Frequently Asked Questions

How do your pronounce your name, Sindea?
It is said like "Cindy" with a different spelling!


What is a doula:
The term doula is Greek for slave or servant. Doulas provide emotional and physical support during pregnancy, labor, birth and postpartum.

A doula provides:

• explanations of medical procedures
• emotional support
• advice during pregnancy
• exercise and physical suggestions to make pregnancy more comfortable
• help with preparation of a birth plan
• massage and other non-pharmacological pain relief measures
• positioning suggestions during labor and birth
• helps support the partner so that they can love and encourage the laboring woman
• avoid unnecessary interventions
• help with breastfeeding preparation and beginnings,
• written record of the birth
• many other possibilities that vary from doula to doula

In what ways can a doula help me?
According to Mothering the Mother, How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier and Healthier Birth, by Kennell, Klaus, and Kennell (1993), having a doula can give you a:

• 50% reduction in cesarean rates
• 25% shorter labor
• 60% reduction in epidural requests
• 40% reduction in synthetic oxytocin (pitocin) use
• 30% reduction in analgesia use
• 40% reduction in forceps delivery

Will You, the Doula, Take The Place Of The Partner or Husband?
As your doula I can help to bring you, as a couple, closer. By making sure that the partner's needs are met (food, drink, occasional back rubs, and reassurance), the mother and partner can work more closely together. I allow for the partner to participate at his own comfort level. Some husbands prefer to be there only to witness the birth of their child and to share this experience with the woman they love. They may not want to play an active role and do not want to be responsible for the mother's comfort and emotional security. I can fill in and allow the partner to participate as he wishes, without leaving the mother's needs unmet. When the partner chooses to be the major source of emotional support, I can supplement his or her efforts by running errands, making suggestions for comfort measures, and offering words of reassurance and comfort. During a long tiring labor, I can give the husband a break for a brief rest, a bite to eat, or a breath of fresh air! While I most likely know more than the partner about birth, hospitals, and maternity care, the partner knows more about the mothers personality.
When do I call you?
I ask that you call me when you think your labor is beginning. I will join you at your house, birth center, or hospital when you feel that you need me. I am on call twenty-four hours a day seven days a week. You can always reach me from the time you are 37 weeks along, or until your baby is born. However, if you go into labor prior to 37 weeks, I will be available as well. I like to let people know that I guarantee to be on-call 24/7 at 37 weeks.
Do Women Who Choose Epidural Anesthesia Still Benefit From Doula Service?
There is a myth that doulas only provide care for those interested in natural childbirth/un-medicated births. Far from the truth! Doulas provide care for women with and without medication, women who have vaginal births, unaccompanied teen mothers, women who have disabilities, women who plan cesarean sections, women who have unplanned cesarean sections or women who are planning a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). Since the core of the doula's belief is to make this the very best birth experience for a woman, the doula can be a benefit regardless of the special circumstances surrounding a birth.
Will the doula help me to avoid interventions?
While the I can help inform you on the risks and benefits of interventions, I cannot speak for you during your labor and birth. It is up to you and your partner to make decisions that are the best for you and your baby. I can help to see that you get time to discuss all non-emergent procedures and give you information, but I will not make decisions for you. I can help you gain advocacy skills prior to the birth.
What if my doctor says he doesn't like doulas or has had bad experiences with them?
If your doctor is very anti-doula, it may be beneficial to find out exactly why. You can then decide for yourself if you would like to switch to a doctor that is more doula-friendly. I am also available to talk with your doctor or midwife to help them better understand my role.
This is our first baby, and I really want this to be a special/romantic time just between my husband and me. We really don't want a stranger there so why would I use a doula?
By the time you reach labor, I am not really a stranger. I am someone that has spent time with you and your partner prior to labor. I will be familiar with you, your preferences, your fears and your concerns so that I can help your partner respond to your needs appropriately, and help the medical staff (which are complete strangers attending your birth) to also know your desires. I help to ensure medical intervention is within your desired level. I can help your birth experience to be a positive and empowering event. Avoiding a c-section can help the birth be much more romantic and special between you, your partner, and your baby, if your baby is not separated from you. I can help your birth be the most special and romantic experience you could desire. By keeping your mind focused on your baby and your body, and letting me help your partner know the right thing to do at the right time, you will find that I, the doula, become a supporter of the team (you and him), and not at all intrusive of his support and in most cases enhancing his ability to respond to your needs.
What services do you offer as our doula?

• Birth plan counseling
• Availability by phone 24/7 to answer questions or go over concerns
• Early labor support
• Continuity of care during labor and delivery
• Breastfeeding support
• Reassurance
• Black and white photography at the birth
• And more

I am not married, can you work with me?
I work with all moms! I have experience working with teen moms, married moms, moms with life partners, single moms, etc. I will support you in any situation.
What are your fees?
I offer one complimentary consultation. This may be in your home, office, or local coffee shop. This usually last 30 minutes to 1 hour. My fee if you choose to hire me as your doula is $750 for birth doula services and $30 per hour for daytime postpartum doula care. This includes 2 prenatal visits, unlimited phone and email support, your labor and birth, birth/first moments with the baby black and white photography, and 2 postpartum visits.
What forms of payment do you accept?
I currently prefer to have payment in the form of a check or money order. You may at this time pay me via www.paypal.com using a checking account or credit card. Please contact me prior to paying via paypal so that I can give you the correct email information.
Are your services covered by my insurance?
Sometimes insurance companies will offer third-party reimbursement. Please check with your own insurance company to find out what they cover. I do have the proper insurance forms if you would like to request reimbursement through your insurance provider.
Are you certified?
Yes. I am certified thru PALS- Pacific Association for Labor Support and DONA - Doulas of North America International. I am also a member of CAPPA and have received continuing education through Birthing From Within, La Leche League, and Evergreen Perinatal Services.