FAQ
Questions about pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period that keep coming up.
Maybe you're wondering what a doula actually does. Whether you even need a doula if you have a midwife. What hypnobirthing really brings, or who can support you in the postpartum period.
Here you'll find answers to the questions I'm asked most often.
Can't find your question? Just write to me.
General & doula
What is a doula, actually?
A doula is a non-medical companion during pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period. I'm by your side, I listen, answer questions, help you sort your thoughts and wishes, and accompany you continuously during the birth too.
It's not about telling you what your birth should look like. What matters to me is that you find your own way and feel well supported and safe along it.
What does a doula do during birth?
During the birth I'm there entirely for you. I accompany you continuously, support you in different ways such as breath, movement, touch or calm, and remind you of what was important to you in your preparation.
I don't take on any medical tasks and don't make any medical decisions. That's what midwives and doctors are there for.
I'm the person who knows you and who only has you and your wellbeing in mind.
Do I need a doula if I have a midwife?
Yes, the two can complement each other beautifully.
Your midwife takes care of the medical side of pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period. I accompany you in addition as a personal, non-medical support person.
For me, the main difference is: I'm there only for you. I know you, your wishes and your story and can accompany you continuously during the birth. So a doula doesn't replace a midwife, she complements her.
When should I book a doula?
You can get in touch with me at any time. The earlier we meet, the more time we naturally have to really get to know each other and prepare for your birth together.
Many women contact me in the second trimester. But even if you're further along, just ask whether I still have capacity for your due date.
How does an introductory call work?
In a free introductory call with no obligation, I tell you how I work and we see together whether we're a good fit. You can ask me all your questions and I get to know your wishes and ideas.
How much does doula support cost?
I offer three different support packages, because not every woman needs the same support.
My packages start at €1,450 and go up to €2,850. All packages include continuous support during your birth. They differ mainly in the length of the on-call period and in how intensively I additionally accompany you during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
You'll find all the details on the doula support page.
Why does doula support cost so much?
Because you're not just paying for the hours at your birth, but above all for the time I'm standing by for you. Around your due date I'm on call around the clock for 14 to 20 days, depending on your package.
During that time I keep everything free, stay within a certain radius and plan every day so that I can set off to you at any moment. I don't take on overlapping on-call periods. When I'm on call for you, I'm there only for you.
Does health insurance cover the cost of a doula?
Doula support is a private service and is usually not covered by statutory health insurance as standard. Some insurers do, however, offer voluntary subsidies or special benefits.
If you like, simply ask your health insurance whether they'll contribute to the cost.
Do you also support women after a caesarean or a previous difficult birth?
Yes.
Maybe your first birth went very differently from what you had wished for or imagined. Maybe you're afraid that something will repeat itself. Or you simply want to be prepared differently this time.
Even after a caesarean or a difficult birth, personal support can be very valuable. Together we look at what you need and what matters to you for this birth.
Can my partner be there during the birth?
Of course. Your birth partner remains your most important person.
I don't see myself as competition, but as extra support. For partners in particular, it can be lovely to have someone by their side who brings birth experience and gives them confidence, without taking their place.
Where do you support births?
I support families in the Rhineland and NRW, including Düsseldorf, Neuss, Cologne and the Wuppertal, Gevelsberg and Ennepe-Ruhr area.
Where exactly the support takes place depends on where you live and where you plan to give birth. If you're not from Düsseldorf itself, just ask me. We'll look together at whether it works for us.
What happens if my birth starts earlier or later?
That's exactly what the on-call period is for.
Around your due date I can be reached according to the package you booked. When your birth starts, you get in touch with me and we talk about what's happening and when we'll meet.
Births don't follow a calendar, after all.
What if you can't make it to my birth?
I work together with backup doulas. So if I am ever unable to be there for an appointment or around your birth, you will not be left on your own.
We will discuss individually what this looks like for you.
Before birth · Hypnobirthing
What exactly is hypnobirthing?
For me, hypnobirthing is not a method that promises you a particular birth.
It's about understanding your body better, working with your thoughts and your breath, and learning how to relax and rely on yourself.
You gain knowledge and practical tools that can support you during birth. And above all, it's about building trust. Not in a perfect birth. But in yourself.
Does hypnobirthing mean a pain-free birth?
No. And I would never promise that.
Hypnobirthing can help you deal differently with tension, thoughts and the sensations during birth. You learn various breathing, relaxation and visualisation techniques.
