My Birth Philosophy

I often get asked if I have a particular birth philosophy or outlook on the way birth should go. The short answer is no. Every birth unfolds in its own unique way. During your pregnancy I will listen to you about your hopes for the birth. We will talk about your biggest hopes and biggest fears and then come up with an approach on how to prepare. There are myriad ways to prepare for labor and they are not one size fits all. I'm versed in all of them and can help you find one that sounds exciting and interesting to you. On the day of the birth we put all the prep work aside. Your birth preferences have been thoroughly thought out and written down, the labor prep has served you well, and now on the day of the birth we stay open to what comes. My role as your Doula will be to help you stay in the moment to deal with all the ups and down of labor, to make suggestions on how to cope,  and to support your partner in supporting you. 

Birth Doula Services

Consultation: Our relationship together will start with a consultation where we can all see if we would be a good fit. If we are all on board I take a deposit and a signed contract and we are off and running. Our relationship starts right away with informational support. We can schedule our first prenatal as early as possible. Typically I save the second prenatal for 36 weeks so its a bit closer to the birth. Please fill out the form at the bottom of this page to get started.  

Prenatal visits: Before the birth we will meet for two prenatal visits, approximately 2 hours each. During these sessions we will get to know each other, discuss your birth preferences, address your questions and concerns and go over logistics. We will discuss birth classes and the array of resources available to you. We will also practice laboring in your home. Together as your team we will move through the house practicing labor positions and massage that may be helpful when your labor gets started. 

Two weeks before to two weeks after your due date: I will be on call. That means whatever time you go into labor,  I will be ready and available for you. 

During the birth: My role is to provide calm, loving support for you and your support team.

      Physical support: in addition to being attuned to your basic physical needs, I will offer you different positions to try, gentle massage and other tools to keep you comfortable and relaxed.

     Emotional support: whether you need a silent hand squeeze, a reassuring word or a strong container to hold all of your fears, I will be a safe, non-judgmental and continuous presence. You don't have to feel alone with anything.

     Spiritual support: when you have the freedom to be your true self, you have the chance to test the limits of what you think you're capable of. Giving birth is not like most of what we do in our daily life. It's an important moment of initiation. I will do everything in my power to help you navigate this milestone with grace and positivity, allowing you to move forward as more of the person and the parent you were born to be.

Photography: I am first and foremost your Doula but I also bring my camera to document your birth story. As your Doula I get to help you sink into the experience and discover how strong you are. As a photographer, I get to show you proof of it. Everyone varies in what they would like documented and each birth is different in how much I am able to photograph. In the least I will be able to document your very new baby and family. 

After the birth: I will come to your home for one visit  to talk through your experience of the birth, to tie up any lose ends and to clear up any concerns you might have.