Frequently Asked Questions

What trainings have you received?

I am a certified DONA Doula. I received doula training through the Academy of Childbirth Educators in 2003. I have also attended advanced doula trainings to further my knowledge in techniques to use during labor.
I have received advanced breastfeeding training and education through the Texas Department of Health, and also professional training in perinatal loss.

I also have been trained as a Postpartum doula through Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA) to assist families after the birth of their baby.
In addition to my certification as a doula, I have also been employed with the American Pregnancy Association since 2002. As the administrative director of the Association for 4 years, I provided education in the areas of pregnancy health and pregnancy support on a daily basis. Since 2007, I have been working with APA on a contract basis, continuing to assist with training issues and writing the educational articles that appear on their website. 

I am also CPR certified and have a certification in Neonatal Resuscitation.

Where do you attend births?

I have attended many types of births in many birth settings including home birth, birth centers and hospital births.

What happens if you are not available at the time of my birth?

If for some reason I am not available at the time of your birth due to extenuating circumstances, I have two doula partners who provide back up service for me. Laura King and Delilah Ray share similar philosophies as me on childbirth and breastfeeding and together we make up the Servant Heart Doulas group. I inform my clients on who the back up is for their birth and encourage my clients to talk with the back up so they are familiar with each other in case an emergency arises and I am unable to attend their birth.

May we call you with questions or concerns before or after the birth?

Once a client hires me, I am always available by phone and email to answer questions, discuss scenarios or provide information on different things. I also commit to be on call 24 hours a day 2 weeks before your due date and two weeks after.

When do you join women in labor? Do you come to our home or meet us at the place of birth?
I will come to labor with you once we have established that you are in a true active labor pattern and this often is while you are still at home. Many of my clients have a goal of trying to labor at home as long as possible, and I try to help them achieve that. Often when labor looks to be starting, my clients and I are in constant phone contact to make the decision of when I should come to them.

Do you meet with me/us after the birth to review the birth and answer questions?

I usually remain with you for one or two hours after birth, until you are comfortable and your family is ready for quiet time together. I can also help with initial breastfeeding, if needed.
I am available for phone contact to answer questions about the birth of your baby and would like to get together with you within a few weeks after the birth to see how you are doing, to review the birth, to admire your baby, provide you with your  birth notes and to get feedback from you about my role.

What is the difference between a doula and a midwife?

In a nutshell--A lot!!! Midwives provide comprehensive prenatal care and delivery services, much like an Obstetrician does. Although a doula is very educated in the medical side of things that occur in pregnancy and childbirth, she cannot perform any type of medical procedures under her scope of practice as a doula. So basically, a midwife can deliver your baby but I can not!

Lesley Spradlin, CD(DONA)
(817) 713-4861 Mobile
(817) 281-0994 Home