Noreen R Smith, Holistic Family Support Specialist
Ann Arbor, Michigan and Phoenix, Arizona
Holistic Family Support Specialist
FAQ
The role of the Holistic Family Support Specialist is uniquely mine, and may need a little clarification. Here are some questions that are frequently asked about Under the Willow Tree with Noreen and my holistic approach to care.
Why should every Mama hire a Doula?
Women supported by a Birth Doula during labor/birth have been shown to have:
50% reduction in Cesarean rate
25% shorter labor
60% reduction in epidural requests
40% reduction in Pitocin use
30% reduction in analgesic use
30% reduction in forceps delivery
Is a Postpartum Doula really necessary?
Six weeks after birth, women who had Postpartum Care experienced:
less anxiety and depression
more confidence with Baby
more satisfaction with their partner
better rest, nutrition, and healing
Long term benefits of having a Doula:
improved breastfeeding/chestfeeding
increased time spent with Babe
more positive parental assessments of Babe's personality, health and parental competence
decreased postpartum mood disorder
Does insurance cover the cost of a Doula?
The Birthwork community continues to work towards the recognition of the beneficial importance during labor/delivery and aftercare by the insurane profession. At this time, there are very few who will directly reimburse for pay outright, but I encourage you to submit a claim or use HSA/flex funds.
What does "Holistic" mean in this context?
My use of the term "holistic" has less to do with the latest trend, and more to do with the whole family unit, the whole person, and the whole environment. My approach is designed to meet your needs by evaluating all aspects of your particular situation and addressing identified needs with the entire scope of my knowledge, training, and experience.
How do you accept payment for services?
Payment for all services are due at the time services are rendered, either by check, cash or credit card.
Hourly services are due on the day-of-service, or at the end of the week for the next week's services.
Payment for packages, or long-term care, require a 50% deposit when the contract is signed and my time reserved, with the balance being due in weekly increments at the beginning of each week of care. A 10% discount is given for any package balance paid in advance.
I already have an Adoption Caseworker. What will you offer differently?
Your Adoption Caseworker will walk you through the paperwork and guide you through a home study. Some agencies offer additional informational presentations about adoption. But I have found that applicants often have questions that are beyond the scope of the actual selection process and placement. Placement might feel like a conclusion, but actually, it is the beginning of a world of emotions and adjustments.
What is "respite childcare"?
Traditionally, "respite" has been used in the context of "offering relief from personal care/medical care." While I am prepared to care for ill children, or those with medically necessary diet limitations or medication administration, I am also available to give you a break from more traditional situations, i.e. adult-only vacations, date night, scheduling conflicts, household management, etc.
What is unique about your approach to "sleep training"?
My nearly 35 years of experience in childcare and training in child development, have taught me that there is no one-size-fits-all program just as surely as every child and every family bring a distinctive set of questions and concerns to the table. Instead of concentrating on fears and anxiety, my approach focuses on reassurance, confidence, and trust.
How will hiring you affect my partner’s role during the birth?
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What are your interactions with medical staff like?
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Do you perform any physical examinations?
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How will hiring you affect my partner’s role during the birth?
Enter your answer here. Be thoughtful, write clearly and concisely, and consider adding written as well as visual examples. Go over what you’ve written to make sure that if it was the first time you were visiting the site, you’d understand your answer.