What is a birth doula?

A doula is a trained professional who offers continuous physical and emotional support during labor. That support may be in the form of suggesting comfort measures (like position changes or breathing techniques) or through empowerment (such as improving communication between you and the medical team or offering words of encouragement). Doulas also provide support during pregnancy and postpartum. They help connect families to evidence-based resources so they can make informed decisions about their care.

Why should I work with a doula?

Many people spend months contemplating what their birthing experience will be like. A doula can help you navigate the later stages of pregnancy so you feel prepared going into labor. A doula can also help you plan ahead for postpartum. Not to mention the countless benefits of doula support during labor, including:

• Up to 50% less likely to have a cesarean section

• Up to 40% less likely to use synthetic oxytocin (Pitocin) to speed up labor

• Up to 60% less likely to request an epidural

• 10% less likely to use any pain medications

• 34% less likely to rate their childbirth experience negatively

• 38% decrease in baby’s risk of a low five-minute APGAR score (an assessment that indicates how well baby is adjusting to life outside the womb)

• Up to 25% shorter labor

• Reduced likelihood of forceps or vacuum assisted vaginal birth

What if I want an epidural or other pain medication?

I am happy to support you whether you aspire to have a medicated or unmedicated birth. I am completely unbiased on how you wish to go through labor. I want to help you experience a birth you feel good about, with or without medication. If you prefer to attempt and unmedicated birth, I will work with you to manage labor in other ways (i.e., breathing, positioning). And if you prefer to receive medication, I will help you be informed in that decision.

Does a birth doula replace my partner?

A doula does not replace your partner. In fact, I encourage you to bring along anyone that you feel will improve your birth experience, whether that is a partner, a family member, or a friend. In addition to supporting the birthing person, I also strive to enhance the experience of your support system. That may be in the form of offering them suggestions to improve your comfort or filling in for them while they take a rest or grab food.

Do you support home births?

I support birth at home, in birthing centers, and in hospitals! I do, however, require that a midwife is present during home births because your safety is very important to me.

I live a bit outside Madison. Can we still work together?

I serve Madison and the surrounding communities, typically about a 35-mile radius. If you are unsure if you fall within my service area, please shoot me a message and I would be happy to discuss it with you.

What is a “scholarship”?

I recognize cost can be prohibitive to some people who wish to receive doula support. For this reason, a portion of every fully-priced service is reserved in a scholarship fund. Once a set amount has been saved, the scholarship becomes available to offset the cost of my services for a family who could not otherwise afford it. I truly believe everyone deserves to feel supported and empowered during their birth, and the scholarship fund helps me actualize that belief. If you would like to make a donation to the scholarship fund, you can donate here.