FAQs

Birth Support

Do I still need a doula if I have my birth partner with me?
  • As a doula, my role is to give you and your partner peace as you transition into life with a newborn. I work directly with both you and your partner and help your partner feel confident in supporting you.

How soon should I hire a doula?
  • For birth I recommend hiring a doula as early as you can but it is really never too late to reach out. However, I find that the sweet spot is typically about half-way through pregnancy. It's important to get to know each other and feel confident in/comfortable with me as your doula as well as your birth plan. While birth does not always go according to plan, a doula can help navigate the changes, seek additional information, and help you advocate for yourself in times of need.

What if I get an epidural or have a cesarean?
  • I can absolutely help! As a birth doula I provide support in many different capacities which includes epidurals and cesareans. Birth support is not limited, and I provide non-judgmental support and information regardless of your choices or things that may be out of your hands.

How do I choose the right doula?
  • It's so important to really feel comfortable with your support systems, and especially your doula. Whether it's birth, postpartum, or reproductive support, you should never feel like you're being ignored or hushed, not supported, or advocated for. It is most important that you feel totally on-board with your doula and that you are on the same team.

What if you're unavailable when I go into labor?
  • I have a great support system in my back-up doula team. When we meet for our first interview, I will give you an overview of what back-up support looks like and give you the confidence in knowing you will be cared for even if I cannot be there.

When do you meet us after labor starts?
  • I will keep in touch with you and/or your partner or birth support person(s) as soon as labor begins. I will reach out for updates and as soon as you feel ready you will let me know. Sometimes that looks like support at home or meeting you at the birthing center or hospital. That is totally up to you.

Postpartum Support

What does a typical schedule look like with a postpartum doula?
  • Depending on your preference and needs, I would arrive for a daytime shift of 4-5 hours or an overnight shift of 8-10 hours. I can help with a variety of tasks ranging from assisting with feedings, caring for the newborn so that you can get a shower, picking up groceries or prescriptions, light housework. Really anything that will help you rock this transition into parenthood.

Reproductive Health Support

What does abortion care look like?
  • This can range from assisting you in finding safe and secure abortion care, being present with you during a surgical procedure or supporting you through a medical procedure. I give you non-judgmental information to help you make the best and most informed decision for you.

Why should I hire you?

I am the right doula for you if you are looking for someone who is in your court, who is on your team, and who genuinely wants the best experience for you - based on YOU and what you want. This is your journey, you make 100% of the calls, I will not attempt to influence your decision whatsoever. I want you to have the best possible birth story, to feel empowered in all of your decisions, even when things are out of your control. I want you to feel seen and heard during your postpartum journey. I want to support you so you know you're not alone. I do not judge you, I am here for you.

 

My personal & professional experiences include:

High-risk pregnancies/births, IVF pregnancies/births, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, advanced maternal age, perinatal/postpartum mood disorders, plus-size/higher BMI pregnancies/births, unmedicated and medicated births, hospital births, newborn sleep support

Anything I missed?