What is a Doula? Why all the hype?
​A doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to their client throughout pregnancy, during labor and birth, and in the postpartum period. A doula's goal is to assist families in achieving the healthiest, most satisfying birth and postpartum experience possible.
Doulas help expecting parents understand their options and know what to expect during pregnancy, birth, and beyond! We are your listening ear, your concierge of information, and a rock-solid support on the biggest day of your life.
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The evidence shows that families who use doulas are:
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more likely to have a vaginal birth
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less likely to need any pain medication
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less likely to have negative feelings about their birth
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more likely to have a shorter birth
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less likely to need vacuum or forceps
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less likely to need a Cesarean delivery
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more likely to have babies with higher APGAR scores
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are less likely to experience postpartum depression
What does a Doula do?
Pregnancy
During pregnancy, we assist families with:
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Basic childbirth education
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Preparing a birth and postpartum plan
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Recommending trusted professionals
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Preparing you for labor with labor positions and pain management techniques
Labor & Delivery
During labor & delivery, we provide:
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Personalized coaching
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Emotional support and reassurance
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Methods of pain relief
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Advocacy for your rights and your birth plan
Postpartum
During postpartum, we:
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Check in on your moods and mental health
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Educate on and provide newborn care
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Assist in physical and emotional recovery
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Assist with light house keeping and meal prep
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Provide infant feeding education
This is just the tip of the iceberg. In reality, we offer so much more! Many doulas are willing to help you in whichever way suits the family best.​
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How do I find the right Doula for me?
The first step is to ask yourself what matters most to you. What is your vision for your birth and postpartum experience? How do you plan to feed your baby (how and where you give birth can effect this)? Are your goals for birth flexible or more specific? If you don't have all the answers now, that's okay. A doula can guide you!​
I recommend you find 2 or 3 doulas to interview before finalizing your decision. Here are some questions you can ask each doula to get a better idea of who is right for you:​​
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What is your philosophy on birth?
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What services do you provide? What tools or techniques do you use?
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Is your model of care trauma-informed?
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What does advocacy mean to you?
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Are you certified? If so, where did you certify? If not, what experience do you have that prepared you for doula work?
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How many families have you supported and in what birth settings?
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How many families do you support in one month?
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Do you work with other doulas? Will you have a backup?
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Are you associated with any doula groups, associations or non-profit organizations?
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At what point during labor do you typically show up for in-person support?
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What is your plan if you are unable to attend my birth or I need a c-section?
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Are you open to honoring my unique cultural needs and views?
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How do you typically communicate with the families you support?
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How many times will we meet before and after my birth?
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What are your fees and payment options?
Why choose me as your Doula?
What sets me apart?
My support and education model is:
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Modernized
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Trauma-informed
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Accessible
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Includes all birth settings
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Considers any level of medical intervention
Experience support and guidance from someone with a background in
psychology who believes there is no ONE perfect method for everyone.
That’s why my doula care and childbirth education course is designed for a number of birth settings and any level of medical intervention.
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I believe in you and your ability to intuitively give birth and care for your newborn, and I am here to affirm you and cheer you on the whole way.
