Being the first doula agency in the Huntsville, AL, North Alabama region has been a huge privilege. However, we are aware that not everyone knows the difference between our agency model of labor support and the solo doula model of support.
(There are several models of doula support. We are highlighting the differences here, not necessarily talking much about the similarities.)
What’s different about RCD’s agency model of support?
Each of our labor clients is assigned a doula TEAM. Most of our teams are comprised of two doulas. These two doulas are YOUR doulas. Both of them. There is no primary doula and no backup, just those two amazing doulas (for the price of one.)
Why is having two doulas a benefit to you?
How does teamwork really does make the dream work?
24/7 Call– We can’t speak for all solo doulas, but many have an “on-call” time that is limited to 38-42 weeks. Because of our doula team/shared call system, our doulas can go on-call from the moment the contract is signed! If you need face-to-face support at ANY TIME in your pregnancy, one of your team doulas is available to be there with you. Preterm labor scares, kidney stones, etc, someone is always on-call.
Experience– Having a team of doulas allows for shared knowledge from varying experiences. Bringing together two doula minds, instead of one, allows for even more education, information, and support!
Bringing together two doula minds, instead of one, allows for even more education, information, and support!
Knowing who is going to attend your birth– The truth is, while solo doulas SHOULD have a solid backup doula, not all do. The ones who do will likely not have a backup that you have a relationship with. While crazy situations are bound to occur eventually, having a team of doulas greatly reduces the risk you’ll have a doula attend your labor that you don’t know and have a relationship with! (Plus, we have backups to our backups within the agency, just in case.)
Built-in support for long births– Solo doulas often cannot swap out with their backups if the birth goes extra long, resulting in a very tired doula. (ask me, Tracy, how I know! I worked as a solo doula for over a decade!) The team model allows the doulas to swap out, allowing you to focus on yourself and your family and NOT on how bad you feel for the support people!
Our doulas participate in continuing education– This post isn’t about why certification matters (it does), but each of our doulas not only has their original training and certification but ongoing continuing education within the agency. Each month RCD hosts team meetings with continuing education topics taught by our founder and professionals across the community.
Our doulas never walk into a birth alone– Solo doulas are just that- solo. Our Rocket City Doulas have the support of their teammate, their colleagues within the agency, and me- the owner/founder of RCD. Every RCD doula has an entire team behind them.
Interested in finding out more? Contact us today to learn even more ways one of our RCD teams can support you during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period!
