Why use a doula?
In order to have a positive birth experience, most women need continuous labor support. Although OB nurses are experienced in dealing with a laboring woman's emotional and physical needs, they can seldom guarantee the support they provide will last throughout the labor - especially in hospital settings where shift changes, coffee breaks, heavy paperwork and busy nights regularly occur. Some nurses handle up to six laboring couples at a time. Midwives may be able to offer more labor support, but they too have clinical duties to which they must attend.
Knowing there is another woman on which to rely emotionally, one who stays by their side throughout the labor and birth process and postpartum, is of great comfort.
Over the last decade, maternity care providers have come to recognize doulas as an important part of a successful birthing team citing the improved physical outcomes and emotional well-being of mothers and infants that come with doula care. Statistics support this assessment.

Since 1980, research has been done to determine the benefits of doula assisted births. These studies showed that there were significant decreases in birth interventions including:

50 % decrease in cesarean births
60 % decrease in epidurals
40 % decrease in the use of pitocin
30% decrease in the use of narcotics
30% decrease in the use of forceps
Overall, a 25% decrease in the length of labor

*You can learn more in the book “Mothering the Mother, How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier and Healthier Birth” by Marshall H. Klaus, John H. Kennell, Phyllis H. Klaus

What do doulas do?
"Doula" is a Greek word meaning, "Woman who serves." As a doula, I serve women and their partners by providing a calm, accepting presence and non-medical comfort such as massage, acupressure, aromatherapy, and assistance with positioning to facilitate labor and birth. Immediately after the birth I can help the mother with breastfeeding if she wishes.

What don't doulas provide?
No clinical tasks; no vaginal exams or fetal heart rate monitoring; no diagnosis of medical conditions; no medical advice; no projection of own values onto client.

I have a husband/partner. Do I need a doula?
A doula is present in addition to, not instead of, the woman's partner. A doula provides non-medical comfort and support specific to labor and birth. The presence of a loving partner during labor and birth gives the woman an essential sense of security during the very intimate and momentous experience of childbirth. My main goal is to provide support that enhances family bonding.
The father or partner, may be better able to provide continuous support but has little actual experience in dealing with the forces of labor. Even fathers who have had intensive preparation are often surprised at the amount of work involved (more than enough for two people). Even more important, many fathers experience the birth as an emotional journey of their own and find it hard to be objective in such a situation.
Some fathers or partners are concerned they may be sidelined or replaced by the doula during labor. Although individual situations vary, and one should question a prospective doula about her philosophy, generally the answer to this question is no - she will not replace him. Studies have shown that fathers usually participate more actively during labor in the presence of a doula than without one. A responsible doula supports and encourages the father and enhances his support style rather than replaces him.

What is your philosophy about childbirth and supporting women and their partners through labor?
I believe that most women are able to give birth with little or no medical intervention and that any intervention should be that woman's choice, assuming there is no legitimate medical need for the intervention.

My job is to help a woman and her partner achieve the birth they want and to support the couple's wishes and goals. I don't make decisions for my clients and expect them to give birth in any particular way -- I give my clients the information they need to make good birth choices and support their decisions.
All birthing families deserve to feel nurtured, informed, respected and supported as they find their own best way through labor and birth. Sometimes women are comforted by quiet companionship, aromatherapy, massage and music. Other times, being guided with imagery, positioning, hot or cold packs or laboring in water are helpful. Other times, medical pain relief is what a woman needs. I stay non-judgmental, calm, alert and flexible in response to the mother's unfolding needs during labor. Helping women feel safe, supported and comfortable as mothers discover the wisdom and power of their own bodies is truly an honor.

How do you interface with medical care providers?
Women choose their care providers and places of birth carefully. I trust and work non-intrusively with the medical care providers the mother has chosen.

Do you have qualified backup?
In the very unlikely event I am unable to attend your birth, a qualified, experienced doula will be available to provide doula care to you. You are welcome to meet or have a phone conversation with my backup doulas ahead of time. There is no extra charge for having a backup doula.

What do you charge for labor doula care and what does that include?
I charge $500 for labor doula care. My birth package includes a complimentary consultation, 2 prenatal meetings to discuss your needs, hopes and plans for your birth as well as practice labor coping, unlimited labor support and non-medical comfort (massage, acupressure, guided imagery, aromatherapy, hot/cold therapy, position guidance) and companionship during labor, help with initial breastfeeding, and prenatal and postpartum phone support as needed.

Do you have references?
Yes. I have current, exceptional references from previous clients - both moms and dads!