A doula is a trained professional birth companion who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to birthing individuals and their families before, during and shortly after childbirth to help them achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible.

• increased chance of a spontaneous vaginal delivery

• decreased risk of an unnecessary Caesarean or medicalized induction

• decreased use of artificial oxytocin (Pitocin), episiotomy, pain medication, or instrument supported delivery (vacuum, forceps)

• shorter active labor and pushing stages

• lower rates of postpartum mood disorder

• higher APGAR scores, higher rates of breastfeeding success, lower incidences of preterm delivery and NICU admissions

• greater satisfaction with overall birthing experience

Before your birth:

• help you create a birth plan

• help you release any fears leading up to your birth

• provide evidenced based information for any questions you may have

• teach you breath and body work techniques to help make labor more comfortable

During your birth:

• provide phone support during early labor (reminders of breath work and position work, send over exercises for how to get baby in a good position for active labor)

• advise when is a good time to head to your birthing location if not delivering at home

• during active labor we will join you and provide hands-on physical support (hip squeezes, position work) and informational support (explaining of medical procedures) and emotional support

• take photos and birth notes if requested

• set up your birthing room to be a cozy, oxytocin boosting space by dimming lights and diffusing essential oils

During the immediate postpartum:

• help with breastfeeding initiation and first latch

• help you and your partner order food

• take all the new family photos

Doulas DO NOT:

• perform any medical procedures

• provide any medical advice

• deliver or “catch” your baby

• replace your partner (we work alongside them and help them to support you)

• make decisions for you

The beginning of your third trimester is the best time to hire your doula. It’s best to interview a few different doulas so you can find a doula who you really feel comfortable with and can connect with.

No - doulas support both medicated and unmedicated births. If you know you’ll be wanting an epidural you will still need the continuous emotional, informational, and physical support a doula offers. If you know you’ll choose an epidural, you’ll still need help with positional work.

We cannot offer sliding scale services at this time. We do offer a repeat client discount and have a client referral discount. Teachers, nurses, and first responders are eligible for a discount.