What is a Doula?

A Birth Doula is a companion who supports a birthing person during labor and birth. Birth doulas are trained to provide continuous, one-on-one care, as well as information, physical support, and emotional support to birthing persons and their partners.

Are Doulas and Midwives the same?

No! Doulas support you physically and emotionally. We can also offer information and support you in the right to make your own decisions about your labor, birth and postpartum. Midwives support you medically which is something doulas do not do and generally are not trained to do.

How do Doulas support partners?

Doulas work together as a team with the birthing person’s partner to support during labor and the birth of the baby. I prefer to have our meetings include the partner so that our relationship as a team can grow and the partner has a chance to ask the questions that they may have and learn about the birth and postpartum processes. Throughout labor I think about not only the birthing person but also their partner - do they need to eat, hydrate, sleep, have the space to take a walk and get some fresh air? I support the entire family! I like to think of a Doula as a sherpa guiding you through labor and new parenthood - we aren’t doing the job for you but we are supporting you through it.

Do Doulas support hospital births?

Yes! I support hospital births. I have a verified Doula badge from both Legacy and Providence hospitals. I also support birth center births and home births. The only births I do not feel comfortable supporting are unassisted, free births at home.

Do we still need to take a childbirth education class?

I always suggest you take a childbirth education class and I can help you to find one! We do cover labor questions in our prenatal but it is most effective as a supplement to a comprehensive childbirth education class and a way you can review and ask questions that may align with what you’re most interested in with your labor.

Do you take photos?

I can absolutely take photos for you with my phone or yours! My first and primary job during your labor and delivery is to work as your Birth Doula so that means supporting you and sometimes that is very hands on. I love to take photos and/or videos of partners sharing a warm, loving moment, baby being placed on the birthing person’s chest and capture a photo with as much of the birth team as possible!

Do you offer gift certificates?

Yes! You can reach out through the Gift Certificate page on my website and I’ll send out an invoice through my accounting system and send you a virtual certificate. If purchasing for a current client, I can apply the amount to their account automatically also.