Doula, meaning servant in latin, was the name given to the women attending births in ancient Rome. These women had a deep knowledge, through hands on experience, of how birth unfolds. They understood what type of comfort and support mothers needed because of experiences in labor rooms over many years. What may have been new to a first time mother was normal and easy to anticipate for the doula.

We’ve seen an increase in the desire for doula support as birth culture shifts back into the hands of laboring women. Doula support has been statistically proven to help mothers be more likely to have spontaneous vaginal births and less likely to have any pain medication, epidurals, negative feelings about childbirth, vacuum or forceps-assisted births, and Cesareans. In addition, their labors were shorter by about 40 minutes and their babies were less likely to have low Apgar scores at birth.

To me, the role of a doula means calming attention to the emotional and physical needs of mamas, anticipating those needs from experience and intuition. With my services, mothers and support teams gain confidence by using provided resources, forms, yoga classes, and private sessions.

In labor, families are supported around the clock with phone and in person support as needed, comfort measures, and a deep respect for the birthing woman’s values. As a labor doula I provide basic transitional guidance for postpartum healing and infant care. Whatever your needs, I hope you take a moment to explore these offerings and reach out to see if we’re a good fit. I look forward to hearing from you!