Short answer: A doula is a trained professional who provides continuous emotional, physical, and informational support before, during, and shortly after childbirth to help the family unit achieve a satisfying experience.
No way.
Doulas know birth. Your partner knows you.
Your doula is there to empower and guide not only the birthing person, but the partner as well. By working together we’ll make the perfect birth team. For example, during the hectic hours of birth your partner may struggle to do or say the right thing or they may agonize seeing their partner in discomfort. With your doula there, you will have a calming presence who is able to reassure the partner of what is normal and direct them in methods of support.
There have been several studies that illustrate the benefit of doulas in the birth space. In the Cochrane review, we find:
- 39% decrease in the risk of Cesarean birth
- 15% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth
- 10% decrease in any use of medications for pain relief
- Shorter labors by 41 minutes
- 38% decrease in a baby’s risk of a low five minute APGAR score
- 31% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience
I am a real go with the flow type of person and that transfers into my doula work also. People need support no matter where they birth or what methods they choose to help them have a baby. Regardless of what your birth preferences are, I believe in giving you clear and concise answers and backing it up with evidence based information so you can make your decision from an informed standpoint. During birth, I find that I am very hands on and nurturing. I enjoy finding the right position and counter pressure to help your labor progress and aid you in maximum pain management. And at the end of the day, every single birth is unique and I want you and your partner to be fully present during the experience.
Cool, I support you.
The first step in rocking your birth, is ensuring you’re well informed about all of your choices. Epidurals are a fabulous tool to use in birth for a variety of different reasons. With every medical intervention there are risks, so it is imperative that you receive all the information on the procedure without bias so you are able to choose the best option for yourself. Also, people can still experience strong sensations with pain relieving medication and changes in positioning can help reduce that.
A postpartum doula is trained specifically to assist families in adjusting during the 4th trimester, or coming home. This consists of: teaching correct methods of infant feeding, ensuring a correct breastfeeding latch, encouraging family – baby bonding, teaching infant soothing methods and newborn care, encouraging emotional and physical recovery from birth, and supporting routines that work for the family. Overnight postpartum care also allows for parents to get some much needed uninterrupted sleep when sleep deprivation can be at its worst.
When making the decision to begin your fertility journey you may experience a wide range of thoughts and emotions. It can be extremely easy to become overwhelmed and feel isolated when you’re dealing with something so personal. By having a fertility doula by your side you’re choosing someone who’s devoted to providing emotional, informational, and physical support during each phase. Just beginning and looking into cycle charting? Choosing medication? Moving on to IUI or IVF? No matter what stage you’re in, a fertility doula can help you make heads or tails of it.
Yes!
For both birth support, virtual birth support, and postpartum support, I require a $250 non- refundable retainer at the time of signing so I may reserve my schedule for your estimated due date.
For in-person birth support, the remaining balance can be broken down into affordable monthly or semi-monthly payments. In order to attend your birth, full payment must be made by 36 weeks.
