We attend births at hospitals, birth centers, and home births. We do not attend unassisted freebirths.

A doula could never replace your birth partner who knows and loves you better than anyone. We help partners recognize normal birth behaviors, assist with comfort techniques, and navigate medical information. With a doula's support and reassurance, partners can be more involved and confident in their role. We aim to be attuned to your needs and know when to step back, allowing your family to bond. Ultimately, doulas complement the partner's role, creating a positive and informed birthing experience for the entire family.

Pain medication does not eliminate the role of a doula. The timing of receiving an epidural is unknown and not guaranteed. Laboring mothers benefit from the support of a doula while they wait for anesthesiology. An epidural reduces pain in labor, but does not eliminate sensations all together and will likely prevent a laboring mother from easy movement. Movement and position changes are effective tools for helping the baby move downward. A doula can play an important role in the birth team by physically moving the mother into optimal and frequent position changes.

For an unplanned or emergency cesarean, the role of a doula is the same as a vaginal birth up until the time of the surgery. Depending on hospital policies, a doula may be able to support you in the operating room. For planned, unplanned, and emergency cesareans, a doula can help a mother navigate choices including planning for a “gentle cesarean”, skin-to-skin and the golden hour in the operating room. They will be at the bedside in the recovery room, attending to the mother’s comfort and needs in the immediate postpartum period.

“Of all the ways birth outcomes could be improved, continuous labor support seems like one of the most important and basic needs for birthing people. Providing labor support to birthing people is both risk-free and highly effective. Evidence shows that continuous support can decrease the risk of Cesarean, the use of medications for pain relief, and the risk of a low five minute Apgar score. Labor support also increases satisfaction and the chance of a spontaneous vaginal birth. Continuous support may also shorten labor and decrease the use of Pitocin. Although continuous support can also be offered by birth partners, midwives, nurses, or even some physicians, research has shown that with some outcomes, doulas have a stronger effect than other types of support persons. As such, doulas should be viewed by both parents and providers as a valuable, evidence-based member of the birth care team.” (Dekker, Rebecca. “Evidence on: Doulas.” Evidence Based Birth®, 9 July 2023.) Read the entire article here.