GENERAL DOULA SUPPORT

What is a doula?

A doula is a trained professional who provides continuous emotional, physical, and educational support before, during, and after childbirth. Doulas are not medical providers, but they play a key role in helping families feel informed, empowered, and supported.

Are you a doula in Albuquerque, New Mexico?

Yes! The Gentle Hour Birth Services proudly serves families in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Los Lunas, the East Mountains, and surrounding areas of New Mexico.

What services do you offer?

We offer birth doula support, postpartum doula care, placenta encapsulation, prenatal consultations, birth planning, breastfeeding support, and TENS unit rentals.

What are the benefits of having a doula?

Studies show that having a doula present during labor can lead to shorter labors, fewer interventions, reduced risk of cesarean, and greater satisfaction with the birth experience.

Do you offer virtual or in-person visits?

Yes, we provide both in-person and virtual visits depending on your needs and location. Labor support is offered at hospitals, birth centers, and home births.

BIRTH & LABOR SUPPORT

What does a birth doula do?

We provide continuous support during labor through physical comfort, emotional reassurance, and advocacy. This can include hands-on help with breathing, massage, positioning, partner coaching, and birth plan guidance.

Do you attend hospital, home, and birth center births?

Yes. We provide birth support for all settings in the Albuquerque area, including hospitals like UNMH and Lovelace, birth centers, and home births with midwives.

When will you join me in labor?

We typically join once you’re in active labor, whether at home or your chosen birth location. We stay with you throughout labor and for up to 1–2 hours postpartum.

Do you support epidurals, inductions, or cesareans?

Absolutely. We support all types of births—unmedicated, medicated, induced, planned cesareans, or VBAC. Our role is to help you feel calm, informed, and confident no matter what path birth takes.

How do you involve partners?

We work alongside your partner—not in place of them—to help them feel confident and supported too. We offer suggestions, hands-on techniques, and reassurance so they can be fully present.

Can you help me create a birth plan?

Yes! We offer prenatal sessions to help you understand your options and write a birth plan that aligns with your values and preferences.

POSTPARTUM SUPPORT

What does a postpartum doula do?

A postpartum doula provides in-home support to help ease your transition into parenthood. This includes newborn care tips, breastfeeding support, meal prep, light housekeeping, and emotional support.

How often do postpartum visits happen?

Visits are scheduled based on your needs. Many families choose 1–3 visits per week in the early weeks, tapering off as they adjust. Each visit typically lasts 2 hours.

How can I support my partner postpartum?

Help with baby care, household responsibilities, and emotional check-ins. Offer encouragement and make space for rest and recovery. A postpartum doula can support both of you through this transition.

How can I manage postpartum pain?

Comfort measures include rest, pain medication (if prescribed), warm baths, ice packs, and support from your doula or provider. We can also help with healing herbs, sitz baths, and breastfeeding positioning to reduce discomfort.

PLACENTA ENCAPSULATION

What is placenta encapsulation?

Placenta encapsulation is the process of steaming, dehydrating, grinding, and placing the placenta into capsules for postpartum consumption. It is believed by some to support hormone balance, energy, and milk supply.

Do you offer placenta encapsulation in Albuquerque?

Yes, we provide safe, professional placenta encapsulation services with pick-up and delivery available in Albuquerque and surrounding areas.

Is placenta encapsulation safe?

We follow strict OSHA-compliant handling, cleaning, and processing standards to prioritize your health and safety. We’ll provide detailed instructions and answer any questions beforehand.

TENS UNIT FOR LABOR

What is a TENS unit?

A TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) unit is a small, handheld device that delivers mild electrical pulses to the lower back during labor. It helps reduce pain perception by stimulating natural endorphins.

Is it safe for labor?

Yes, TENS units are generally safe during labor and have no known side effects. We’ll teach you how to use it properly and provide written instructions. Rentals include pads and batteries.

Can I rent a TENS unit from you?

We do not offer TENS unit rentals, but we’re happy to bring one with us and provide it at no additional cost during your labor support.

PRICING & POLICIES

What fees can I expect?

All pricing is subject to New Mexico gross receipts tax (7.6725%), and there is a service charge of 2.6% added to all credit and debit purchases.

Do you accept insurance or Medicaid?

We do not currently accept private insurance, but clients can easily pay using HSA/FSA funds through our secure Square payment portal—either online or in person with our Square reader.

Great news on Medicaid: as of February, 2025, New Mexico’s Doula Credentialing and Access Act (HB 214) has gone into effect. This law creates a voluntary credentialing pathway for doulas, allowing them to officially enroll as Medicaid providers and receive reimbursement for services, the New Mexico Department of Health is actively rolling out the program.

I’m currently in the credentialing process and plan to become a Medicaid-approved doula. This means that once credentialed, my services will be directly covered under New Mexico Medicaid—making doula care more accessible to families in Albuquerque and beyond.

Do you offer sliding scale or student discounts?

We offer occasional discounts as part of our certification process or for low-income families. Please ask about current availability—these are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

What is your refund policy?

A non-refundable deposit reserves your place on our calendar. If you cancel services, we will refund any portion back to you except the deposited amount. Full payment is due by 36 weeks. If full payment is not collected by 36 weeks, I cannot guarantee my attendance to your birth.

Can I book a consultation first?

Yes! We offer complimentary consultations (in-person or virtual) so you can learn more, ask questions, and decide if we're a good fit.