As a birth doula, I accompany women in labor to help ensure a safe and satisfying birth. I draw on my knowledge and experience to provide emotional and physical support, reassurance and perspective to you and your partner, make suggestions for labor progress, and help with relaxation, soothing touch, positioning and other techniques for your comfort.
BEFORE LABOR
I am open to interviewing with you and your partner, on Zoom, we will talk about your plans for birth, my role as a doula, and other questions you may have. This meeting does not obligate you to use my services, but if you do select me, then I will want to set up an additional meeting before your labor begins. At that time we will explore and discuss your priorities and any fears or concerns you might have; become familiar with your Birth Plan, including your preferences regarding management options and the use of pain medications. I will also want to know your own best ways of coping with pain and fatigue, as well as plan how you and your partner foresee working together.
DURING LABOR
I offer a variety of comfort measures, including massage, guided visualization, positions and movement, breathing techniques, verbal encouragement, and other essential support. Depending on our conversations prenatally, I can either be your primary labor support or assist your partner in supporting you. I believe that women can successfully cope with labor in a variety of ways, and my goal is to support you in finding the method that works for you in each moment.
AFTER THE BIRTH
I usually remain with you for one or two hours after birth, until you are comfortable and your family is ready for quiet time together. I can also help with initial breastfeeding, if necessary.
I am available to answer questions about the birth or your baby and will also schedule your postpartum visit in the week or two following your birth to see how you and your family are adjusting, assist with any breastfeeding issues, listen and review your birth story and get feedback from you about my role.
BIRTH PHOTOGRAPHY
Birth photography is an additional package to my doula services. Visit website for details.
My passion for this work began after I had my first son back in 2007. My birth experience was overwhelming, and even though I felt prepared going in, there was so much I still did not know. Later, nursing did not come naturally for me. I really struggled, but I simply did not want to give up. I tried everything. I began researching, asking questions, and learned as much as I could. I attended La Leche League (LLL) meetings and met some inspiring women, one of whom would later become my own doula in 2009 for my second sons homebirth. She not only guided me but helped me understand that it is normal to have obstacles to overcome. This empowered me. In addition to all this new information, I had an amazing support network in both my husband who believed in me and in the women at the LLL meetings who guided me. It was then that I realized this was the recipe for success–information and support–and that without both of those things my journey into motherhood would have been very different. I immediately felt compelled to figure out how to share what I had learned with other women, and so I started down the path to becoming a doula. I began helping out family and friends and any mama I knew that was in need. I tried everything I could to make them feel loved and comfortable and empowered. As my passion grew stronger and stronger, so did my own kids’ needs. Now that they are older, I have made it official in 2017. I can happily say that I am now a Certified CD(DONA) Birth Doula and am ready for more. With encouragement from family and friends, my journey has begun, and I would love to be a part of yours.
