Frequently Asked Questions

About ​Solenne Birth Services

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Do you attend home births? 

Yes! I am happy to attend your home birth, however, a Certified Midwife must also be in attendance. I do not attend "unassisted births" or "free births" in which a Midwife is not present. In the event of a hospital transfer, I will continue to provide support at the hospital. Please see the "About Doulas" section to learn more about the difference between a Midwife and a Doula.​

What training do you have?

I have received the following training:

• Birth Doula  -  Sierra Childbirth Institute, March 2024

• Postpartum Placenta Specialist  -  ProDoula, September 2024
   

I hold the following certifications:

• Heartsavers CPR/First Aid

• OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens

• ServSafe Food Handler
   

What areas do you serve?

I serve families predominantly in Inyo and Mono counties. For those who live more than 75 miles from Mammoth Lakes, CA, I charge a one-time $100 travel fee. Live outside of Inyo or Mono county? Let's see what we can do! Virtual doula services or additional travel considerations may be available.

Do you take insurance?
At this time, I do not accept insurance.​​​​
 

All About Doulas

What is a Doula?
A Doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to their client before, during and after childbirth. My purpose is to help families have a safe, memorable, and positive birthing experience. I will help advocate for your needs and birth preferences so you can focus on having your baby!

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What are the benefits of having a Doula?
There are so many reasons why it's a good idea to include a Doula on your birth team, but here are a few:​​

• Shorter labor times 

• Less likely to have a C-section

• Less likely to use Pitocin

• Less likely to use pain medication

• More likely to view birth experience positively

• Higher Apgar scores

What is the difference between a Doula and a Midwife?
A Midwife is a medical provider authorized to provide medical care to you and your baby during labor and delivery. A Doula cannot provide medical care but instead provides you and your family with emotional and physical support, comfort measures, as well as information and resources. Quite simply, a Midwife delivers your baby while a Doula supports you during labor.
 

My partner will be supporting me, why should I also consider a Doula?

A Doula is a great addition to your birth team who can support you AND your partner. My job is not to replace your partner; after all, this is a monumental event for them too! As your doula, I can give your partner a much needed break from the action, address their questions or concerns, or even provide some gentle guidance to help them support you even more. My presence allows your partner to be more present as I attend to your needs.

 

What if I want an epidural or need to have a C-section?

I will support your birth regardless of whether you're having  a medicated or unmedicated birth, a vaginal birth or a caesarean birth, and everything in between. All births are natural!
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Placenta Encapsulation

Why do you perform this service in the client's home?
This policy may seem odd at first, but it makes sense once you really think about it! By performing this service in your home, you know without a doubt that the placenta I'm working on is 100% your own. Upon arrival, I will put on personal protective equipment (PPE) from head to toe. This process ensures that I do not introduce anything new  or foreign to your personal / home microbiome.  You'll know that the workspace is clean and disinfected, because you can witness the process. Performing this service in your home also gives me the opportunity to see how you and your family are settling in and to provide recommendations, resources or referrals if needed.