Frequently Asked Questions

A birth doula is a trained professional who supports someone during their pregnancy, labor, and birth of their child. Some doulas are “full-spectrum” meaning they offer support through fertility, prenatal and postpartum, and during abortion or loss while others focuses soley on birth or postpartum. I am a certified birth and postpartum doula. I trained with Doula Trainings International (DTI) in 2019. 

As your doula, I provide continuous physical and emotional support to you (and your partner) while creating a safe space for your voice to be heard. I also serve as a bank of knowledge to help guide you through your options during pregnancy and postpartum. I offer postpartum check-ins or hourly postpartum support to help you adjust to the 4th trimester (coming home with a new tiny human). This consists of teaching correct methods of infant feeding, encouraging family bonding, teaching infant soothing and care methods, encouraging emotional and physical recovery from birth, and supporting routines that work for the family. If you don't need the in-depth support of a doula, perhaps a few childbirth education sessions through my Birth Boss Coaching offering would be a better fit for you.

When doulas attend births, birthing individuals and babies often have better outcomes and need fewer interventions. Those giving birth often have a better experience and memory of their birth, allowing them to enter parenthood with more confidence and well-being. There are numerous research studies that show the use of a doula results in a reduction in pain medication use, reduction in risk of cesarean section, and shorter labor. The evidence is clear: birthing people benefit from continuous labor support! 

If you have a trained doula at your birth, your partner won’t be tasked with remembering all of the labor positions for alleviating pain, making sure you’re hydrated and fed, and remembering your birth plan. This frees your partner up to be just what they are: your partner. They can be by your side, relaxed, and be confident you are receiving the best care. 

This is your birth. There are many ways to tailor your birth to meet your wishes. With all of the different interventions that are possible, I will work as your personal research assistant to answer any questions you might have and to help educate you on your options. 

We'll figure out which interventions you’re comfortable with and which you would like to avoid. Regardless of what your preferences are, I believe in giving clear and concise answers and backing it up with evidence based information so you can make your decisions and create a birth plan from an informed standpoint. During labor, if something comes up that’s not in your birth plan, I will discuss the risks and benefits with you so that you can make an informed decision. If you're interested in purchasing a birth plan, you can e-mail me to purchase the Bask Birth Blueprint. 

A birth doula provides support in three ways: informational, physical, and emotional. 

Informational support keeps you and your partner informed about what’s going on with the course of labor, as well as provides access to evidence-based information about birth options. Physical support helps you maintain a sense of comfort, control, and confidence. Emotional support helps you feel cared for and supported which can result in a sense of empowerment during and after birth.

As your doula, I'm your hype woman reminding you how amazing and unique you are. I don't empower you, rather I guide you to grab ahold of the inner power you already have. I'll meet you where you are and encourage you every step of the way toward the birth you desire. As you're deciding birth preferences and who should be present for you, I'll encourage you to ask yourself, "What do I need right now?" and "Does this person bring me peace?" During postpartum, I'll help you sort through the mountain of information from how much baby poop to look for on day 3 to when baby can have their first bath so that you can focus on what matters most--you, your body, and your baby. 

Doulas are trained labor companions, not medical professionals.

• Doulas do not perform clinical tasks such as vaginal exams, fetal heart monitoring, or blood pressure
• Doulas do not give medical advice or diagnose conditions
• Doulas do not make decisions for the client (medical or otherwise)
• Doulas do not pressure the birthing person into certain choices
• Doulas do not take over the role of the partner
• Doulas do not attend intentionally unassisted births
• Doulas do not provide childcare for your older children