How a birth ultimately unfolds and which medical measures are needed can't be planned in advance. So for me, good preparation doesn't mean: "I have to give birth without pain relief." It means: "I know what can help me, and I trust myself even when things turn out differently."
When should I start hypnobirthing?
You can start at any time. Ideally you still have enough time to get to know the exercises and try them out at home.
But it matters more to me that you don't put yourself under pressure. Even if your birth is getting close, compact preparation can still make sense.
Is hypnobirthing suitable for a first birth?
Yes. Especially when so much is new, it can help to engage early with birth, your body, your thoughts and the various options.
You don't need any prior experience. You also don't need to know what kind of birth you want. We'll look together at what matters to you.
Does hypnobirthing make sense after a difficult birth?
Yes. Sometimes even especially so.
If you've already given birth, you bring your own story with you. Maybe it was beautiful. Maybe it was very different from what you expected. Maybe there are experiences you'd like to go through differently this time.
Hypnobirthing can help you engage with birth anew and find out what you need this time.
Does my partner have to take part in hypnobirthing?
No.
Your birth partner is very welcome to join and will also gain knowledge and practical tools. But you can also attend the course on your own.
What if my birth doesn't go as planned?
Then it wasn't all for nothing. Quite the opposite. That's exactly why I don't want to teach hypnobirthing as a "birth plan to tick off".
You don't learn how to make sure everything goes to plan. You learn how to support yourself, even when things turn out differently.
What is the difference between hypnobirthing and a classic antenatal class?
A classic antenatal class gives you lots of important information about pregnancy, birth, the postpartum period and life with a baby.
Hypnobirthing puts a stronger focus on your inner attitude, relaxation, breathing, visualisation and how you deal with thoughts and tension.
For me it's less a question of "either or". The two can complement each other very well.
Which hypnobirthing options do you offer?
You can choose between different formats: the full hypnobirthing course, Hypnobirthing Compact, taster sessions, online dates and individual 1:1 support.
You'll find all current dates on the hypnobirthing page.
Birth · Doula support
What is the difference between the three doula packages?
All three packages include continuous support during your birth.
The difference lies mainly in how often we see each other before and after the birth and how long I'm on call for you around your due date.
So you can decide whether you'd prefer compact support or more support over a longer period. You'll find all packages in detail on the doula support page.
Do you really stay with me for the whole birth?
Yes.
Once your birth begins and we meet, I stay with you for as long as your birth takes. That might be a few hours, but sometimes it stretches over two or three days.
I don't go home at some point because my "working hours" are over. This continuity is an important part of my doula support.
Are you there too if the birth is induced?
Yes. Even with an induction, I come to you at the hospital and support you. That's exactly when things can take a while, and it helps to have someone by your side who knows you.
We'll decide together when I join you. I'm there when you need me.
Can I book a doula for a hospital birth?
Yes.
I accompany you during a hospital birth just as I do during a birth in a birth centre or at home, provided the conditions are right.
Can I also book you for a planned caesarean?
Yes.
Even if a vaginal birth isn't planned, doula support can make sense. We can look at how you'd like to prepare for the caesarean, what questions you have and what support you'd like around the birth.
When should I book a doula?
It's best to get in touch early, because I only take on a limited number of births per month.
But: ask anyway. If your due date is already close, we'll see whether I still have capacity.
Do you also support women outside Düsseldorf?
Yes.
My focus isn't only on Düsseldorf. I support families in the Rhineland and NRW, including Düsseldorf, Neuss, Cologne and the Wuppertal, Gevelsberg and Ennepe-Ruhr area.
If you live a little further away, just get in touch. Depending on the distance and scope of support, we'll find a good solution.
Can I adjust my package later?
Yes, at any time. If your needs change during our time together, we'll talk about it openly and adjust your package flexibly.
How and when do I pay for the support?
After the introductory call, the costs are set out in a personal contract. Usually there's a deposit after booking and the remaining amount around the due date. Instalments are possible on request.
Postpartum · Postpartum care
What does a postpartum carer do?
A postpartum carer is there for you. Not just for the baby, but also for you and your everyday life.
I support you, for example, with the housework, looking after the family, cooking and the little things that are simply too much right now.
Because in the postpartum period you don't have to prove that you can do everything on your own.
Who is postpartum care for?
For every family who would like support in the postpartum period.
Maybe you're exhausted. Maybe the birth wasn't long ago. Maybe there are already siblings, or you simply have no one nearby who can help you day to day.
