1. What is QC Doula Connect?

QC Doula Connect is a collective of trained doulas in the Quad Cities area who work in pairs to provide continuous, personalized support throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Our team model ensures you always have consistent, caring support from doulas who know your story and your needs.

2. What is a doula?

A doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. Doulas help you feel informed, supported, and empowered throughout your journey.

3. What does it mean to have a “co-doula team”?

When you hire QC Doula Connect, you’re matched with two doulas who will share the on-call time, visits, and communication with you. That means you’re never alone—your team works together to provide consistent care and prevent burnout, so you get the best of both worlds.

4. What if one of my doulas is unavailable when I go into labor?

That’s the beauty of our model! Your two doulas share an on-call calendar, so at least one is always ready when you need them. They stay in close communication, and whoever attends your birth already knows you and your preferences.

5. Do I get to meet my doulas before hiring?

Yes! We offer a free meet-and-greet consultation so you can get to know your potential doula team, ask questions, and make sure it feels like the right fit before moving forward.

6. Can I still use a doula if I’m planning a hospital birth?

Absolutely. Our doulas support all kinds of births—hospital, home, or birth center—as well as medicated or unmedicated births. We work alongside your chosen providers to make sure your voice and choices are supported every step of the way.

7. Is doula support covered by insurance?

Some insurance or HSA/FSA reimburse for doula services. While we don’t bill insurance directly, we can provide an itemized receipt for submission. We’re happy to walk you through it!

8. How much does doula support cost?

Pricing varies slightly by package, but our packages start at $1275 for birth doula and $500 for postpartum. Payment plans are available.

9. Do you offer postpartum-only support?

Yes! Our doulas provide postpartum doula care, which includes in-home support for newborn care, emotional recovery, feeding support, light household help, and more. You can book a variety of support.

10. How do I get started?

Click the “Contact” button on our site to fill out a short form. We’ll check availability for your due date and connect you with a doula team for a free consult. It’s simple and no pressure!

11. How are doula teams matched with clients?

We carefully consider your due date, birth location, preferences, and personality when pairing you with a team. We aim for a match that feels like the right fit—people you feel safe, seen, and supported by.

12. Will both doulas attend my birth?

Only one doula from your team attends your birth—whichever is on call when you go into labor. However, your other doula is always a phone call away for backup, brainstorming, or extra support if needed.

13. Do both doulas attend the prenatal and postpartum visits?

Yes! One doula attends your first prenatal visit, the other attends the second, and both join you for the third. The doula who supports your birth typically does your postpartum visit, though both may be involved depending on your needs and availability.

14. Can I book childbirth education or lactation support separately?

Absolutely! Several of our doulas are also certified in childbirth education, lactation, physical therapy, and more. Let us know what you need—we’re happy to connect you with the right support, even outside your doula package. Be sure to visit our resources page!

15. Do you support VBACs, inductions, or planned cesareans?

Yes! Our doulas are trained to support all types of births, including VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean), inductions, and planned cesareans. We tailor your preparation and support based on your individual birth plan and history.

16. What’s the difference between a doula and a midwife?

A midwife provides medical care during pregnancy and birth. A doula provides emotional, physical, and informational support—but does not perform clinical tasks. We work alongside your care providers to enhance your birth experience, not replace them.

17. Can I hire a doula if I already have a supportive partner or family member?

Absolutely! Doulas don’t replace partners—they enhance their role. We guide and support both of you so your partner can be present, confident, and involved without feeling overwhelmed or unsure.

18. What if my labor is really long—will my doula stay the whole time?

Yes! Once active labor is underway and your doula joins you in person, they stay with you through the birth. If your labor is especially long, our teams have a built-in backup system to offer breaks while ensuring continuous support.