What is a birth doula?

If you look up the greek word doula, you will find that it means women’s servant. Women have been supporting and caring for one another in childbirth for centuries. Evidence shows that it has a positive impact on the labor process, and helps provide better outcomes. My job is to provide continuous physical, emotional and informational support before, during, and after childbirth to help you achieve the healthiest and most satisfying experience possible.

What kind of birth do you support?

I support all kinds of births, whether you want to give birth at home or by scheduled cesarean. It’s a common misconception that doulas only support home birth but, in reality, a large majority are found in hospitals and birth centers. I am here for you, no matter where you decide to give birth.

When should I hire a doula?

The earlier the better, as a doula’s schedule often books up months in advance. It’s a good idea to have your doula secured by the third trimester, which means you should start looking around the second trimester. Sometimes you need to interview a couple doulas in order to determine who is the best fit for you. Ideally, you hire someone who you feel an easy connection with and fits your personality.

Do you have a backup doula in case you are not available?

Since birth is highly unpredictable and often full or surprises, having a backup doula is critical for me. I have an amazing dedicated backup doula who I share on-call time with. If births overlap, I am sick, or I need to go out of town unexpectedly, she will step in and make sure you have the care and support you need! I will ensure that you know with as much notice as possible, if there are times when she is stepping in for me. If you’d like to meet her in advance, I can arrange that as well.

Does a doula replace my partner?

My job as a doula is to complement your partner’s role, not replace it. Your partner can participate at their comfort level, and I am there to provide them with tools to help support you. Labors can be long, so I also look out for your partner’s needs such as rest, food and hydration.

How many births do you take each month?

I usually take 1-3 clients each month. As the nature of birth is unpredictable, sometimes babies come early and sometimes they come late. This is the reason why having a strong backup doula is essential for me.

When are you on call for my birth?

The on call period begins at 38 weeks and continues until your baby is born. During this window, I make sure that my phone volume is up loud at night and I plan my days around you potentially calling me to say that labor has started! If something comes up and I must be away from my phone for a period of time, or if I need to travel more than an hour away, I will contact my doula partner to be on call for me.