Women have been supporting women during birth for centuries, passing down their knowledge, experience, and reassuring confidence during pregnancy and labor.It has somewhat gotten lost in our day and age as modern medicine has emerged; doula’s help bring that lost art back. Empowering one another as women, through physical, emotional, and educational support is the work of a birth doula. A doula is present with you through every step of your birth. ‘Here to serve’ is in essence what a doula’s attitude is during labor -- offering practical coping techniques and emotional support. According to the American Pregnancy Association, a doula is a professional trained in childbirth who provides emotional, physical, and educational support to a mother who is expecting, is experiencing labor, or has recently given birth. The doula’s purpose is to help women have a safe, memorable, and empowering birthing experience.

Each person on your support team is important and the doula does not replace anyone. A doula will help your partner and support people in the most optimal way offering relief, tips, a listening ear, an informed voice, and an unwavering commitment to helping you have the birth you want.  In depth birth knowledge, reassuring emotional support, consistency of presence, and confidence in you and the birth process are invaluable attributes a doula offers. In those uncertain, unknown, and unexpected moments that sometimes come with laboring, you will have the support of an experienced and trained doula who can ensure you are informed and empowered in your decisions.

Whatever type of birth you are envisioning, and wherever the location might be, a doula will always be an added value to you. Having someone attending to you from the first signs of labor until you have your sweet baby in your arms is irreplaceable. Unlike medical staff, the doula will be by your side throughout your labor, a consistent source of encouragement.

Most find out about birth doula’s because a friend or family member couldn’t stop raving about their birth experience supported by a doula. Anecdotal and experiential facts are fantastic, to add even more evidence, the science also backs up the value a doula brings to births. 

Unfortunately, doula support is not currently covered by insurance (in most States). Some people pay for doula services out of a Health Savings Account (HSA ) with pre-tax dollars.

I believe anyone who wants a doula at their birth should have access to one. If doula services are not something you are able to budget for please reach out and share your specific needs. I am happy to try to come alongside of you to some capacity or help you find the support you desire.