What This Doula Does
"I've run a number of marathons. I've done a lot of hiking with a heavy backpack, and I've worked for forty hours straight on-call; but going through labor with my wife was more strenuous and exhausting than any of these experiences. We could never have done it without the doula. She was crucial for us." ~A Father(The Doula Book)
A doula is a woman who comes alongside a mother as she brings her child into the world. Sometimes called labor coach or labor assistant, doulas are an invaluable resource to pregnant women and families. There is something powerful about the presence of other women when giving birth, something necessary, and something beautiful.
Women who have doulas statistically have a 50% lower rate of: unnecessary cesarean, episiotomy, other unnecessary interventions. Women with Doulas consistently report having less pain and discomfort, and this is reflected in the 50% lower rate of epidural, pitocin or other pain-relieving drug interventions among mothers with doulas by their side.
People often wonder what a doula does. I'll tell you both what all doulas do, and what you can expect from me as your doula.
Doulas are support. They are a resource. We are here to offer you information, to help you to make the best choices for YOU about YOUR birth. We are here to mother the mother. To answer questions from parents, to help Dads and Partners to feel knowledgeable, lessen their fears and help them to help their pregnant women.
Doulas meet with the parents before the birth and make themselves available around your due date for both phone assistance and to be present at the birth. Doulas will bring their goodie bag of both physical aids (birthing ball, robozo, essential oils etc) and emotional aids (physical touch, their presence, answers to questions etc).
In a hospital setting especially, women report having a much better experience with a doula by their side, as a doula is the only person in the room who's sole job is to care for the mother.
What your doula will not do: be your medical or primary care provider. We are not trained to "deliver" babies, to make assessments about labor progression or decisions about the birthing process. We are support and information to help your birth experience be the best it can be.
THIS DOULA:
~Interview: Free of charge. A face to face meeting to discuss who you are, who I am, and see if we might be a good fit!
~Prenatal Visit: I will meet with you a month or two before your "due date" to get acquainted with you and your partner, discuss your options, learn who you are and what will be helpful for you. We will discuss: local care providers, nutritional advice, pregnancy tips, pregnancy, pain relief, baby positioning, ALL of your birth options, what to expect in your chosen birth setting and much more.
~Labor Assistance: When you call me and are in active labor, I will be at your door step and stay with you until your baby is here.
~Post-Partum: As you and your family get used to life with your new addition I will have at least one meeting with you postpartum to help with any questions you now have offer assistance or just be present for you. I also write each mother's Birth Story as my part of my services to help you remember the beauty of your child's birthday.
Other Options Include:
- Additional Prenatal visits ($55 per visit)
- Prenatal Yoga Sessions ($65 per session)-
-Additional Postpartum visits ($55 per visit)
*While completing my training, my fee for births will be $300 plus additional options*
Please email me for a copy of a contract, to request an interview or for any reason at all! 
