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A doula accompanies women in labor to help them have a more satisfying birth experience. She provides emotional support, physical comfort and, as needed, communication with the staff to make sure that you have the information you need to make informed decisions as they arise in labor. A doula can provide reassurance and prospective to you and your partner, make suggestions for labor progress, and help with relaxation, massage, positioning and other techniques for comfort. Doulas are independent and self-employed. Your doula works for you, not your caregiver or hospital.

How can a doula help?

Studies have shown that women supported by a doula during labor have:

50% reduction in the cesarean rate

25% shorter labor

60% reduction in epidural requests

40% reduction in oxytocin use

30% reduction in analgesia use

40% reduction in forceps delivery

Information was obtained from Mothering the Mother: How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter Easier and Healthier Birth,
Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus (1993).

Photo by JAG Photography

I am here to support you and your family. I want your loved ones to be as involved as they are comfortable with in the birth. I am here as a women who has been through this and has knowledge of birth. I am happy to show your partner ways to help you relax and be more comfortable.

Two prenatal visits to discuss the parent’s desires and preparation for the birth

The prenatal visits allow us to get to know each other. It is a time where we can discuss your "ideal" birthing experience. I also want to know how your partners vision of being involved in the birthing process is. I am here to support you and your family, not to replace anyone. Your partner is an important part of this experience and I want to enhance that by giving you whatever support you desire.

I am here to help you decipher some of the confusing language and procedures that are common in pregnancy and childbirth. I would also like to keep in contact with you through your pregnancy and love to have updates on how you and your baby are doing.

Creating a birth plan is very important. This is the tool that lets your healthcare providers know what you want and expect of them. It is important to keep the language positive but to the point.

I will provide this support when we decide that you need it whether it be at your home or at the hospital/birth center.

I will stay with you up to two hours after the birth and help with breastfeeding if needed. I am not a certified lactation educator but have worked on a postpartum floor for the past four years and have extensive experience in providing breastfeeding support.

This is a time for us to discuss your experience and answer any questions you may have. It is best to do this one to two weeks after the birth. I ask you to call me and set up the appointment because there is no good time to call a new family, I would hate to wake you up just after you have fallen asleep.

I would be honored to be invited to be a part of the birth of your baby. This is such a wonderful time and I hope I can only make that experience better for you and your family. Please call or email me with any questions you may have and to set up a no obligation interview.