“If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it.”
-John H. Kennell, MD
Research shows that childbirth is a transformative life experience that is not easily forgotten. While some details of a birth story may be vague or cloudy, a woman can almost always recall how she was made to feel during her birth. Throughout your pregnancy and childbirth, you are likely to interact with many people – your care provider (perhaps there are several in a practice and you aren’t sure who will be present for your birth), nursing staff both prenatally and then at the hospital, if you are birthing in a hospital, insurance representatives, specialists if medically necessary, and let us not forget your loved ones and friends! Having a trusted and familiar person that is not part of your familial or social network every step along the way will leave you feeling more satisfied and more supported in your birth experience.
I am available to provide physical, informational, and emotional support to families through evidence-based information surrounding childbirth in hospitals, birth centers, and homebirth; comfort measures for pain management; and consistent affirmations that empower you take control of your birth experience.
Support your choices without judgement
provide information to questions you may have about medical procedures or medications
Empathize with you if you become overwhelmed
Support and include your partner during the childbirth process
foster a collaborative team-work mentality with your partner and providers
remind you that you are capable of doing hard things
provide physical support that optimizes baby’s positioning for birth and helps to manage physical discomfort
to hold your space and foster every opportunity for you to write the birth story you desire
A free phone or video-chat consultation to get to know one another and discuss what to expect when working with me as a doula.
Two prenatal visits to discuss provider and birth location choice, how the pregnancy is going, goals or wishes for labor and delivery, childbirth education opportunities, and comfort measure for which you feel you will be best supported in labor and delivery of your baby (one virtual, one in-person). Outside of our formal prenatal meetings, I am available via text, email, and phone for any support, questions, or concerns you may need or have.
I am on call for my clients from the point of hire and up to 42 weeks or when your baby is born. If you go into labor sooner than expected (pre-term labor), I still do my absolute best to be present with you barring any circumstance beyond my control. I am available to you during moments of uncertainty, crisis, medical emergencies, etc. I do not set a window for being on call because babies come when they do, not when they are due. You deserve one-on-support for the duration of your pregnancy.
All families who have not had an intentionally unmedicated birth are required to participate in my childbirth education series. The 12 hour comprehensive childbirth education class is self-paced and sent to you to work through online. This class is best taken in third trimester, but you may take it any time and revisit it throughout your pregnancy. This includes a student workbook, additional resources, and private client portal access. You will also gain access to my two-hour Preparing for Postpartum webinar and additional resources for postpartum. You can read more about both classes in the child education and investment tabs.
A reliable back-up doula will be provided in the event I cannot attend your birth due to unforeseen circumstances beyond my control, at no additional expense to you. She is as competent and trustworthy as me. I would never send someone to your birth that I would not invite and trust at my own birth.
Unlimited support via text, phone, and email throughout your pregnancy.
Continuous support at your birth – I will meet you at your home or birth place upon the start of active labor or your request for physical support, and stay with you for the duration of your labor and birth, and to aid in initiating breastfeeding and ensure you are settled in and comfortable with your new baby.
One postpartum visit to celebrate your new baby, review your birth, answer any questions you have, provide breastfeeding support, and provide any requested local area resources concerning baby or postpartum care for you and your family.
Please see my Investments tab to learn more .
