What does a doula actually do?

As a birth doula, I will accompany you before, during, and after labor to help ensure a safe and satisfying experience.

I am trained and in the process of certification through DONA International. I draw on my professional training, knowledge, intuition, experience, and passion to provide emotional support, physical comfort, and evidence-based information that will help you make the choice that is right for you and your birth. During your birth, I am there to provide reassurance to you and your partner, make suggestions for labor progress, and help with relaxation via soothing touch, positioning, and other comfort techniques. I work for you, not your caregiver or the hospital.

As a doula, I do:

• Help you gather knowledge and encourage you!

• Know that you are the expert on you. I trust that you will make the best decisions for you and your baby. I’m here to give you confidence in trusting your gut.

• Understand the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor. I will remind both mother and partner of the normal process of birth and vigilantly provide comfort measures for each stage of labor.

• Help you navigate the unexpected when it comes… because the only guaranteed thing about birth is that something will be unexpected.

• Support you in your moments of vulnerability and champion you in your moments of strength.

• Recognize and respect birth as a sacred experience for the mother that she will remember all her life. I aim to create an environment for both a satisfying and meaningful birth experience for the family.

As a doula, I do not: 

• Perform clinical tasks, such as blood pressure, fetal monitoring, vaginal exams, and others. I am there to provide physical, emotional, and informational support. 

• Make decisions for you. I will help you get the information necessary to make an informed decision. I will also remind you if there is a departure from your birth plan. 

• Speak to the staff on your behalf. I will discuss your concerns with you, suggest options, and help you ask for a pause to talk further about your decision. My goal is to empower you and your partner to speak directly to the clinical staff.

• Replace the role of your birth partner. I am an additional support person for both Mom and her partner and am there to empower and include the birth partner as much as they desire/feel comfortable with.

A doula does…

Support the birth you desire.

A doula does not…

Guarantee birth outcomes.