DOULA SERVICEs
You deserve to feel supported through every step of your pregnancy.
A doula is there to do just that.
Whether your reaction to your pregnancy is excitement or shock, you will have lots of questions, anxiousness, and emotional ebb and flows.
No matter where you are in your journey, it is my hope that you feel confident while making decisions, creating and honoring your birth plan, and, of course, bringing a new life into this world!
From ‘Midwife's Daughter’
to ‘Doula’
I was born to a woman who dedicated her life to bringing babies into this world, me being baby number 5,001, who she delivered herself.
My childhood consisted of my mum conducting ultrasounds in the living room, riding along to countless houses to deliver home-cooked meals, introducing new friends and having my mum’s first words be ‘I delivered you,’ and being woken up in the middle of the night to be taken to the hospital for a birth.
Fun Fact! I assisted my first childbirth as a toddler (she was named Emma after me!), and it has been a part of me ever since, so it was only natural for me to become a doula!
A doula is a non-medical specialist who provides physical and emotional support prior to, during, and post-labor and childbirth.
It is my greatest priority to ensure that you feel heard and cared for.
By making sure your questions are being answered and your needs are being met.
That way, you are able to find presence and enjoyment in the process of growing and birthing a little human!
Doulas wear many hats.
Prior to Labor
It is my priority to plan for your comfort during the birthing experience through stress relief, mental preparation, and emotional support. I offer home visits, reading materials, stretches (prenatal yoga), dietary advice, energy work, etc., to prepare for the birth. Additionally, I assist with your birth plan’s organization and accompany you on any prenatal visits with your doctor.
During Labor
My focus is centered on managing pain through various techniques (breathing, movement, positioning, etc.), as well as serving as an extra voice in the room to make sure your desires are being heard and met while providing explanations for any changes or unexpected situations during labor. I offer emotional support, massage and energy work, position changes, breathing techniques, sound and aromatherapy, optional photography, words of encouragement, and more, depending on your needs. If you decide to have an epidural during the process, I can still coach you when it is time to push and during the delivery itself.
After the Birth
I continue to offer emotional and physical support through home visits where I provide various stretching techniques (postpartum yoga), run errands, prepare nutritious meals, help with small tasks around the house, child and pet care, etc. I also provide breastfeeding support, womb care and educational resources. Other roles can be added to this list depending on your (and your family’s) needs.
Digital Doula!
You can still have an empowering, supported, and beautifully memorable pregnancy, birth & postpartum — even during a global pandemic. While the world around us might be unpredictable right now, you can still predict your birth story!
Although my in-person services are currently unavailable, I continue to offer virtual on-call support where I provide the most up-to-date sources that will help you feel prepared for welcoming your newest family member. We’ll chat about what your options for labor and postpartum look like, how to advocate for your birth desires no matter the setting, and give you the tools to organize all this must-have information so that you remain emotionally, physically, and energetically nourished throughout your birthing experience!
Additionally, I provide postpartum on-call support where I serve as a listening ear, offering words of encouragement, tips on nourishment and rejuvenation, parent and baby bonding practices, breastfeeding resources, postpartum yoga and breathing exercises, etc., to make sure you feel confident as a new parent!
Unexpected Pregnancy?
If you were not expecting to see a positive pregnancy test, you might be experiencing a whirlwind of emotions and questions around the next steps.
Maybe you are processing the news as a blessing and are trying to prepare yourself for the change. Maybe you are not ready to be a mum. Maybe you have no idea what to do! You are not alone, and all that you are feeling is entirely valid. I am here to offer questions and prompts to help you (and those involved) come to a decision that you are confident in. Once you choose the route you will take, I will be right there guiding you to make sure that you have a non-judgmental support system encouraging you along the way.
Love Notes
