Frequently Asked Questions

Doula Support FAQs

When do you usually a client in labor?

The short answer is: it depends. It is hard to describe because it can look so many ways.

Usually the plan is to join you once active labor is established, and you voice a need for my physical presence. A big factor in this decision is how you are coping with the intensity and pain of labor. I am in contact via phone and text through the early phase of labor, reassuring, normalizing, and offering guidance until it feels necessary to join you in person at your home, or at the hospital/birth center. I remain open to the unpredictability of labor. I do my best to respond in the moment to what is happening and supporting the (sometimes epic) journey to meeting your baby to the best of my ability.

What happens if I get an induction? What kind of support can I expect?

Just as in spontaneous labor, I provide phone support during the early stages of labor=induction process. This usually looks like walking you through what to expect and how to support optimal positioning of the baby and getting a handle on how to advocate and communicate your wishes with your medical team. As the process continues, I join you in-person after active labor is established. I stay with you until after the baby is born through the Golden Hour. In both an induction or a spontaneous labor my goal is to ensure that you have all the information you need to make informed decisions for your body and your baby, and that you have a positive and supportive birthing experience.

What is the cost of your doula services?

In Los Angeles, investing in an experienced doula is one of the most meaningful steps you can take toward a positive and empowering birth and postpartum experience. I offer different tiers of support tailored to your specific needs. Learn more about holistic doula care packages cost.

Do you take Carrot Fertility?

Yes, I have been approved by Carrot for many past birth and postpartum doula clients. It requires a bit of paperwork, but it has always been successful.

If you want to use Carrot funds for my doula support, you pay my usual fees directly and you will be reimbursed by Carrot after I complete a screening and approval process. I will give you invoices for my doula care, and you submit them to Carrot via their portal. They will reimburse the funds you directly.

Do you offer any flexible payment options?

Yes, I am happy to have conversations around payment plans or adjustments of fees. I know talking about money can sometimes be awkward- but I believe it can be really useful for us to have open dialogue about needs and boundaries. I like the Green Bottle Method as a tool for discussing financial privilege and where we fall on a Sliding Scale.

What are the steps in hiring you as our doula?


1— Book a discovery call. I look forward to getting to know you and your partners specific desires for support!

2— Want to hire me? Great! A deposit will secure your spot in my calendar and some paperwork will follow to make it official.

3— Once you become my client, you will get immediate access to resources, referrals, and personalized support from me. I can be your google and guide you toward information that is individualized to your needs and values. We start our in-person meetings in the third trimester where we really dig deeper into your preparation and getting ready for labor, birth, and life with your newborn.

I strive to guide people toward helpful information and resources that speak to tour ideals. If you have questions that are not addressed above, please reach out to me directly.

rebecca@losangelesbirth.com

  • “The best gift I gave myself in my birth was hiring Rebecca as my postpartum doula.

    Rebecca provided me with so much emotional support. She answered my endless questions as a first time parent and helped instill in me a sense of confidence in my own intuition. She helped me process this radical change of becoming a parent and my birth experience. I cannot imagine a better person than Rebecca to have in your corner in the birthing process. She has a gift for this important work.” 

    -Betsy, South Pasadena, CA

  • “Rebecca’s guidance during the entire birthing process was invaluable to us.

    Her kind and nonjudgemental presence before and during my first baby’s birth helped me feel relaxed and confident. Not only was she lovely and calming to talk with (and funny, too), she presented us with crucial information—making an overwhelming experience feel less so. She also provided great support for my partner, answering all of his questions and giving him confidence in his ability to support me. We loved working with Rebecca and recommend her wholeheartedly!”

    -Becca, Silverlake, CA

  • “Rebecca’s presence and kindness were invaluable for us through this experience.”

    -Kyle, Los Feliz, CA

  • “When we first met Rebecca, we knew we wanted her warm, calming energy around us when we welcomed our daughter.

    Rebecca was so helpful during my pregnancy, guiding us on how to plan for the birth and things that came up along the way as we got closer to my due date. Her knowledge and experience is invaluable, especially as we navigated all the uncertainties brought on by the pandemic. During my labor, Rebecca was an amazing support to both me and my husband. We couldn’t imagine going through the experience without her, and hope to work with her again someday!”

    -Hannah and Michael, Pasadena, CA

  • “We feel so blessed to have crossed paths with Rebecca Belenky.

    We had our first conversations in the 2nd trimester, and Rebecca brought a serenity and sensitivity that immediately put us at ease. During labor, she was an integral part of our homebirth team, and provided support for both me and my partner. And we’ll never forget Rebecca’s postpartum care when she gave us knowledge and perspective that helped offset the most bewildering aspects of new parenthood. Through it all, she was compassionate and patient and gentle and nurturing. We feel so grateful to have had her with us during this transformation.”

    -Corinna & Harris, Beverly Hills, CA

  • "She made me feel safe.

    She took all of my questions and concerns seriously and responded in depth with both her own knowledge and suggestions for me. It was ALL helpful, but I absolutely would not have made it through my labor and birth as smoothly as I did without Rebecca's critical support. ”

    -Kirsten, Highland Park, CA

  • "Rebecca really took the time to get to know us and what we were looking for in our birth experience.

    We were hesitant about hiring a doula at first, but once we met with Rebecca we felt confident that she was the person to help. Her warm and caring demeanor put us at ease as did her extensive knowledge and experience in the birthing process.”

    -Anna, South Pasadena, CA

  • "We wanted a natural birth in a hospital, and thanks to Rebecca we were able to do this successfully.

    She helped guide us through various decisions regarding medical procedures, providing us with all the information we could possibly need. Using relaxation techniques, she kept me calm throughout my labor. We feel our birth experience would have been much different without Rebecca and we feel so lucky to have found her!”

    -Nellie, Echo Park, CA

Feel the confidence of having experienced support through your unique birthing journey.