So...what does a doula do?
A doula provides continuous* emotional and physical support to a mother through her labor, birth, and immediate post-partum experience.Doulas attend hospital births, birth centers and home births. They support medicated births, all natural births, VBACs, as well as planned and unplanned Caesareans.They should bring no personal agenda, but should reflect the vision, philosophy, and goals of the family they are supporting.
*continuous support from a doula is especially helpful in the hospital setting, where continuity of staff is not guaranteed
Research don't lie
The largest systematic review of continuous labor support, published in 2011, reported that women supported by doulas are:• 28% less likely to have a cesarean section
• 31% less likely to use synthetic oxytocin to speed up labor
• 9% less likely to use any pain medication
• 34% less likely to rate their childbirth experience negativelyAdditionally, the research is clear that continuous care is directly associated with:• Shorter labors by 41 minutes on average
• 38% decrease in the baby’s risk of a low five-minute APGAR score (high APGAR indicates healthy newborns)
Origin story
My work as a doula was inspired by my own birth experiences. I've had 3 births and a miscarriage, all of which were fairly complicated. Through these experiences I've learned that birthing is always a transformative experience for a mother, and how she is supported will determine whether that transformation is positive or negative.I believe that women who give birth while surrounded by respect, support, information, and confidence discover an amazing power within themselves which fortifies them through their next pivotal phase of life.
A normal approach
Why 'normal'? Because the support of a doula doesn't only belong at ultra-crunchy-deep-in-the-forest-chanting-mantras-while-giving-birth births (though honestly I'd love to attend one of these...if this is you please hire me).Often, the support of a doula is ideally suited to the hospital setting; where procedures, timelines and changing staff leave many moms feeling disconnected and bypassed. A continuous, supportive team is important for every birth, in any location, for every mother wherever she falls on the 'crunchy' spectrum.As your doula, my first priority will be to learn from you. What does a 'peaceful birth' mean to you? Are you hoping for medication or to rely on your internal resources throughout labor? What is your dream birth scenario and what are you comfortable with if unexpected scenarios arise? Your goals are my goals.While supporting you through labor, I will focus on a myriad of birth positions, movement, breathing and relaxation techniques, reminders to eat and drink, and working in tandem with your birth partner (if you have one) to keep you feeling centered, grounded and connected.
Here's the details
I'm DONA certified birth doula, having completed my 21 hour DONA approved birth doula training, two lactation education seminars, childbirth education class and Hypnobirthing training. I also have a specialization (and experience) in supporting VBACs and C-Sections.My current rates reflect that I am in my first year of offering doula services:$1600
$1000
Additional discount available for specific circumstancesIf you would like to explore bringing me onto your birth team, please email or DM me to set up a complimentary 15 minute intro-call.I would love to hear from you!
