What is a Birth Doula?
Birth doulas are nonmedical professionals that offer physical and emotional support during childbirth and the months leading up to childbirth. Doulas can help to make birth easier and shorter. Doulas support your specific needs!
What can a doula do for you?
● Doulas support all types of birth through non-judgmental care
● Share information about childbirth and what to expect
● Help find answers to your questions, concerns, or fears about birth
● Offer hands-on support, encouragement, massages, foot rubs, and other comforts during childbirth and at visits
● And more!
Who is eligible for free doula care?
Health Equity Program
While we would love to provide free doula care to anyone, because of our funding limitations, we are prioritizing people most affected by disparities in birth and health outcomes in our community. If you identify as Black, Indigenous, Person of Color, Hispanic/Latinø, Immigrant/Refugee, and live in the Tompkins County Region, you are eligible for free doula care through our Health Equity Program.
Within Reach Program
If you are not eligible for the Birth Equity Program but you live in Tompkins County and your income qualifies you for the MOMS Program (click here to see details) you may be eligible for free doula care through our Within Reach Program. If you are interested in finding affordable doula care but your income exceeds the MOMS eligibility amounts contact us at info@ithacadoulaaccess.com to talk about other options.
NYS Income Eligibility Guidelines
Here are answers to some common questions:
I am looking for a doula for birth, postpartum or full spectrum care, can you help?
Yes! We are so excited to connect to you compassionate care. The first step is to fill out a form to apply for a doula. Then we will be in touch with you about next steps!
What happens after I contact you for support?
We will be in touch with you within a few days! If you are eligible and funding is available, DAI will reach out to available doulas and you will have the opportunity to interview the available doulas and decide which one would be the best fit for your needs.
What is the difference between the Health Equity Program and the Within Reach Program?
From the outside, not much. Internally, as an organization with limited funding we are are prioritizing and centering doula care for people most affected by disparities in birth outcomes in Tompkins County. This has created two different funding streams; one for people who identify as Black or Indigenous, regardless of income level, and one for income-eligible community members.
What if I already have a doula, and just need support with paying for the doula?
We got you covered! If they aren’t already a contract doula with DAI, they would need to fill out a bit of paperwork so we can pay them for their care.
How many visits do I get with my doula?
It depends on what type of service you are reaching out for. For birth doula services, we will pay the doula $600 for 2 prenatal visits, the birth and 1 postpartum visit. Your doula can offer more visits than that, but that is the structure our our care as of now.
For postpartum or full spectrum care, your doula would be paid for an hourly wage of $20/hour and you would need to communicate how many hours of care you were looking for. Through this program, participants typically have 10-15 hours of free doula care.
Is there paperwork I need to fill out?
Yes, we ask that participants fill out an evaluation of doula services. Your wisdom, insights and recommendations are very important! DAI is always striving to better serve and support families and our community. This information will remain confidential and secure, so feel free to share your name and the name of your doula or feel free to share your thoughts anonymously. While we are not bound by HIPPA we do try to follow HIPPA as much as we can.
Your doula might have a few other forms for you about your plans, preferences and wishes. Those forms will stay between you and your doula.
I have a doula, how do I log in to fill out an evaluation?
Here is where you access evaluations! And if we can support you with any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out.