What is a doula?
The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves." It is now used to refer to a trained and experienced non-medical professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during & just after birth. Doulas also provide emotional and practical support during the postpartum period. I am trained and certified by DONA International as a Birth Doula.

What are the benefits of having a doula?
Having a doula means that you and your partner, if present, have your own personal birth support person with you from start to finish. The nurses and doctors that will be in and out of the room are responsible for your clinical care and usually are not able to provide the consistent physical, emotional and informational support that birthing mothers need. Every woman deserves a doula. Having a doula at my first birth made a huge difference. I would never give birth without a doula!

What does a doula do?
A birth doula:

• Recognizes birth as a key experience the mother will remember all her life and assists with making it a positive experience.
  
• Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor and helps the partner to as well.
  
• Assists the woman in preparing and carrying out her plans for birth.
• Stays with the woman throughout the labor.
• Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures and an objective viewpoint, as well as helping the woman get the information she needs to make informed decisions.
• Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and her clinical care providers (OB, Midwife, Nurses)
  
• Perceives her role as nurturing and protecting the woman's memory of the birth experience and keeping it positive.
  
• Allows the woman's partner to participate at his/her comfort level.

Is a doula a medical professional?
Doulas are not medical professionals. Doulas do not check blood pressure or fetal heart rates, do vaginal exams, check the cervix, administer or prescribe any medications or treatments. You will always be advised to check with your care provider regarding any medical concerns. Physicians, midwives and nurses are responsible for monitoring labor, assessing the medical condition of the mother and baby, and treating complications when they arise.

What about my partner?
"My husband (partner) is my left hand and my doula is my right." - from Doulas Making a Difference. From the American Pregnancy Association: The role of the doula is never to take the place of the husband or partner in labor, but to compliment and enhance their experience. Today, many husbands are taking a more active role in the birth process, but some partners feel that this is a huge expectation and would rather be able to enjoy the delivery without having to stand in as labor coach. With a doula as a part of the birth team, a father can do whatever he feels comfortable with at each moment. Doulas can encourage the father to use comfort measures and can step in when he needs a break. Having a doula allows the father to be able to support his partner emotionally during labor and birth and also enjoy it himself without the pressure to remember everything he learned in childbirth class and every pregnancy book he read! Read a dad's perspective on doulas here and see a great video of different dads talking about doulas here. There's even a Dads Dig Doulas group on Facebook!

Can I still have a doula if I want an Epidural?
Yes, absolutely! Having doula support at your birth means that the doula is supporting you in getting what you want from your birthing experience. If you want an epidural, I will support you in your choice. If you don't, I will support you with that too. It's your birth, you make the choices that are right for you. It is my job to support you in your choices. Doulas work just as hard whether a woman labors with or without an epidural. It is not my job to place judgment on your choices. 

Can I still have a doula if I plan on a hospital birth?
Most doulas attend hospital births. I know I do! Regardless of your choice of care provider, doula support is a great addition to any woman's birth support team. Many OB's across the country love doulas and recommend them to their patients as part of a well-rounded care team to fully support them.

What if I'm planning on a homebirth with a midwife?
Homebirth is a safe option for 90% of women with low-risk pregnancies when they are planned and attended by a trained professional such as a CNM or CPM. Women birthing at home are more likely to have a completely natural birth with little to no interventions whatsoever. Even so, homebirthing families can still benefit from the consistent and caring support of a doula. Doulas generally arrive earlier in labor than your attending midwife and the midwife's assistant and can help you decide when it's time to call them to come. If I am your midwife's assistant, you can still choose me as your doula.

Can a doula support me at my Cesarean Birth?
Cesarean births happen every day and doula support is also helpful in these types of birth. There are many different ways that a doula can help to physically and emotionally support moms and couples with both planned and unplanned cesarean births throughout pregnancy as well as during and following the birth. A Cesarean birth can still be beautiful and special. See our Birth Doula Services page for more information.

Do you offer discounted services?
Absolutely! I proudly offer a Military Discount as well as  discounts for teachers. In addition to payment plans I offer a sliding scale. Contact me for more information!