The formal definition of a doula is a trained and experienced labor companion who provides the woman and her partner continuous emotional support, physical comfort and assistance in obtaining information before, during, and immediately after birth. 

 

My philosophy is that women deserve to be more involved with their birth experiences. They need not be afraid. Whatever your desires are for your pregnancy and birth, I will help you uphold them with confidence. It would be my honor to help you have your ideal, most satisfying birth experience, whether I support you in person or virtually.

 

As a birth doula...

- I recognize birth and the start of a family as an pivotal life experience that the mother will remember all her life

- I understand the physiology of birth and the changing emotional and physical needs of a woman throughout the stages of labor

- I assist the woman and her partner in preparing for and carrying out their plans for the birth

- I provide continuous emotional support, physical comfort measures, an objective viewpoint, and assistance to the woman in getting the information she needs to make decisions 

- I help facilitate transparent communication between the laboring woman, her partner, and clinical care providers that may be coming and going throughout the birth

- I see my role as one who nurtures and protects the woman's memory of her birth experience
 

Ways I can help include:

• Acquiring evidence-based information to assist you in creating your birth plan

• Understanding the physical changes happening during labor

• Ways to prepare yourself for labor

• Emotional coping techniques for each stage of labor

• Physical comfort techniques for each stage of labor

• Pain management techniques

• Breathing methods for each stage of labor

• Breastfeeding support

• Referrals to other birth professionals and specialists
   

My knowledge also includes being well versed in the usual medical interventions in relation to the stages of birth. I can help you connect with evidence-based resources so that you can ask questions, make informed decisions about your birth plan, and advocate for the very best care. In addition to being a continuous, unadulterated presence for emotional support and physical comfort, I can offer non-clinical advice, as well as guidance for how your partner can witness and share the birth with you. 

 

If you are interested in learning more about how I can support you as a Birth Professional, please contact me via the contact form. We will set up an initial 30 minute phone consultation, followed by a personalized service description and agreement for your review.