Birth Support

Birth Doula Support

A doula is a professional who is trained in childbirth and provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the birthing person (and their family) before, during, and after baby’s arrival.

Whether you are planning for a natural birth at home, in a birth center, or at a hospital, an induction or medicated birth, a cesarean birth, or VBAC you can benefit from birth doula care. As your doula I provide compassionate support throughout your birth experience; I am with you every step of the way providing information, reassurance, and encouragement. I help create and hold space for you to birth in the way that you desire.

Why hire a doula?

Evidence shows us that continuous support from a doula improves health outcomes and parental satisfaction with the birth experience. According to research, when receiving continuous care from a doula women experienced a:

31% decrease in the use of Pitocin
28% decrease in the risk of c-section
12% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth
14% decrease in the risk of baby being admitted to a special care nursery
34% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience

What can you expect from my birth doula support?

Before your birth

After our initial contact, we will arrange a complementary meet and greet at a local park or café to determine if we are a good fit. If you decide to contract my services I will be available to support you via phone or email during regular contact hours throughout your pregnancy and for 2 weeks after the birth of your baby. Depending on your preferences, we will meet prenatally for one or two visits. These prenatal meetings give us a chance to get to know each other, discuss your priorities for the birth as well as any concerns that you might have, and practice for labor. I can support your preparations for birth and parenthood by offering exercises, activities, and referrals to other resources as necessary. I will want to remain in touch by telephone and/or email in the weeks leading up to your birth and I will be on call for you 24/7 when you reach 37 weeks.

During your labor and birth

When you labor begins, I will be available 53676944_770928959948145_885906136593596416_o to provide you with support over the phone until we decide that you are ready for me to join you. We will decide together if you would like me to meet you at your home or at your birth place. Once I join you I will be present to provide support throughout your labor & birth and for an hour or 2 postpartum. During labor, I offer physical and emotional support that allows you to discover what works best for you in each moment. I will work with your partner (and/or other birth companions) and care providers to create a positive and peaceful birth environment; ensuring that you have the informational and emotional support necessary to make informed decisions about your care.

After your birth

I will remain with you for an hour or so after the birth, until you are comfortable and ready for quiet time with loved ones. While supporting you is my top priority, unless requested otherwise, I enjoy taking pictures and recording information for your birth story if possible (captured only as a keepsake for you). I can help you create the environment that you want for your new family’s first few “golden hours” together. I can help with initial breastfeeding, as desired. We will schedule your postpartum visit in the week or two following the birth. This meeting typically lasts about 90 minutes and allows me to see how you and your family are adjusting, assist you with minor issues, and listen to your birth story. If you desire further support for your transition, postpartum doula care can be added to your support package.