Joyous Beginnings: Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Q. What areas do you service?

We service Yolo, Sacramento, Amador, east Placer and east El Dorado County. And soon Calaveras County.

Due to rising gas prices certain locations may require a gas fee.

Q. Can payment be broken up?

Yes, payments can made within six months or less, with monthly payments. This must be agreed upon prior to beginning services. We charge an extra fee this payment process.

Doula Services

Q. What makes Joyous Beginnings Doulas special?

Joyous Beginnings prides itself on it personalized care. Every doula with Joyous Beginnings creates a her doula bag just for you. We personalize everything from the massage oils and lotions, snacks, to the favor of chap sticks and flowers. Every portion of your desired birth with be discussed and we will do everything in our power to create the best birthing environment for you.

Q. How does a doula help?

Doulas give support throughout the mother's pregnancy by helping prepare her for labor and birth, assisting with the birth plan, and answering questions as they arise. Your doula will be present providing support through your entire labor and birth, and for some time afterwards. Doulas commonly have a ongoing connection with the families they have assisted.

Studies* have shown that having a doula present at your birth helps in the following ways:

50% reduction in cesarean rates
25% shorter labor
60% reduction in epidural requests
40% reduction in oxytocin (pitocin) use
30% reduction in analgesia use
40% reduction in forceps delivery

* Taken from Mothering the Mother, How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier and Healthier Birth, by Kennell, Klaus, and Kennell (1993)

Q. How does a doula support both parents?

Your doula not only supports the mother, but also helps support the parents as a couple. We recognize the importance of parental bonding as a couple. It is not the place of a doula to replace, but enhance the partners ability to also support. Partners can lean on doulas when they need a rest, or more motivation. Birth can be overwhelming and your doula will be there to help guide you through any situation.

Q. Do doulas only attend natural births?

No. We attend every and any birth where a mother wants caring support. Birthing mothers need to have continuous support, and their needs met, no matter what the circumstances. Every birth is individual and unique, and Joyous Beginnings strives to embrace each one.

Childbirth Classes

Q. What makes Joyous Beginnings Childbirth Classes special?

Joyous Beginnings prides itself on it personalized care. Each class is specially designed for you. We teach over seventy subjects. In our first meeting we discover where you want to focus, and then the class's circulum is developed around those needs. We take special care to consider your personal, beliefs, and/or circustrances in our development.

Q. Where do you hold classes?

We generally hold classes in your home. It is important that you are in a comfortable setting. If we cannot come to your home for any reason other arrangement can be made.

Q. How long are classes?

Joyous Beginnings arranges classes at your convience, day or night. Most classes are in two to three hour segments, from a total of eight to twelve hours.

Q. What is included in your classes?

A range of the subjects taught by Joyous Beginnings can be found here (link)