About

The Doula Partnership is a program that promotes and provides birth and postpartum doula services for Cortland community members.

Evidence shows birth outcomes — for both the birthing person, the baby, and the family — are improved with the presence of a doula. Our focus on access for low-income and/or rural-area individuals means we are providing support where it is needed most — to those who often experience greater rates of adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes.

Although not medical in and of themselves, doulas often provide what is referred to as the “triple aim” of healthcare: improved patient experience, better population health, and cost savings. With the backing of research, historical legacy, and community health experience, we believe that to change perinatal health trends in a positive trajectory, locally and nationally, doulas should be accessible to all.

The Doula Partnership is a collaborative effort of Cayuga Community Health Network, Seven Valleys Health Coalition (Cortland County), Herkimer County Health Department and the Madison County Rural Health Council.

Common Birth Doula Questions:

What is a birth doula?

A birth doula is a non-medical trained professional who provides physical, emotional, and informational support to a birthing individual before, during, and shortly after childbirth to help them achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible. (Curious about the history of doulas and their long-standing place in welcoming humanity? Check out this article here.)

What does a birth doula do?

A doula provides encouragement, comfort, support, and advocacy help as needed or desired by the birthing individual. This may look like providing assistance with navigating pregnancy questions and challenges, connecting with local resources, clarifying birth goals, learning comfort techniques and labor positions, preparing for the postpartum time, and more!

Does a birth doula replace a partner’s support?

In short, NO! A common worry when it comes to having a doula at your birth is that the doula will take over all the duties that a partner wants to do and be a part of. We love and support how and when partners want to be involved. As a doula, one of our top goals is to empower you both to have the pregnancy, labor, and birth you desire as a family. This could look like the doula taking on tasks that the partner is too busy to do because they are offering support to their laboring partner or taking on activities the partner doesn't desire or feel comfortable doing.

Is a doula the same as a midwife?

Nope! Midwives provide medical care during pregnancy, birth, and the immediate postpartum period. This means they can assist you during all stages of your pregnancy and postpartum time with complete health care. Midwives commonly work in a variety of settings including hospitals, birth centers, and in the homes of those their clients. Doulas can also work in a variety of settings, alongside of both midwives and OBGYNs, and can provide you and your family with non-medical support — emotional, informational, and physical care — during pregnancy, birth, and the immediate postpartum period.

What is the cost of working with a birth doula?

We use a sliding scale to determine your out-of-pocket costs, ensuring services are affordable for everyone. No family will pay more than $850. If you are enrolled in Medicaid, we can connect you with a doula who is able to bill Medicaid directly.

A non-refundable deposit of 50% of the total cost is required before the first doula visit. The remaining 50% is due prior to the birth. 

Many insurance companies cover doula support. We encourage you to reach out to your carrier to see what is covered. 

Common postpartum Doula Questions:

What is a postpartum doula?

A postpartum doula is a trained professional who provides support after the birth of a baby. Postpartum doulas aim to help families transition into their new roles, ensuring they have the resources and support they need during the initial weeks and months after birth.

What does a postpartum doula do?

A postpartum doula provides practical, and evidence-based support. This may look like helping new parents with infant care, offering emotional support, assisting with household tasks, and providing educational resources on topics like breastfeeding, infant soothing techniques, newborn care, and the sibling adjustment period.

What is the cost of working with a postpartum doula?

We use a sliding scale to determine your out-of-pocket costs, ensuring services are affordable for everyone. No family will pay more than $480. If you are enrolled in Medicaid, we can connect you with a doula who is able to bill Medicaid directly.

Do postpartum doulas take over the care that would be provided by a partner or family member?

A postpartum doula will work with you to establish the best way to support you, your partner, and your family without taking over tasks that are important to each individual. You can think of a postpartum doula as a gap filler — often taking care of needs or providing support in areas that may need extra attention or feel challenging to accomplish.

Does working with a postpartum doula replace my midwife or doctor?

Doulas provide non-medical support to you and your family and working with a doula does not replace your need for a medical provider during this period of time. A doula can and may often help you navigate connecting with the right kind of medical care if needed — such as a pelvic floor physical therapist, etc. — or help you advocate for proper care with your current midwife or doctor.