We would have two to three prenatal visits in which my primary focus is to establish a sense of trust and safety. We can talk through your intentions for the birth, fears, interventions, and coping strategies. I can serve as an educator, advocate, listening ear, planner, and companion. Examples of what my support can look like at the birth (we can plan this at the prenatals!): Physical: soothing touch, massage, counter-pressure, supporting you in optimal labor positions (one of my favorite parts of the job!), pushing techniques & guidance Mental & Logistical: taking items off your mental load (including your basic needs such as being nourished, hydrated, using the bathroom), helping you prepare your what to bring to the hospital list, making a postpartum plan Emotional: validating and witnessing your experience, talking through your fears, celebrating your wins, being a sounding board for the full spectrum of feelings, debriefing the birth story Autonomy: creating pauses so that you can make decisions with full understanding and consent (the hospital often operates with urgency), helping you create a birth plan and advocating for those choices Informational: walking you through the stages of labor and what to expect, letting you know your full range of options (especially in the hospital setting), talking through interventions and pain support Environment: setting the lighting, preparing the bathtub, bringing your favorite smells, placing a hot/cold pad, arranging the bed and pillows, organizing your supplies Partner support: encouraging them to take breaks and care of themself, plug them into comfort measures for you (counterpressure, soothing touch, a cold washcloth on your shoulders), validating their experience, being a source of information and comfort (especially for first time birth partners!) We then would have a postpartum meeting in which we can debrief your birth story, reflect on how things are going, and troubleshoot problems that you’re having. I am happy to make referrals to providers that can support you postpartum depending on your needs (lactation consultants, pelvic floor therapists, family doctors, bodyworkers, etc), and I also love working with clients post-birth as a postpartum doula.

Postpartum also looks similar to birth in that I adapt to what your needs are. I can support with infant care (feeding, diaper changes, soothing, etc), provide emotional and informational support, and support you in feeling comfortable and regulated in your body and environment. That can look like soothing touch, yoga and meditation, and light housekeeping and food prep.

Although I think it’s hard to measure the impact of a doula based on the scientific method, one study comparing doula assisted and non-doula assisted births found that people who hired doulas were four times less likely to have a low birth weight (LBW) baby, two times less likely to experience a birth complication involving themselves or their baby, a higher newborn Apgar score, and much more likely chestfeed. Another recent meta-analysis found that people who hire a doula are 68 percent less likely to undergo a cesarean delivery. You can read more on the evidence of doulas here.

I am in the process of taking Quartz. You may be able to use FSA / HSA cards depending on your insurance. Everyone deserves a doula, no matter your financial status. Please let me know if cost is a barrier, and I am happy to talk about accommodating your needs.

Both!

As long as they are performed with informed consent, absolutely. I offer non-judgmental care, trusting that you know what’s best for your body, spirit, and baby. I don't believe that there's any right way to birth!