FAQs

WHAT IS YOUR PHILOSOPHY ABOUT BIRTH AND SUPPORTING WOMEN AND THEIR PARTNERS IN LABOR?

Birth is a normal physiological process. Most of the time, it does not require medical intervention. I think that a woman who is educated, encouraged and well prepared, is empowered to trust in her ability to birth and will know what to do. My role is to educate my clients so that they are able to make decisions that allow them to experience their best birth. I serve to hold space and allow the woman and their partners to do whatever they desire and need to birth the baby, gently guiding them only when they need guidance.

DO YOU HAVE A BACKUP DOULA IN CASE YOU ARE NOT AVAILABLE? CAN WE MEET HER?

As birth is highly unpredictable, having a backup doula is essential. I try to average no more than one birth per week, to increase my chances of attending all my clients' births. If there is a chance that births may overlap, or that I may be out of town (this is always scheduled in advance, and you would always know about it upon hiring me for my services), I have several backup doulas I work with. If there is a possibility of a backup doula attending your birth, and/or per your request, it would be my pleasure to schedule a meeting session.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN WHEN YOU SAY YOU ARE "ON CALL"? AND WHEN CAN WE EXPECT YOU TO BE ON CALL FOR US?

I go on call at week 38 of your pregnancy and stay on call until the baby arrives. Being on call means staying in town and whatever other arrangements I need to make to always be available for your birth.

HOW WOULD YOU WORK WITH AND INVOLVE MY PARTNER?

During our prenatal visits, I also seek to learn the partner's preferences and the things they are comfortable with. I work one on one with your partner to teach support positions for labor and offer information on how they can support you and indicators for early labor. In birth, I offer support and coaching to both the birthing mother and her partner.

MAY WE CALL YOU WITH QUESTIONS BEFORE AND AFTER BIRTH?

Open communication is key in my work as a doula. The better I get to know you, the more likely I will be able to meet your needs. I am available to talk, email and text throughout your entire pregnancy. Before I go on call for you and after, I will answer those as soon as I am able to. Please feel free to contact me anytime. Once on call, you and your questions and concerns become my priority, and I answer most of the time, immediately.