Birth Doula Support

Research shows that women working with doulas were more likely to have spontaneous vaginal births & less likely to have any pain medication, epidurals, negative feelings about childbirth, vacuum or forceps-assisted births, and Cesareans. In addition, their labors were shorter by about 40 minutes on average, and their babies were less likely to have low Apgar scores at birth (an Apgar score is a measure of a baby’s immediate health at birth). There was some evidence that doula support in labor lowered rates of postpartum depression. There was no evidence that there are any negative effects of doula support.

Doulas provide both physical and emotional support, resources, and continuity of care that medical staff are not able to due to shift changes, scheduling, etc.

Doulas work for you, not the hospital, insurance, &/or birthing center.

Read this article for more info about doulas.

No, doulas work in conjunction with birth partners.

I can make suggestions for ways for partners to support the person giving birth as well as coping methods for everyone involved. Witnessing and supporting labor and birth can be intense so I offer support to the birth partner by remaining present while they get a bite to eat, take a nap, etc.

The steady presence of a trusted doula can feel nurturing and supportive to both the person giving birth and birth partners.

The sooner the better. For birth doula support it is best to begin working with me as soon as possible at no extra cost. The earlier we begin to work together & establish our relationship, the more extensive support I can provide through greater understanding of your intentions and your support needs.

Prenatal sessions are personalized to your unique needs &/or desires. I am here to support you in the ways that you want on your unique birth journey.

Let’s get to know each other over a cup of herbal tea. From there, prep could include :

-supplemental labor & birth information with evidence-based research

-birth preference planning

-discuss ways to make informed decisions

-overview of comfort measures &/or ways for partner/s to help

-postpartum planning

-a space to share feelings open & honestly

-a space to be witnessed & honored

-a Birth Tiger Safari

-labyrinth birth art

-journaling

-myth storytelling

-an herbal foot bath

-practice coping exercises with ice, sound

-other logistical prep, etc.

You’re looking for a doula who pairs practical evidence-based research/information/prep with an honoring of your intuition. Someone who has an understanding that birth goes beyond the physical. It is a metamorphic transformation.

You’re looking for someone who brings peace to the birth space. I have been described as very grounded. My goal is to assist you in maintaining your oxytocin flow through the liminal space of birth.

You’re looking for a doula who has an understanding of how physiologic birth unfolds & the optimal conditions to facilitate that while also offering non-judgmental support through interventions because birth is unpredictable.

You’re looking for steady continuity of care & support through prenatal, birth & postpartum periods. Someone you can call, text, or email if things feel confusing, overwhelming, or you just need a moment of connection.

You’re looking for a birth doula who also offers postpartum doula services & has training in traditional postpartum care.

You may be intrigued by the idea of utilizing sound during labor/birth including drums, chimes, &/or singing bowl.

You love herbs, whole herb/resin infused oils, oxymels, etc.

You are interested in the energetics of birth & the pregnant & birthing body.