What is a doula? What do doulas do?
The doulas of The Triangle Doula Collective offer varying support packages and add-ons. These are the common threads that all our doulas share:
We are part of your birth team.
This means we work collaboratively with you, your partner, and any family or friends who may be present, along with your healthcare providers, to help you achieve your birth goals. We do not replace your partner; instead, we support them to be actively and lovingly involved.
Unlimited emails, texts, and calls.
Unlike your lawyer, we don't charge for every communication we have with you before, during, and after the birth. Sometimes, you may want to request resources, such as a new provider to support your needs throughout pregnancy and postpartum or information about a group class. Often, our clients wish to discuss an appointment they had with their midwife or OB or the birth preferences they are considering adding to their birth preference (plan) document. We are always here to listen, to help you process your experiences, and to provide the information and resources you need as you navigate your pregnancy and birth.
We are on-call for you from 38 - 42 weeks.
What does that mean? Well, when you go into labor—night or day, weekend or weekday—we will drop everything and start preparing to join you. From 38 weeks to 42 weeks, we keep you on our radar and stay more prepared during this on-call period. If you go into labor before 38 weeks, we will still join you if we are available. Generally, it works out that you get your doula, but you have this amazing backup group if they are busy.
Prenatal support
We will hold a prenatal meeting to discuss your preferences and understand how you envision your doula supporting you as part of your birth team. How many prenatal visit(s) and the prenatal preparation changes per package and individual businesses.
Unlimited birth support.
What does it mean when we say unlimited birth support? It means continuous care. Your doula will join you at your home or chosen birthplace and will remain with you until your baby is born and a couple of hours afterward, until you are ready for family time. Whether your birthing journey lasts a few hours or 27 hours, you can enjoy the benefit of having consistent support and care throughout the process.
Postpartum support
Once you are settled in at home, we will come to you and review postpartum care, lactation support, newborn care, and the birth. How many postpartum visit(s) and how the postpartum support looks changes per package and individual businesses.
Backup Doula Support
We actively communicate with each other throughout the week, always prepared to support our fellow doulas. While it’s rare that we need to back each other up, it’s more common for us to check in and see who is available if needed, ensuring that we feel at ease and can stay present with the clients we are actively supporting.