A midwife is a healthcare professional who is trained to provide medical care during pregnancy, birth and the immediate postpartum period for women and their baby/babies. The word “doula”, which stems from the Greek word “doule”, means “female caregiver” or “woman’s servant”. A doula is not a medical professional, but is a trained professional who provides continuous emotional, physical and informational support to expectant mothers and/or their families before, during and shortly after childbirth.

A doula can wear many hats during the prenatal period, labor, birth and the postpartum period. A doula can do everything from comforting the mother during labor, taking photos at the birth and providing education prenatally and postpartum. However, as your doula, my job will include, but is not limited to the following: Continuous Support: Support can be offered in person, over the phone, through text and or calls, or throughout the entire labor, regardless of its duration. I am there to provide reassurance, guidance and comfort. Experience and Expertise: I have extensive knowledge about the birthing process, various birthing positions, comfort measures, and pain management techniques from my training. I will ensure you understand all available options in the birthing process to be able to make informed decisions. Emotional Support: I aim to provide a nurturing presence that will help to create a calm and positive atmosphere during the birthing process. I value encouragement, reassurance and help manage any fears or anxieties. Advocacy: I will help you and/or your birth partner to communicate effectively with your healthcare provider(s) and ensure your birth preferences are heard.

The benefits of hiring a doula include: eliminating the need for cesarean birth, shortening labor time, reducing or removing the need for epidural anesthesia or Pitocin, and empowering mothers through mental, physical, and informational support.

Yes, I will work alongside your labor and delivery team if you are having a birth center, home birth or hospital birth. However, if you have a cesarean birth, I may or may not be allowed in the operating room.

I believe that every woman has the right to the birth experience she desires. However, I understand that hiring a doula can be a major investment. Therefore, I am happy to discuss payment plan option to help expecting mothers achieve her birthing goals.

You can decide to seek and hire a doula whenever you feel the need to during your pregnancy. However, it is most beneficial to hire a doula prior to your third trimester.

I strongly encourage families to participate in the services so that they become aware of their roles and learn how to better assist the mother during pregnancy and the labor process.