What kinds of births can doulas attend?

Wherever you have a baby, I will be there! Home, hospital, birth center…I’ve seen them all. I am especially passionate about supporting physiologic births. In other words, I love to support the body’s natural processes during labor and birth. I specialize in promoting those rhythms even when intervention is needed. Whether you plan for zero intervention, medical pain relief, or a C-section, a doula can be of enormous help.

Will hiring you replace my partner?

Never. In fact, teaching and supporting partners is one of my favorite parts of birth work! My role is to enable you and your partner to experience this birth as deeply each of you want to. I help others at the birth to participate by teaching them physical and verbal skills well before the main event. During labor and birth, I will help your partner feel confident in helping you, bringing the two of you closer than ever.

Sometimes, birth can be overwhelming for people who've never witnessed it before; in those moments, I am there to provide support to the mother while the other support person recuperates. Many birth partners feel relieved to have someone there who can offer perspective and reassurance during this sometimes foreign and always exciting time. 

I would love a doula at my birth. How can I afford one?

Having a doula fund listed on a baby registry can be a fun way to invite loved ones to support your birth in a meaningful way. We invest in many things as life occurs: graduations, weddings, and more. Birth is just one day, but your entry to parenthood will echo throughout your life. The support that a doula provides has been shown to increase satisfaction with the experience, and there are many creative ways to ensure you can take advantage of what a doula has to offer. HSA accounts can be used to cover the costs. I offer payment plans to support ease of pay, and I love to set up a barter or trade! I believe each woman who wants a doula can benefit from one, and so if you feel in financial need, let's chat!

What are your interactions with midwives and doctors like?

When doulas and medical staff work in together, we create a seamless team dedicated to your care. My role is very different from that of midwife or doctor: I never diagnose or prescribe a medical course of action. Instead, I provide access to evidence based information; understand your personal desires and circumstance; and facilitate communication between you and medical staff. I work for you, supporting your voice throughout labor. Continuous support has been shown to increase women’s satisfaction with labor, and my role includes explaining medical terminology, making sure you know what’s being offered every step of the way, and centering your preferences in every conversation. I am a passionate advocate for women’s choices during their birthing time.