Why hire a birth doula?
I support and love mothers during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. You want to have a positive birthing experience; one in which you are an informed decision-maker, one in which your voice is listened to, heard, and respected, and one in which you tune in to your inner wisdom and trust yourself to give birth in the way you know is best for you. I will assist you in pursuing the birth experience you want. I trust birth and I trust you, as a capable, confident, and strong mother. There are so many benefits to hiring a birth doula. Read on to learn who I can help and how.
Who I can help
First-time mothers
Maybe you’ve never done this before and don’t know what to expect. The unknown can be scary. I can help you as you navigate this experience for the first time in your life.
Second-, third, and fourth-time mothers, etc.
Maybe this isn’t your first birth, but you just know that you want a support team who fully trusts you and trusts the process of birth. I can help by working with you and the rest of your team to create your perfect birthing environment; one that will allow you to tune into your instincts and labor with confidence.
Second-, third-, and fourth-time mothers, etc. who want a different experience
Maybe you have given birth already, but want a different experience this time. Perhaps you doubt that it’s possible for you to have a positive birth story to tell. I can help you work through your previous birthing experience(s), and make a plan to draw on them to build your confidence and trust for this upcoming birth.
Benefits of hiring me as your doula
Pre-birth planning to relieve stress and fear.
As your doula, I will meet with you at least once during pregnancy. Whether you need help finding more information about interventions, assistance fleshing out your birth vision, a sympathetic ear to listen to your concerns and challenges, or ideas about different labor coping techniques, I will be there. We’ll feel comfortable with each other by the time I join you at your birth and we’ll be a team working towards a common goal.
An environment that allows you to relax and focus.
I will help you create the intimate environment in which birth can progress best. I use music, lighting, sensitive crowd control, nourishment, and anything else you hope to add to your birthing space to feel safe and strong. If you’re birthing in a hospital, I have experience taking a sterile hospital room and turning it into a comfortable birthing suite.
A more comfortable and easy birth.
I have knowledge and experience with positions and techniques that can allow your labor to progress unhindered. I am an expert in physical and emotional support for laboring mothers and their partners.
Confidence to be flexible in the moment.
I often say that birth is a mystery because when allowed to unfold, it will take its own course. This doesn’t mean that you can’t still be in control of the decision-making process. As your doula, I will make sure that you receive as much information as you want in order to make the best choice for you. No matter what happens during your birth, you will have my continuous support.
100% support from start to finish.
As your doula, I am free to be with you for the entire birth process. I am not responsible for your medical care (or anybody else’s medical care at the same time) and can focus my undivided attention on you.
A helpful, confident partner.
In my experience, partners have the amazing ability to perform well under pressure. For many partners, this is the first time being a part of the birthing process and the families that have hired me report relief after having a doula to provide suggestions and reassurance throughout the labor and delivery. As part of your team, I will support your partner to play whatever role you are both hoping for.
Postpartum follow-up that gets you off to the best possible start.
Being a new parent is joyful, but it can also be overwhelming. During my postpartum visit I can answer questions that you have (and there may be many!) and help remind you that the thoughts and feelings you’re having about this life transition are normal. I can also help you in your effort towards establishing a lasting breastfeeding relationship with your baby.