Labor & Birth Support

I am often asked about my philosophy or approach to labor, birth and parenting. Our bodies intrinsically know how to give birth. We have been doing it for millions of years. The longer I do this work the more amazed I am at how perfectly women's bodies are made to grow, nurture and birth a baby. I know that, given enough information, you will make decisions that are best for you, your partner and your baby. It is my wish that through our work together you will come to trust your heart and instincts and make decisions based on your inner "knowing". It is not my place or intention to tell you how to birth or parent. My goal is to provide you with well-rounded and research based information so you understand the pros and cons of any choices you make. I will support your decisions 100%.

As your doula, I will provide you with emotional support and physical comfort during your labor and birth. I will also help you to clarify any questions you might have of your caregiver(s) during your labor so that you can make informed decisions as you progress. I will provide you with information and resources as needed and answer questions that you may have regarding your pregnancy, labor, breastfeeding, and newborn care. As your doula, I will be working for you, not your care provider or hospital.

I do not NOT replace your partner during your labor and birth. I will support your partner by providing him/her with nourishment when needed, by giving breaks, offering suggestions, being another pair of hands, - in other words, I will help your partner help you.

I do not perform clinical tasks, make decisions for you, or speak to the staff regarding decisions being made. I will discuss your concerns with you and help you to clarify your wishes/needs but you and/or your partner will speak on your behalf to the clinical staff.

We will meet at least twice prenatally. During these visits we will get to know each other better. We will discuss your hopes, concerns, and fears. I will clarify and reinforce what you have learned from reading and/or childbirth classes. I will help you develop your birth preferences and write a "birth plan". I will be available by phone 24/7.

We will discuss your preferences regarding your birth setting, comfort measures for pain management and the use of pain medications.

• 2 or more pre-natal visits that include discussion, simulated labor exercise, and video(s)

• Digital photographs that chronicles your baby's birthday. You will get the disk.

• 1 postpartum visit to help with breastfeeding, to discuss your birth, and to provide you with community postpartum resources.

“At first I was so-so on the idea (of a doula) because it seemed kind of expensive but from the first visit I felt *way* better about the birth and was totally sold on doulas. She really helped K with her worries before the birth. She helped a ton during the birth-having an extra helper was really nice and it gave me a chance to rest before the final few hours. Since the birth she’s come over to see how we’re doing and help with breastfeeding troubles. Overall, it’s probably the best money we’ve ever spent.”

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an interview, please contact me. I look forward to speaking with you!