A birth doula provides physical, emotional, and informational support before, during, and immediately after birth. We’re not medical providers, but we’re here to help you feel more confident, informed, and supported through you’r entire pregnancy and delivery. We’re also here to help safeguard the birth experience you want to have. We care about your preferences and goals and we will do everything we can to make sure your birth story is a positive one.

There are so many reasons to hire a doula, but each persons reasons will be unique to their personal needs. Some of the most compelling reasons for hiring a doula are:

1. Research shows that births with doulas often result in healthier babies, with higher Apgar scores and improved breastfeeding initiation rates.

2. A doula doesn’t replace your partner but empowers them—offering guidance and space so they can support you more confidently and effectively.

3. Studies show that having a doula reduces the chances of:

   • Cesarean birth

   • Use of forceps or vacuum

   • Epidural or other pain meds

   • Labor induction or augmentation

4. A doula stays with you throughout labor, offering consistent emotional reassurance—something nurses, midwives, and doctors may not be able to do due to shift changes or other responsibilities.

5. Doulas help you communicate your birth preferences to medical staff, ensuring your voice is heard and respected, especially when you're under stress or in pain.

6. Doulas are trained in techniques (like position changes, breathing, massage, and movement) that help labor progress more efficiently.

7. Lower stress and anxiety! Their calming presence and grounding support can lower your stress hormone levels, leading to a more positive and less fearful experience.

8. Whether you're planning a medicated birth, unmedicated birth, or cesarean, doulas respect your choices and support your vision of a positive birth.

I could go on and on but I’ll stop at 8. If you’d like to understand the role of a doula better, please fill out the contact form and we can chat through it together.

I often say that a doula is there to support you from the waist up and a midwife is there to support you from the waist down.

A midwife is a medical professional trained to deliver babies and monitor maternal health. A doula provides emotional and physical support but does not perform clinical tasks like cervical checks, fetal monitoring, or delivering the baby.

No—doulas work with your partner and medical team. They support your partner, too, helping them stay calm and involved, while ensuring your birth plan and needs are prioritized.

Well, this really depends on the doula. No two doulas are the same, and each will have different preferences for the type of births they support.

Personally, I support medicated, unmedicated, cesarean, hospital, home, and birth center. My role is to help you have the birth experience you want, whatever that may look like.

Yes! Typically most parents prefer to labor alone at home in early labor, but once active labor begins then typically they will call the doula to join them. When I join you is completely up to you! My only request is that you follow the guidelines laid out in our engagement (custom to each family depending on location) and give me enough warning that I can be there when you want me.

Yes, definitely! Doulas are trained in non-medical comfort measures like breathing techniques, movement, massage, counter pressure, rebozo work, visualization, and more.

Not only that, but most doulas will also help your birth partner learn many of these techniques so they can better support you in early labor.

The sooner, the better! Many people opt to hire a doula in the second trimester to build a relationship and have time for prenatal visits, but some hire closer to the due date and still benefit.

Sometimes. Some insurance plans or FSAs/HSA accounts reimburse doula services. It varies, so it’s worth checking with your provider and submitting receipts.

A lactation counselor is a trained specialist who helps with all aspects of breastfeeding, including latching, milk supply, nipple pain, pumping, and feeding positions. They provide both emotional support and evidence-based guidance.

‘Lactation for Doulas’ is a segment of most doula trainings. It takes about 45 minutes to an hour and covers the basics of breastfeeding.

The CLC (Certified Lactation Counselor) requires a 95 hour course focused completely on lactation. It covers breastfeeding and pumping and requires recertification every 5 years.

An IBCLC (Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant) also requires 95 hours of lactation education, but it also requires an additional 1000 hours of supervised clinical experience with breastfeeding mothers and babies.

I recommend that all new parents meet with a CLC in their first weeks postpartum. The sooner the better! In many cases, parents choose to have multiple sessions over the first few months because so much is changing, but in some cases one visit is enough!

In cases where feeding issues present themselves and support is needed outside the expertise of the CLC, the parents will be referred to an IBCLC for additional assessment.

Immediately postpartum and anytime you're having challenges or have questions throughout your breastfeeding journey.

Some women also like to meet with an LC prenatally for early education, but this isn’t necessary in most cases.

Absolutely. Lactation counselors support all feeding choices and goals whether it’s direct breastfeeding, pumping, formula supplementation, or weaning. We're here to help you make informed decisions that work best for you and your baby.

For Doula services I require a 30% deposit with the remainder due within 1 week postpartum.

For Lactation support I require payment at the time of the visit.

Invoices will be provided.