A doula provides emotional and physical support during labor + birth. This could look like offering verbal encouragement, helping mom change positions, offering comfort techniques for pain management (counter pressure is a popular one!), keeping mom hydrated, and giving the spouse suggestions on how to support as well. Your doula will also help educate + prepare you during meetings prior to your birth. It’s highly encouraged for first-time moms, VBAC moms, or moms wanting a different birth experience after a traumatic birth to hire a doula!
Most doulas in the area DO NOT contract with insurance directly. However, depending on your individual policy, you may be able to be reimbursed for doula services. Doulas can provide an itemized invoice for you to submit to your insurance. Current methods of payment accepted: Venmo, cash, or personal check.
Doulas are not medical professionals and therefore do not have the formal training to deliver your baby or provide any medical assistance or advice. Doulas and midwives have different roles during your birth. If you are planning an unassisted/free-birth at home, I cannot attend as your doula due to liability reasons. I can, however, attend planned homebirths with a licensed midwife as your provider.
I have attended 38 births. This consists of home births, birth centers, and hospital births.