Birth Doula

What’s a doula!? A doula serves as an emotional, informational and physical support person to a birthing person before, during and after childbirth. One can describe a doula as someone who provides evidence-based, non-biased information around pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Doulas do not make decisions for you and are not medical providers. Advocacy is woven into the doula role and is defined as supporting the birthing person in their right to make decisions about their own body and baby. A doula is someone who quite simply, is there for you - through thick and thin. On birth day, doula support can look different for everyone (and each birth) but will likely include emotional support, physical offerings such as massage and hip squeezing plus encouragement throughout the entire process. Whatever kind of support you need during this empowering but delicate time- you can count on it from your doula!

Why hire a doula? So many reasons to have a doula around, including (but not limited to):

• more likely to have spontaneous, vaginal deliveries

• less likely to have pain medications, epidurals, negative feelings about the birth and cesarean birth

• more likely to have a shorter labor

• less likely to have vacuum or forceps-assisted birth

• overall better outcomes for mother & baby

Read more detailed, in-depth information on doulas from Evidence Based Birth!

My approach as a certified doula, CD(DONA) is to educate, inform and advocate for mothers and their partners. Birth is an experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life. Read that again. It is spiritual and sacred. I believe in the power of your mind and body to birth a baby. As your doula, I will adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and do my best protect your experience with support, knowledge & love.

Services include:

• education: learn about physiological changes during pregnancy and labor, labor/birth positions and movement, resources, comfort techniques, hospital procedures and more

• 1-2 prenatal home/virtual visits

• prenatal phone/text consultations

• labor support during active labor, at home and the birthplace

• 1-2 hours immediately after birth

• 1 week postpartum visit

In an ideal world, everyone would have access to a doula. I have my fees set so that I can offer sliding scale rates for those in need, pending availability. Please don’t hesitate to ask about sliding scale or alternate payment options.

Prenatal/Postpartum Fitness

Movement and exercise during pregnancy can improve birth outcomes, shorten labor time* and help mama prepare physically and mentally for the marathon of birth. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), benefits also include a higher chance of vaginal delivery, lower chance of preterm birth, cesarean birth and lower birth weight, among others*. As an experienced and trained coach, I am able to guide you to include movements that help you to physically prepare for labor & delivery— as well as sweat and feel good! Whatever type of workout regimen you are used to; walking, yoga, weight lifting, etc. I will support and coach you through it.

Services include:

• Programming: mobility work, skill-specific drills, trimester and pelvic floor appropriate movements, strength & endurance building exercises

• Accountability: check-ins via text, email and FaceTime

• Connection: body, breath and mind through movement and clear intention

• Recovery: Rest is part of your care, and necessary during pregnancy (as well as postpartum!)