FAQs
What is a Doula?
Doulas are professionally trained and certified birth coaches who provide emotional, informational, physical, and (here at TzimTzum Doula) spiritual support to women during the prenatal, birth, and postpartum periods. Doulas do not provide medical care, but they are extraordinarily knowledgeable about childbirth.
What are the proven benefits of having a doula?
Clinical Benefits
Reduced use of Pitocin
Fewer requests for pain meds
Less likely to need forceps and vacuum
Reduced likelihood of C-Section
Better APGAR scores for baby
Greater overall satisfaction with birth experience
More positive long-term memories
Emotional Support
Decreased anxiety
Increased confidence
Boosted self-esteem
Improved postpartum mental health
Family bonding support for partners and siblings
Physical Support
Increased movement
Improved relaxation
Comfort and reassurance
Lactation support
* Based on clinical research data
Hodnett ED. Pain and women’s satisfaction with the experience of childbirth: a systematic review. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002; 186(5) S160-72. Hodnett ED, Gates S, Hofmeyr G J, Sakala C, Weston J. Continuous support for women during childbirth [PDF]. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2011, Issue 2
How do doulas support the birther's partner?
According to DONA International’s Evidence-Based Studies, doulas do not diminish a partner's participation in the birth process. Instead, a doula's support complements and reinforces the partner's role. Partners report feeling more enthusiastic, reassured, and helpful during the birth process thanks to the support of a doula. Mothers reported feeling more satisfied with their partner’s role at the birth as well. Over 30% of women reported that their relationships with their partners were better post-birth than they were prior to the birth.
What is the difference between a birth doula and a postpartum doula?
A birth doula provides support before and during labor (with usually one postpartum visit). A postpartum doula provides support in the days and weeks (and up to three months) after delivery. I provide both birth and postpartum doula services, as well as doula services for miscarriage, stillbirth, and abortion.
Do you serve non-Jewish clients?
Absolutely. I serve birthers of all faiths, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, and socio-economic backgrounds. I believe everyone deserves access to a doula. And you might just learn some interesting tidbits about Judaism and Jewish ritual along the way!
Do I need to purchase a package to have access to your services?
If you are looking to hire me as your birth or postpartum doula, you will need to purchase a package.
However, if you are looking for specific services or just a couple of ways to incorporate Jewish ritual into your experience, I recommend you explore the "Jewish Ritual" tab. Contact me directly to access the full menu of my a la carte offerings and pricing.
Do you offer virtual support?
While I believe in-person is best when it comes to birth and postpartum support, there are times when in-person is impossible. In these cases, I do provide virtual doula support.
Many of the opportunities on the "Jewish Ritual" tab may be experienced virtually via Zoom, if desired. If you live outside of Chicagoland or you are hoping to connect to Judaism from the comfort of your own home, contact me and we can think through the possibilities together.
What if I know nothing about Judaism?
Whether you speak fluent Hebrew and practice Kashrut, or you don't know the difference between a dreidel and a hamentaschen, you are welcome here. At TzimTzum Doula, every birther, regardless of their Jewish background and experience, is valued and respected. I will always honor and support you, no matter how much or how little Jewish ritual you'd like to study or incorporate into your birth or postpartum experience.