What is a doula?

Pregnancy, labor, and birth are some of the most powerful and transformative experiences a woman will ever go through. While it’s beautiful, it also requires physical strength, emotional resilience, and mental clarity—and that’s exactly where a birth doula comes in. As a birth doula, I provide continuous support during pregnancy, labor, and the early postpartum period. My role is to walk beside you, offering encouragement, information, and hands-on care so you feel empowered and supported throughout your journey. With a doula’s support, many women feel more confident, in control, and calm during labor. Research shows that having a doula on your birth team can lower the need for epidurals, reduce cesarean births, and lead to a more satisfying birth experience overall. If cesarean delivery is medically necessary, doula support can help prepare you for what to expect. As someone who has been through cesareans I am familiar with the process and your options. I’ll help your partner know what to expect and how to best support you during delivery and postpartum.

So, What Exactly Does a Doula Do?

I support YOU. You deserve to feel informed and heard throughout your entire experience. I’ll help you explore your options, create birth goals that feels right to you, and help you prepare to advocate for yourself confidently. I’ll also support open communication between you, your partner, and your care team so everyone is working together with respect and clarity. I provide hands-on physical and emotional support. I hold your heart, your hand and your space.

During our time together, I am by your side offering:

Prenatal preparations
Hip squeezes
Counter-pressure
Breathing and relaxation guidance
Position changes to support baby’s movement and alignment
Massage
Calming touch
Creating a peaceful environment with lights, sound, and space
Encouragement and reassurance for you and your birth partner
Connect you with local resources
Prepare for postpartum
Recognizing Postpartum Depression and completing Edinburg Depression Scale

Labor is a process—and I help you work with your body, not against it. Together, we can make the most of each contraction and find rhythm in your labor. We’ll have prenatal visits to go over your questions, preferences, and any concerns. I’ll provide resources you can trust so you feel prepared and informed. I also have a lending library of books you’re welcome to borrow.

I support your birth partner, too. Doulas don’t replace your partner—we enhance their experience. I’ll help them feel confident in their role, offering tips and techniques so they know how to support you with love and presence throughout labor and boost your oxytocin.

Resources:
https://www.motherhoodcenter.com/history-of-doula-care/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3647727

https://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas

Having a Doula – What are the Benefits?