The Art of the Doula

The history of a “doula” began when it was recognized that the presence of a friend during labor and birth significantly helped birth outcomes. However, we see the roles of doulas throughout history. In ancient times, Romans were supported during births. In colonial times in North America, women were supported by “the women” who were neighbors and relatives. The women were summoned when labor began, and often stayed for days after the birth to assist with cooking and cleaning. Support has always been a part of labor and birth and postpartum, and there is no doubt why; this can be a tough journey! When the pregnant person is supported, they are better prepared emotionally and physically for the great change that has happened in their souls and bodies.

A doula is a non-medical trained professional, who are able to help provide you with knowledge, resources, emotional, and physical support. Doulas support you through trying to flip a breech baby, trying to align a poorly positioned baby, help you navigate all of the information being thrown at you from your providers and internet searches, and prepare you by providing childbirth and lactation education. Although a doula can’t determine the outcome of your birth experience, having a doula by your side has been shown to reduce the chances of unnecessary medical interventions and csections and increase your chances of successfully breastfeeding.

Support is the key to success, and I would love to be a part of your journey!

FAQS

• Will a doula take away the role of my partner?

  Absolutely not! Your partner knows you best, and a doula knows birth! Together we create a well-rounded support team of knowledge and comfort for this special time.

• I want my partner to also be supported, would the doula do that?

  Partner support is an important part of my work. Making sure your partner is feeling emotionally and physically well as they witness labor and birth, only creates a better experience for you as a unit.

• What if you can’t make it to the birth for some reason?

  In the event that I couldn’t make the birth, a backup doula would be available to join you.

• How do you pick a backup doula? Would I be able to talk to them beforehand?

  Once the contract is signed, I go to my handy Rolodex of doulas, and find a doula who fits your specific needs! You hired me for a reason, and I like to make sure that my clients receive the support they envisioned. Once the other doula agrees to be back up, they are kept in the loop about how things are progressing and you have the chance to talk to them!

• What can I expect from your birth package?

  My birth package includes a free consultation, 2-3 prenatal visits, physical and emotional labor and birth support, one postpartum visit, and 24/7 phone and email support beginning at 37 weeks.

• What can I expect from your postpartum care?

  Postpartum care looks different for everyone. Depending on your specific needs it could be infant care, infant care education, parent care, meal prep, lactation support, overnight care, sleep conditioning, etc.

• Can I hire the doula for both birth and postpartum support?

  Absolutely! I strongly believe in the value of continuation of care, and love being able to provide that for my clients.

• Will you offer doula support in a homebirth?

  I love homebirths so much! I have had supported clients through homebirths, and I have had two of my own babies at home surrounded by my amazing midwife Stephanie Johnson at Roots Midwifery and my family! Homebirths come with their own unique focuses, and I think I am well equipped to make sure your space remains your safe space!

• Will you offer doula support in a hospital?

  I have supported so many beautiful beginnings in hospitals! I will absolutely support you in a hospital. I love helping you create your own space in that hospital, and helping to ensure all who enter it are mindful and respectful of it.

• What if I am expecting to be induced or am expecting the possibility of a c-section? Will a doula be able to support me?

  YES YES and YES! There is alot of time spent before and after the actual labor and birth to ensure that you are emotionally prepared and taken care of. Inductions and c-sections are also great times to make use of the knowledge a doula has, to help you remain informed and advocate for yourself at a time when things feel slightly out of your control.

• What is your philosophy of birth?

  I love this question! To me, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, is something we were designed to do. I believe that birth pushes us to limits we didn’t know existed, its almost a different realm of reality. I believe that it should be nurtured, and respected for the monumental experience that it is. Pregnancy and birth looks different for everyone, and as a doula it is my job to support my clients down the path that they feel most comfortable taking. That means every person should feel like they are informed, that they have a voice, that they are empowered, that they are supported, and that they receive the continuation of care that they deserve, so if birth takes on a new path, they are the ones leading the way! This is the day that a very special person enters the world, and I just love that. It is always a great honor to be welcomed into that space. To me, all births are real and true, and so is your own vision for birth!