What is a doula?

About Me

I have changed careers a number of times in my adult life. From preschool teacher, to massage therapist, to behavior therapist, I have loved each one for different reasons. Through the process of becoming a mother I fell in love with pregnancy and childbirth. When I was ready to work again, I thought that getting to help someone through this amazing journey would be the perfect fit for me. I have been to the DONA International doula training workshop. I have gone through both Bradley and Hypnobirthing childbirth classes. I have been trained in massage, Rebozo, and Spinning Babies as well. I'm also CPR certified. This is such a special, memorable time in your life and I would be honored to help you make it the best birth for you!

A doula provides physical, emotional, and informational support to someone during their pregnancies, births, and after their babies are born. What do I really do, though? Well, doulas do all sorts of things, from rubbing backs to recommending lactation consultants, to helping you figure out if those contractions are the real thing or not. I bring you water. I tell you you’re doing great. I breathe with you, suggest you try a new position, or offer other comfort measures. I’m there to help you and your partner figure out all your options to make decisions about your birth, whether your birth is an unmedicated one at home, a scheduled Caesarean in the hospital, or something in between.

What I don’t do is medical tasks, like listening to a baby’s heartbeat or diagnosing breastfeeding problems. There are awesome doctors, nurses, midwives, and lactation professionals who are there to provide clinical care to you and your baby in a hospital, home, clinic, office, or birth center. Doulas are there to cater to your heart, mind, and soul! (And yeah, sometimes your back, forehead and shoulders, too…comfort is part of my job, as well!)