It’s no news to anyone reading this that we are currently in the middle of a widespread pandemic that is creating brand new territory to navigate. “Quarantine” and “social distancing” are terms that I never wanted to be so familiar with...yet here we are. Thoughts, energy, conversations, and society in general seems to be centrally focused on this virus no matter where we go (or don’t go). While this virus is mild in most cases, that by no means suggests that it is without impact. This isn’t the time to panic though. This is simply the time to prepare to the best of our ability for what may lay ahead.

What if you are pregnant and due this spring or summer? Perhaps you want to feel fully supported but have concerns about COVID-19 and how social distancing should be handled in regards to your birth team. Are you planning to birth at a hospital? At this time hospital restrictions may prevent your doula from being present at your birth. Whatever the case may be, the challenges and concerns we are facing do not mean you can’t have the support you deserve. So what are your options?

You may choose to go ahead and hire a doula for in-person support, understanding the potential risk involved. Please know that this choice is entirely yours! There are many doulas still offering in-person support who will be happy to work with you. This decision will require some thought as to what your comfort level is with bringing another individual into your birth space. You will also have to consider what will happen if you hire a doula and then they are unable to attend your birth due to hospital restrictions. Some doulas may offer a partial refund if this happens or offer to transfer the funds to other services, such as postpartum support. Others may offer no such compensation since they consider these hospital restrictions to be covered under their contract. I am not suggesting that one way is right or wrong, but for this reason it is a good idea to ask questions about how this scenario will be handled.

Now onto the option I set out to focus on…VIRTUAL DOULA SUPPORT! Many birth doulas have decided to offer entirely virtual support for all or some of their clients at this time. Typically this will be at a slightly lower cost than in person doula support and payment plans may be available.

Wondering what virtual support would entail? Well, what each doula decides to offer virtually may be a little different but typically this will include the services listed below:

• Regular communication via text or phone calls

• Prenatal and postpartum visits via video calls

• 24/7 support via phone/video calls and texts during labor, birth, and immediately postpartum 

A qualified doula can help you prepare for your birth, assist in putting together a birth preferences list, discuss comfort measures, prepare your partner to support you, and help you tap into your intuitive birthing power - all virtually. 

While I would typically preach the importance of in-person connection and support, these are very unique circumstances. It is important for us to remain flexible wherever possible and understand that things may change on a dime. That being said, regardless of how things shift, you can still feel safe, supported, and have an empowering birth.

Whether you simply prefer to limit the number of people in your birthing space or you are facing tight hospital restrictions - I am here for you! While I will continue to offer in-person support, I am now also offering virtual doula support at a special rate for estimated due dates between now and the end of July. Please reach out here to schedule your complimentary video consultation. Flexible payment plans are always available, even extending beyond your birth! 

I wish you all the positivity and peace in your pregnancy and birth throughout this time. We will ride this wave together and find strength in one another!

Tara is a Certified Birth Doula fully supporting families throughout Jacksonville, FL and surrounding areas. Virtual doula support available to families throughout the US.