Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about Hiring a Doula
Whether you need a birth doula, postpartum doula, newborn care specialist, or a night nanny, Doulas Association of Southern California (DASC) can help you find what you what you need.
What is a doula?
A doula is a professional who provides emotional support, physical comfort, practical assistance, and non-medical care to people and families as they navigate a myriad of life’s transitions. For more information, visit our What is a Doula Page.
What does it cost to hire a doula?
Doulas have a wide range of fees, and there is a doula for every person who wants one. When looking for a doula in your area via our website, knowing what your budget is will help you find a doula available in your price range. Most doulas also have a network of referrals or resources they can offer to you to if their fees are outside your budget.
What is the difference between a postpartum doula, a newborn care specialist, and nanny?
The differences between Postpartum Doulas (PPD), Newborn Care Specialists (NCS), and Night Nannies are many and varied based on the specialist, but the primary difference is the care giver's primary focus. A PPD focuses primarily on the birthing person's recovery and the transition of the entire family assisting in incorporating the new baby into the existing family unit. Most PPDs do not take over complete care of the baby, they generally assist the family in by acting as an extra set of hands to offering education and resources for feeding, general infant care, and non medical physical support during recovery from birth throughout the Fourth Trimester.
A NCS's primary focus is the new baby and will completely take over care of the newborn so that the parents can rest or go about other tasks knowing the baby is well taken care of by a trained specialist.
A night nanny is a nanny who primarily works at night, taking over full care of the newborn so that the parent(s) can rest.
How can I find a doula for my expecting family?
Use our "Find a Doula" search to view our member directory and locate a doula that fits your needs.
Questions about DASC
Who are the Members of the DASC Board?
What are the benefits of being a DASC member?
We have a Members Only Facebook page where members can network, have their questions answered and "meet" the community. Doctors, nurses, midwives and other members of the childbirth community are members in addition to our wonderful doulas who are happy to answer questions. We also provide a discount card for Office Depot to help your doula business. For doulas who are too tired to drive home safely from a birth, we provide a one-way taxi ride home! We also offer discounted ticket prices on some of the educational events and opportunities to promote your personal business at large events for little to no cost.
What types of events we offer?
Every year we provide networking meetings and educational events in addition to monthly circle meetings in a variety of locations. We also have fundraising and community building events.
Are there scholarships or financial aid available?
Yes, DASC will offer scholarships and financial aid for events offered by DASC. Please email treasurer@dascdoulas.org for information. Also, DASC members receive discounts to many events, including expos and other marketing opportunities.
Do I have to be a doula to join DASC?
DASC welcomes any members of the birth community who want to share their expertise with our doula members. We discourage using DASC as an advertising or marketing platform, but encourage affiliate members to participate in discussions and events.
Do I have to be a certified to join DASC?
You don't have to be certified to join DASC. You can even join before you take a training, or if you aren't formally trained -- but if you are going to attend a doula training, you might want to wait and join DASC after your training to get the new trainee discount.