I'm having a c-section... Can I have a doula?

A doula isn't specific to your type of labor, they are there to support YOU through labor. A cesarean section can be a scary experience even if you have experienced one in the past and know what to expect. A doula is there to alleviate some of that anxiety. There are hospitals that will allow your support person and your doula to attend your birth, but most will only allow your support person. If it's the latter, the doula will be there before you go back for your c-section to sit with you, answer your questions and to help calm some of your anxieties and fear. They may just sit with you and talk, give you a massage, turn on some music and dance with you, walk the halls with you or just sit in the silence with you. Your doula is there to support you emotionally, physically and with education.

After your c-section your doula will meet you in your room. They will stay with you for your agreed upon timeframe. During this time if you are ready, they will talk through your birth, help you change clothes, go to the bathroom, get you some food, hold the baby or any other need that you have. Your doula is there for you and what they would do for one client will not be the same for what they will do for another. Remember that your doula is there for YOUR birth and YOU.... Whatever that may look like.