What is a birth doula?
The word “doula” comes from the ancient Greek meaning “a woman who serves” and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during, and just after birth.

Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily.

A birth doula….

• Recognizes birth as a key experience the mother will remember all her life
• Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor
• Assists the woman and her partner in preparing for and carrying out their plans for birth
• Stays by the side of the woman throughout the labor and birth
• Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures, and an objective viewpoint as well as helping the woman get the information she needs to make informed decisions both before and during labor
• Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner, and her clinical care providers
• Perceives her role as nurturing and protecting the woman’s memory of her birth experience
• Encourages the woman’s partner to participate at his/her own comfort level

A birth doula does NOT….

• Perform any clinical tasks such as vaginal exams, fetal heart tone monitoring, etc.
• Provide any medical advice
• Make decisions for the couple or to speak to the clinical staff on the couple’s behalf regarding their decisions
• Does not replace the dad/partner in his/her role

***The above information is adapted from DONA International (www.dona.org)

What are the benefits of having a birth doula?
Women who use birth doulas are more satisfied with their birth experience, require fewer interventions during labor and delivery, and have higher rates of breastfeeding than women without doula support.

Worldwide clinical studies have shown that the presence of a birth doula commonly results in:

• Parents feeling more supported
• Shorter labors
• Decrease in cesarean births
• Fewer forceps and vacuum extraction births
• Fewer interventions (less Pitocin, less medication)
• Increase well-being for baby (less NICU)
• Increase breastfeeding success
• Better bonding
• Moms who are less likely to suffer from postpartum depression and are happier with their birth experience

What about “Dad”?
I believe that birth is a life-changing experience for both the mother and the father. My job is not to replace Dad, but to provide support which fits naturally into your relationship so that the birth of your child is a positive experience for the whole family! Some partners wish to be very hands-off while others wish to be very hands-on. Most tend to want to be somewhere in the middle. I encourage Dad to participate at his own comfort level. Please visit the “For Dads” page to learn more.

What if I want an epidural?
As a doula, I do not make decisions for you, so if one chooses to have an epidural, I will support that choice. This is your journey to motherhood and I want to enhance your birth experience, not take away from it. It is true that most women seek the support of a doula because they would like a natural or unmedicated birth, but this is not always the case and I totally understand that. Everybody experiences pain differently. Good doulas do not interfere with the care you receive from your care providers but work as a team to assist you to your benefit. During the time we meet before baby is born I will go over the risks and benefits of epidurals and other interventions, for informational purposes (not to be taken as medical advice.) This is to assist you in making informed choices, and to facilitate communication with your care provider. A healthy mother and baby as well as a positive birth experience is the ultimate goal for everyone involved.

What if I have a Midwife?
A midwife is a fantastic primary/medical care provider for your prenatal, birthing, and postpartum needs. Midwives are wonderful and most are experts in normal/natural childbirth. At your birth your midwife will typically join you and your partner during active labor and provide comprehensive care to Mom and baby. Sometimes you will find that you need support before active labor and I am available to join you at whatever time you feel you need me, and I will stay with you continuously. If you birth were to take an unexpected turn you will want your midwife to focus on the health of you and your baby 100%. My role is to provide you with physical, emotional, and informational support so know matter what happens during your birth you have one person who understands what is happening and is able to support you through it. Whether you are planning to birth in a hospital or the comfort of your own home, I can assist you in achieving the best birth experience possible.


Have a question that is not listed here? Please contact me to ask!

"If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it." ~John H. Kennell, MD