
Blessed Arrivals Birth Services
At Blessed Arrivals we are committed to being inclusive to all birthing families.
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Frequently Asked Questions - DOULAS
Can I choose my doula?
Certainly! There are times where the doula you would most like to work with will not be available due to prior commitments, but we will always work with you on making sure that you feel you and your doula are a great fit.
What happens if two clients are in labor at the same time?
We always work with multiple back-up doulas, and you will have an opportunity to meet with them in advance if you choose.
Do you do free/reduced fee births?
We are always willing to work with an expectant mom/couple on finding a payment plan that will work for them. Sometimes that involves a reduced fee, bartering, or a longer payment schedule. Our doulas have all taken professional trainings and continue to add new trainings to their resumes so that they can offer you the best, most up-to-date services around. Our fees are competitive with other doulas in the area. We just ask that you value the services and knowledge we have. Our doulas consistently put 150% into all they do. Even a newly trained doula is a valuable asset to the birth room and has invested in quality professional training to better her services. In some cases, doulas will accept a reduced fee in return for the experience of attending births, but you must discuss such an arrangement with individual doulas to reach a plan that is mutually beneficial to both parties.
What is our coverage area?
We are able to assist with births at all hospitals in greater Pittsburgh and outlying areas, from Johnstown to Youngstown, OH, and from New Castle to Washington. Our more "southern" doulas can attend births in West Virginia.
Does insurance cover doulas?
Doula services are not usually covered by insurance. Some of our clients have been reimbursed for services through flexible healthcare spending accounts. This allows them to pay with pre-tax dollars. Check with your FHSA provider to see if doula services are covered. At this time, we are able to get approval through Square for HSA debit cards. Your HSA account can be used for doula services or Hypnobabies classes. In addition, we encourage all clients to inquire with their insurance companies about doula coverage. As demand increases, the likelihood that doula services will be covered in the future will increase significantly.
What training does a doula take?
There are several training organizations. The founders of Blessed Arrivals took their training through DONA International (Doulas of North America). DONA’s training consists of a 16-hour workshop. Other organizations are Childbirth And Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA), Birth Arts International, Child Birth International, ProDoula, and the Association of Labor Assistance and Childbirth Educators (ALACE).
Will a doula interfere with my partner’s role during labor?
The presence of a doula during labor should enhance the partner’s role, not hinder it. For more information, see DONA International’s excellent article titled "Dads and Doulas." We recognize that not all birth partners are dads.
How is a doula different from a midwife?
A doula is a non-medical support person. We do not do any clinical tasks such as heart tone checks, blood pressures, or vaginal exams. We provide mental, physical, emotional, and informational support to the laboring person and their support people.
When should I hire a doula?
It is never too early or too late to start thinking about hiring a doula. Most people make the decision around 20-24 weeks of pregnancy, but some families know before they are even pregnant that they would like to have a doula at their birth. We have even had families who are still trying to conceive that have contacted us in anticipation.