrease)* 8% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth; the largest effect was seen with a doula (15% increase)* 10% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief; the type of person providing continuous support did not make a difference Shorter labors by 41 minutes on average; there is no data on if the type of person providing continuous support makes a difference 38% decrease in the baby’s risk of a low five minute Apgar score; there is no data on if the type of person providing continuous support makes a difference 31% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience; mothers’ risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience was reduced with continuous support provided by a doula or someone in their social network (family or friend), but not hospital staff ​ ~Sited from Evidence Based Birth Learn more from Evidence Based Birth about Doulas

After meeting during our interview and getting to know each other, you will say, "YES! I/We want you to be our doula!". We will celebrate with you! We are excited to be a part of your birth story. Administration will send you the contract and the non-refundable retainer fee payment link. After you have signed and submitted the payment, your doula duo will schedule our 2-3 prenatal visits to discuss your birth plan, and childbirth education, and answer and address any questions you have. The remaining balance of your package is due by the time you are 36 weeks. Your doula duo will be on call and you will let them know when you think or are in labor. They will support you both virtually and in person for the duration of your labor. We will have a birthday party (the birth of your baby)! Your doula will stay with you for up to 2 hours immediately postpartum to support with initiating breastfeeding (if desired), and bonding with the baby (or babies). Your doula will head home and reach out to you in a few days to schedule your 1-3 postpartum visits. Postpartum visits will consist of a birth story debrief and help to settle into your new life with the baby (or babies). After we have completed the contract, Haven Place Doulas will then become a resource for you as you continue in your journey through parenthood either for the first time or again.

Haven Place Doulas offers various services, including prenatal education and preparation, birth support, postpartum care, lactation support, placenta encapsulation, and more. Our goal is to support and empower families during one of the most transformative experiences of their lives. We are just one part of your birth story and are glad to be a resource to you!

A Postpartum Doula is a supporter and advisor, professionally trained to support and provide non-medical services to the client and their family. A Postpartum Doula works with each family individually to find out their needs. Some of the postpartum services that a doula will perform may include but are not limited to: Breastfeeding support Help with the emotional and physical recovery after birth Light housekeeping (i.e. dishes, laundry, or shared living spaces) Baby care while parents nap or shower Assistance with newborn care such as diapering, bathing, feeding, and comforting Light meal preparation Baby soothing techniques Sibling care Referrals to local resources (i.e. parenting classes, pediatricians, lactation support, parenting support groups, etc.)

medical professionals, so they do not perform clinical tasks, give medical advice, or diagnose conditions. decision-makers for the birthing person or their partner. replacements or take over for the partner.

Your placenta was sent to pathology and/or chemicals were used to preserve it (IE, formalin). Your placenta remained at room temperature for more than 4 hours post-birth with no preservation methods. Your placenta has been refrigerated for more than 4-5 days without being frozen. Uterine infections or chorioamnionitis ( an inflammation of the fetal membranes due to bacterial infection). Fever during labor Heavy drug usage Heavy smoking during pregnancy Cancer of the placenta, which is called choriocarcinoma Fetal demise

NO! Placenta encapsulation is not to be used in place of medical treatment for serious illnesses such as anemia, depression, or low milk supply. There is no guarantee that the placenta will produce the described benefits.

YES! The medications used for cesarean delivery and induction of labor are not dangerous and do not prevent you from encapsulating your placenta. The method of delivery does not impact your plans for placenta encapsulation.

Occasionally, your care provider may want to send your placenta to pathology for testing. In these circumstances, you may request that they remove only a portion of your placenta for testing while the remainder is safely stored for encapsulation. If the test results come back negative, you may proceed with your preferred method of encapsulation. If your entire placenta is sent to pathology, it cannot be encapsulated due to the possibility that the placenta may be contaminated with chemicals or that the examination equipment has not been properly sterilized. Moreover, there is a chance that the placenta that is returned may not belong to you.

Placenta encapsulation is an under-researched and often misunderstood practice. When done correctly, it is not likely to be dangerous. The most commonly reported negative side effects include nausea, stomach discomfort, headache, or anxiety. Cross-contamination from blood-borne pathogens or unsafe food preparation practices can result in a potential for more serious complications; this is why I follow strict safety, sanitization, OSHA-approved food preparation practices. My policy does not allow for multiple placentas to be in my possession at any time, eliminating the possibility of cross-- contamination or mixups.

*Placenta encapsulation is the act of steaming, dehydrating, and/or crushing the placenta, then putting the resulting powder into pills or capsules for consumption. This consumption is usually done by a mother after childbirth and is believed to have some health benefits, though that is not medically proven. Source: https://flo.health/menstrual-cycle/lifestyle/diet-and-nutrition/what-is-placenta-encapsulation#:~:text=Placenta%20encapsulation%20is%20the%20act,that%20is%20not%20medically%20proved. Placenta encapsulation is not to be used in place of medical treatment for serious illnesses such as anemia, depression, or low milk supply. There is no guarantee that the placenta will produce the outcomes listed above.

There are many different options to consume or use your placenta. Here are some common options in addition to encapsulation: Baked Goods Chocolates Smoothie Cubes Salves Tinctures Prints Planted

After birth, I will collect your placenta as soon as possible after receiving your phone call. Your placenta will be transported in a freezer-size, food-safe Ziploc bag inside of a tight-fitting cooler with ice. Your placenta will be immediately refrigerated while my workspace and tools are prepared, and the encapsulation process will begin as soon as possible. In most cases, you will receive your finished placenta pills within 1 week.

Possible benefits of placenta encapsulation include: increased milk production improved mood increased energy levels restoration of iron levels in the blood reduced postpartum bleeding faster healing and uterine involution stabilizes hormones replenishes B vitamins and energy offers natural pain relief from labor and birth Placenta encapsulation is not to be used in place of medical treatment for serious illnesses such as anemia, depression, or low milk supply. There is no guarantee that the placenta will produce the outcomes listed above.

Many people keep their placenta for personal or spiritual reasons. I encourage you to discuss your plans with your care provider before delivery. Be sure that during delivery, your entire care team understands your preferences. You may be required to sign a release or waiver form before taking your placenta home. Remember, you don't need to disclose why you are keeping your placenta- just simply that you are!