A doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a mother before, during and shortly after childbirth to help her achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible.

Research shows that women who use a birth doula are:

• 31% less likely to need Pitocin

• 28% less likely to have a cesarean birth

• 9 % less likely to use any pain medication

• and overall, more likely to rate their childbirth experience positively

Midwives have medical training and can offer services such as IV, prescribe medication and administer medical exams. A doula’s focus is on supporting the mother throughout the birthing process in a more hands-on way, such as through comforting touch, counter pressure, breathing techniques, emotional support and by sharing evidence-based information and advocacy. Doulas and midwives often work together as a great team!

In my role as a doula, I help pregnant people and their partners to achieve the birth they want by supporting their wishes and goals. I don’t make decisions for my clients or expect them to give birth in any particular way. I give my clients the information they need to make educated birth choices and support their decisions so they can have the most positive birth experience possible.