You don't have to be completely at your limit before you're allowed to get help.
How long does a postpartum care visit last?
A visit with me lasts at least two hours.
You can also book me regularly for several appointments. How often and how much we see each other depends on what you need right now.
How much does postpartum care cost?
My hourly rate is €45. The minimum booking is two hours.
If you'd also like a freshly prepared meal, you can book a visit including a meal for €155.
Depending on distance and route, we'll discuss any additional travel costs or a travel allowance personally.
Does health insurance cover the cost of postpartum care?
Under certain conditions, the cost of household help or postpartum support can be covered by health insurance.
That depends on your personal situation and your health insurer. I'm happy to help you find out what options are available to you.
When am I entitled to postpartum care?
Statutory health insurance can cover the costs of household help during the postpartum period if you can't run your household yourself because of the pregnancy or birth and nobody in the household can take over, for example after a C-section, in case of severe exhaustion or with multiples. As a rule you'll need a doctor's certificate. We can look together at what's possible in your situation.
How does coverage by health insurance work?
Usually your doctor issues a certificate that you use to apply for household help with your health insurance. Once approved, I can bill my services directly to the insurer via my IK number. I'm happy to help you with the application.
Can I use postpartum care without health insurance?
Yes. You can also book me as a self-payer, for example if you are not entitled or would like additional support. You will find current prices on the postpartum care page.
Do you also support families outside Düsseldorf?
Yes.
I support families in the postpartum period in Düsseldorf and the surrounding area, in the Rhineland and in the Wuppertal, Gevelsberg and Ennepe-Ruhr area.
As the support takes place at your home, we'll look together beforehand at whether the distance works for both of us.
Postpartum · Massage
When is a postpartum massage a good idea?
A postpartum massage can be a lovely way to consciously take time for yourself after the birth.
Your body has just achieved something incredible. Maybe you simply want to breathe again, find some calm and take a little care of yourself.
How does a postpartum massage work?
The massage takes place in a relaxed way at your home.
First we briefly check how you are and what you'd like from the massage. Then I take time for a calm massage tailored to you.
And if your baby fusses or needs a break in between, that's no problem at all. You're in the postpartum period. You don't have to "push through" anything here.
How long does the postpartum massage take?
Plan for about 50 to 60 minutes of massage.
The exact length can be flexible, because in the postpartum period things sometimes come up. If your baby needs a break, we take a break.
Where does the postpartum massage take place?
The massage takes place at your home during the postpartum period. That way you don't have to go anywhere after the birth and can stay in your familiar surroundings afterwards.
I offer postpartum massages in Düsseldorf and the surrounding area as well as in Wuppertal, Gevelsberg and the Ennepe-Ruhr district. Depending on the distance, we'll discuss travel personally beforehand.
How much does a postpartum massage cost?
The postpartum massage costs €120.
This includes about 50 to 60 minutes of massage at your home, selected oils and mindful touch, tailored to your needs.
Does health insurance cover the cost of a postpartum massage?
The postpartum massage is usually a private wellness and support service, not a standard health insurance benefit.
If you're unsure, you can of course ask your health insurance.
Photography
Which photo shoots do you offer?
I capture special moments around pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period with my camera. These include pregnancy photography, birth photography and postpartum photography.
It's important to me that the images don't look posed or artificial. I want to capture this time the way it really was: personal, honest and with all the little moments in between.
Where does a pregnancy or postpartum shoot take place?
Depending on the shoot, we can meet at your home, outdoors or at another suitable place.
Especially in the postpartum period, I want you to have as little effort as possible. That's why a shoot at your home can be especially lovely.
What should we wear?
Simple, coordinated colours without big patterns or logos look most beautiful. I'm happy to give you a few tips beforehand.
Do you also photograph births?
Yes. I also offer birth photography in combination with my doula support.
It's not about perfect pictures. I capture the small and big moments you may want to see again later.
How long does a shoot take?
Depending on the occasion, between 45 minutes and 2 hours. Pregnancy, postpartum and family shoots each have different flows.
Above all, I do not want to create time pressure. We take the time it needs for you to feel comfortable. Especially with a baby, there is room for a break.
How many pictures will I get?
You receive a carefully selected collection of the most beautiful images in digital form, edited and in high resolution. The exact number and scope depend on the shoot and are described for each photography service.
Your question isn't here?
Feel free to write to me, or let's talk about everything on your mind in a no-obligation introductory call.
Get to know me