Doula Services

Doula (doo-lah) is a Greek word, meaning “woman servant.” Today, a doula is defined as a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to a birthing person before, during, and shortly after childbirth to help her achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible. (DONA)

As old as time, women have been supporting women in labor and childbirth. All the elder women would come together around the birthing woman and care for her – providing her physical support, feeding and nurturing her, bathing her, and the younger women would care for other children. After birth, a few elders would stay with her, “mothering the mother”, to foster closeness and bonding with her new baby.

Today, the birth doula takes on much of this role as nuclear families are often not co-located with extended family or have a community of women to help care for the new mother. The research is here, folks. We now know that “one of the most effective tools to improve labor and delivery outcomes is the continuous presence of support personnel, such as a doula.” (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) Need more evidence on doulas? Check it out here.

There are many types of doulas whose practices focus on different life stages – birth, postpartum, sibling care, and end-of-life doulas just to name a few! My practice focuses specifically on childbirth education and birth doula care. I am always happy to refer families to postpartum doulas to ensure a smooth transition into your “fourth trimester.” Please use the drop down menu to learn the purpose of each, and how I might suite your family’s unique needs. As always, please reach out to me with any questions at all.