Why have a doula?
You are worthy of dignity and respect.
Birth is a hugely transformative time in a person’s life and affects you not just physically but also emotionally, relationally, and spiritually. You deserve to know your options and be supported in the birth you desire. A doula can help ensure that you are seen, supported, and empowered at each step.
What is a doula?
A doula is a trained professional who provides physical, emotional, and informational support to a woman before, continuously during, and shortly after childbirth. Unlike the other professionals involved in your birth experience, a doula’s sole focus and responsibility is on supporting you.
Benefits of a Doula
A doula can improve birth outcomes and help you have a more satisfying experience during childbirth.
Studies have shown the benefits of continuous support during labor to include:
15% increased spontaneous vaginal birth/decreased instrumental vaginal birth and 39% decrease of risk of cesarean birth (1)
10% decreased use of any analgesia (general or regional) and pain relief medication (1)
shorter duration of labor (1)
increased satisfaction with childbirth – 31% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied (1)
decreased birth complications for birthing person or baby (2)
38% decrease in low five‐minute Apgar score (a quick way to evaluate the health of a newborn right after birth, with a higher score meaning a healthier baby) (1)
decreased low birth weight of baby (2)
higher rates of breastfeeding (2)
In addition, pregnancy and childbirth is a hugely transformative time in your life. It affects you not just physically but also emotionally, relationally, and spiritually. A doula can journey with and support you holistically during this time so that you might experience transformation, flourishing, and hope during this time.
AS A DOULA, I assess your personal needs and seek to resource you with education and support holistically – addressing your needs physically, mentally, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually. I have extensive knowledge on the process of pregnancy, labor and birth, and the postpartum period and I seek to equip you with the tools you need to make informed decisions. I will support and encourage your decisions and goals, and help you advocate for yourself (as well as be your advocate when needed) throughout the birthing process. And I will provide care and support so you can experience health and flourishing during this time of transition.
What does a doula do?
Some of the ways I provide support and care for you include:
Holding space for you – listening well to you with compassion and empathy, understanding you and your desires and needs, and being with you during all stages of the process
Helping you slow down – helping you to be present with your own emotions and needs, taking time to ask questions, and maintaining a calm environment during all stages of pregnancy, labor, and birth
Developing strategies with you – to navigate your priorities, fears, concerns before, during and after birth
Comforting and coaching you during labor – helping you try different movements, providing comfort physically and emotionally, and guiding your partner (if available) to care for you as well
Providing education and connecting you to resources throughout your reproductive journey
Empowering you – to make your own decisions, to advocate for yourself (and being an advocate for you), to apply what you learned and decided during the (often) more stressful and unpredictable labor environment
Facilitating helpful communication – between you and your partner, your provider, medical staff, and other practitioners
