What does supporting your birth, your way mean?
It means I am here to help guide you toward the birth you've envisioned. Every woman I’ve worked with is unique; in her goals, her choices and her experience. As your doula, I am here to:
- Provide non-judgmental support and encouragement to you and your family
- Respectfully guide you and your family as you explore all of your options
- Help you to stay as close to your birth plan as possible
- Support you whether you choose Cesarean section, VBAC, induction, epidural, home birth, hospital birth and an OBGYN or a midwife
Should I have a doula if I Want an epidural?
Absolutely. Even if you are planning to have an epidural or other medications, the benefits of having a doula include emotional, informational and physical support through labor and the administration of medications. In addition to my own personal experience with medicated birth, many of the mothers I've worked with have opted for medication. For medicated births, I can:
- Provide comfort measures, as even with medication there are typically varying degrees of discomfort
- Offer various massage techniques that can help to avoid the need for Pitocin
- Help you to understand and deal with unforeseen side effects
- Use laboring techniques designed specifically to shorten labor and encourage dilation
why do I need a DOULA if I have a midwife?
A midwife and a doula play two very different roles. A midwife is a trained medical professional, educated and trained in a clinical setting and certified to provide a variety of women's healthcare needs. During active labor, midwives will typically be present in transition (last stage of active labor before pushing) and will deliver the baby.
Again, a doula is with you continuously from the onset of labor and your access to me is virtually unlimited. Leading up to the birth, we may be in contact on a daily basis via text, phone or email discussing and answering questions you may have. As labor begins, I am typically in contact with you once your contractions start and we will often work together to determine the next course of action as you labor.
My partner will be there, do i still need a doula?
A doula can never take the place of a partner or husband in labor. The goal is to assist in every way possible to complement and enhance the experience for both mother and partner. Most partners play an active role in the birth process, however, some prefer to enjoy the delivery without standing in as the labor coach or feeling the pressure to remember all they learned in the child birth education class.
I am there to guide you both through the process by providing reassurance, affirmation and timely information, while allowing you the space to enjoy the intimacy and bonding that occurs in the birth experience.
Learn more about Doulas and Dads (Partners)
DO I NEED A DOULA FOR A HOSPITAL BIRTH?
A doula can be helpful in any setting: Hospital, home birth, birth center or any other birth scenario. In fact, most of the over 100 births I've supported have been in a hospital setting. While you and your partner will make medical decisions and your healthcare providers will perform diagnostic tests or diagnose problems, I am there to promote positive communication between you, your partner and the hospital staff. Doctors, midwives and nurses typically work in shifts and are present at varying degrees throughout your labor. I am there throughout your entire birth experience, exclusively devoted to you.