“If a Doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it.”

-Dr. John Kennell M.D.

Some proven benefits of Doulas include…

Reduce Cesarean Risk by up to 56%

The research on the positive impact Doulas have on the reduction of cesarean sections is solid. Recent studies by the Centers for Disease Control showed a reduction of 32.2 percent, with other studies showing reductions of up to 51.8%-55.6% in Egypt and Brazil respectively.
Reduce Length of Labor by up to 25%

Oftentimes, Doulas use the power of touch and massage to reduce stress and anxiety during labor. Comforting touch and massage helps to stimulate the production of natural oxytocin, which in turns helps the body to relax, open, and release. This helps reduce labor times by up to 25%!
Reduce Pitocin Use by up to 31%

Pitocin, the synthetic form of oxytocin, is used to augment labor and does not have the same pain-killing benefits as natural oxytocin. Doulas help stimulate the production of natural oxytocin through physical touch, massage, and emotional encouragement, thereby reducing the need for Pitocin.
Reduce Epidural Use by up to 60%

Although having a Doula has been proven to reduce epidural use by up to 60% (which can reduce the use of other interventions), a Doula should be on every mama’s birth team even if you are planning on an epidural!
Reduce Birth Dissatisfaction by 39%

Doulas help facilitate positive communication between your birth team, address and consider the woman's fears, and help ease stress and anxiety.
As your Doula, I can even help make your birth FUN!
Reduce Baby's Risk of Low 5-Minute APGAR Scores by 38%

Doula support in labor is proven to improve infant health outcomes. Statistically, babies who experience doula care are shown to have better APGAR scores, higher rates of breastfeeding initiation, more secure attachment & improved bonding, and are 2x less likely to experience significant complications.

FAQs

I love this question! I want EVERYONE to know what a Doula is and why Doula support matters. The word “Doula” in ancient Greek means “a woman who serves.” And that is exactly what I love to do- serve women and their families.
Doulas are trained professionals who support women through pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum. As a birth Doula it is my ultimate aspiration to help families feel supported, empowered, and confident in their birth experience and transition into new parenthood.
My goal is to involve your birth partner in the birth experience as much as you both feel comfortable, not replace them! A few things that I have done for partners include:
- Help them figure out the role they would like to play (not everyone wants to get into the birthing pool!)
- Offer suggestions on how to best support mom before and during labor
- Reassure and encourage - A simple “yes this is normal” can reduce fear and anxiety for dads and other birth partners!
- Check in to see how they are doing and if they would like to be more or less involved than they had originally expressed – it is common for comfort levels to change as labor progresses
- Provide a break! Even the most involved partners need restroom breaks, to grab a bite to eat, or even just take a sip of water.
As your Doula, I strive to create an environment where both you AND your partner feel confident, comfortable, and safe.
You bet! One of your prenatal visits will have special dedicated time to creating a visual birth plan customized to your family, wishes, and preferences.
I will provide you with the most up to date research evidence so that you can make truly informed decisions for your birth. A print-out of the birth plan will be provided!
Top 10 Reasons Why Doulas Are Not Just For First Time Parents
Even if this is not your first time giving birth, every pregnancy, baby, and birth is different! Each birth brings new experiences, and I can help you prepare and process the differences. Your care is custom tailored to each pregnancy, even if you are a repeat client. Some of the most empowering births I have attended are redemptive second, third, and even fourth births!
I have attended multiple VBAC’s, and would be honored to serve you through yours!
I attend births in all settings including home, hospital, and birth center births! I am happy to support you wherever you feel most comfortable.
As your Doula, I will be on-call 24/7 from the day you turn 38 weeks until you give birth! Of course experience, training, and supplies are factored into pricing, but so is valuing what I may miss with my own family to support yours. Oftentimes that requires waking up at 3am, working for an undetermined length of time (sometimes more than 24 hours!), missing holidays, missing my own kiddos birthday or events, and more. That said, I absolutely LOVE what I do and I can’t wait to help you rock your birth! You can read about my different package and add-on options here: Birth Services
Payment plans are absolutely available! Message me and we can create a plan that works best for you.