What is a doula? A doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to childbearing people before, during and shortly after childbirth to help achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible.
If I have a doula, do I have to have a natural birth? Home birth? Hospital? No! You can give birth where and how you want, with the care provider you choose. My goal as a doula is to inform, empower, and support you in your choices about your care. You will birth best where you feel most safe, whether that is a hospital, birth center, or your own home. I will give you information about your options for pain management, and will support you unconditionally in your choices. It is your body, your baby, and your birth!
Is a doula the same as a midwife? No. I do not have the same medical training as a midwife, and I do not replace your midwife, nurse, or obstetrician. As a doula I do not perform clinical tasks (such as taking blood pressure, fetal heart checks, or vaginal exams), make decisions about your care, or speak to the staff on your behalf. I am there to comfort, encourage, and support you, and facilitate communication between you and the staff.
I don't replace your partner, either. If you have a loving partner who wants to be involved in the birth, that's great! As a doula I want to help your partner feel calm, confident, and included, so they can be the best possible support to the person they love most: you. What do I get if I hire you? I offer:
Complimentary first meeting to get acquainted, ask initial questions, and see if we are a good fit for each other.
1-2 visits in your home before your due date. This will be our time to discuss your hopes for the birth, write a birth plan if you wish, and discuss comfort measures to help support you throughout your pregnancy and labor.
Constant on-call availability to you from two weeks before your due date until your baby is born.
In-person support from the time you ask me to come (in early or active labor) until one to three hours after your baby is born, when you're ready to settle in as a family.
A postpartum visit in your home 2-5 days after the birth, and another several weeks later if you wish.
Email and phone support whenever needed throughout your pregnancy, evidence based information about your options for care, resources for specialists, and a calm, constant advocate who you can rely on.
How much does it cost? I am currently offering significant discounts as I gain experience and work toward certification. Please contact me for more details!