Where do you provide services?
We provide birth and postpartum doula services throughout North & Central NJ, as well as all five boroughs of NYC.

What's the difference between a doula and a midwife?
Midwives are medical professionals and can fill the role of an OB/GYN in caring for a low-risk pregnancy.  Doulas are not medical professionals.  We provide emotional, mental, and physical support before, during, and after childbirth.  Think of us as a birth and parenting coach.  We're here to prepare you for your journey into parenthood but do not replace the role of a midwife or a doctor.

What qualifications do the doulas on your team have?
All of the doulas on our team were vigorously vetted and have completed a comprehensive doula training program.  They also are CPR/First Aid Certified, have supported at least a dozen families, and hold liability insurance.  Each Repose doula, along with their doula qualifications, have extra quirks and skills that make them even more special.  Some are registered nurses, changemakers within maternal health policy, therapists, counselors, midwifery students, herbalists, and more.  

I have a great relationship with my health care provider and my partner plans to support me during childbirth.  Can I still benefit from a birth doula?
Absolutely! Having the support of a doula during childbirth contributes to a more well-rounded and integrative circle of support within your birth space.  Midwives and doctors usually are not present the entire time during labor and delivery.  They tend to check in on you every few hours until it's time to get the baby out of your belly.  Doulas are the only professionals who provide continuous support throughout the entire time you're in active labor until after your baby is in your arms.

Do doulas only provide support at homebirths?
We support births that occur within homes, hospitals, and birth centers.

What's the difference between a postpartum doula, night nurse, and newborn care specialist?
Postpartum doulas are trained to provide support to your entire family.  Night nurses and newborn care specialists mainly focus on the care of the baby.  Our postpartum doulas are well-versed in supporting parents emotionally, with breastfeeding, and implementing systems and routines within the household, things that are usually out of scope for night nurses and newborn care specialists.  

Do you provide childbirth education?
We are excited to offer a FREE subscription to Tinyhood for all of our clients. Tinyhood is the leading online video-streaming platform where you can watch bite-sized videos on everything you need to know about pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and caring for a newborn baby. You can learn more about it by clicking here!

Do you accept insurance?
In NJ, only recipients of NJ FamilyCare or BCBS are in-network to have doula services covered. We are out-of-network for all insurance companies.  We will be more than happy to provide a receipt for you to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.  Our services can also be paid via HSA/FSA or other benefit programs offered by your employer.

Can any of your doulas help me with breastfeeding?
Yes! Most of the doulas on our team are trained lactation specialists. We can help troubleshoot with latching, milk supply, pumping and storing milk, creating a back-to-work plan, and more.  Lorraine, our Agency Director, is also President of the NJ Breastfeeding Coalition.

It's important to me that I have a doula with whom I share an identity or who can empathize with my lived experiences.  Do you have doulas who are Black, Latina, speak Spanish, etc...?
Yes! All of our doulas identify as a woman of color.  We also have several doulas on our team that speak Spanish.  Our doulas also identify with a variety of religions, cultures, philosophies, sexual orientations, and other groups.  We pride ourselves on being able to provide culturally competent support to the modern American family, however that may look for you.

What happens if there's an emergency and my doula is unable to be present for my birth?
Our agency is composed of about 20 birth doulas.  One of the benefits of working with a doula agency is that you have guaranteed and consistent back-up support in case your primary doula is unavailable due to sickness or other unforeseen circumstances.