Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Doula?
The word ‘doula’ — pronounced ‘doo-la’ — is a Greek word meaning ‘woman servant or caregiver’. Women have been supporting other women during pregnancy and birth for centuries. A doula is someone who provides continuous, non-judgmental emotional, physical and informational support and encouragement to a woman (and her partner) before, during and after childbirth. A doula helps protect the desires of the birthing mama and achieve the birth she hopes for, without judgment or criticism.

Why do I need a birth doula?
Numerous studies have shown the positive effects of having a doula’s support during pregnancy and labor. Overall, when a doula is present, women are less likely to request pain medications, less likely to have a cesarean birth, and report having a more positive childbirth experience.

According to Evidenced Based Birth, studies have shown that continuous support during labor, specifically from a doula, can result in:

• 39% decrease in the risk of Cesarean

• 15% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth

• 10% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief

• Shorter labors by 41 minutes on average

• 31% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience

• 38% decrease in the baby’s risk of a low five minute Apgar score

What is your philosophy on birth?
I think birth is beautiful and I want women to feel strong, empowered and supported, while trusting that their bodies are capable of birthing the child God has created for them. I believe that birth is a natural and normal process and the less interventions, the better, for both mom and baby! Every birth is different and every woman is different, but it is a life-changing experience and you will always remember how you were treated and how you felt during your labor. I specialize in unmedicated, physiological, out-of-hospital births because I have seen home and birth centers to be the safest, most empowering environments for low-risk, healthy moms and babies.

What type of training do you have?
I received my doula certification through Childbirth International, and have completed trainings and/or certifications for placenta encapsulation, homeopathy for birth, rebozo use and utilizing a TENS machine during pregnancy and labor, Spinning Babies, and healing birth trauma. I’m currently enrolled in the Body Ready Method Pro Training, to be completed in March 2025, which emphasizes alignment and balance within the body to create optimal space for an easier and more efficient birth. Check out my complete list of trainings HERE.

Do you accept insurance?
No, unfortunately I do not accept any insurance but I am happy to give you an invoice or receipt so you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement.

Why do you offer a discount for women who know they will be without a partner or birth support during their births?
I don’t think anyone should be alone during such a life-changing and momentous occasion as the birth of a child! Being a military spouse myself, I have many friends whose partner’s have been deployed during the birth of their children and family is too far away to be present for the birth. If a woman does not feel supported, safe or cared for, it can negatively impact labor progression and her ability to naturally manage her pain. My job is to care for the mama and make sure she feels safe, loved and supported. By offering a discount, I hope women who may feel like they have no one to lean on (literally and figuratively!), are more inclined to utilize my services.

Does a doula take the place of my partner?
Definitely not! We are a team with the sole focus of supporting you. Oftentimes, partners want to help, but they just don’t know how. A doula can show your partner how to best assist and support you throughout labor. A doula is trained to know birth, but your partner knows YOU best. Together we can make a great team!

Does a doula make decisions for me or speak on my behalf?
Absolutely not! A doula’s job is to educate and inform, and allow you to make your own decisions. I will help you feel empowered to speak up and have a voice, and then help you execute and be at peace with your decision. I would never come between you and your health care provider.

Are doulas only for people who want a natural birth?
No way! A doula supports you whether you choose a natural birth, medicated birth or cesarean birth. However, I specialize in unmedicated, physiological, out-of-hospital birth. If you know you want an epidural the second that labor begins, I’m probably not the right doula for you! But I’d be happy to pass along a few names of doulas that I respect and would love to support your medicated birth.

What if you can’t make it to the birth? Do you have a backup doula?
In the unlikely event that I cannot attend your birth, I have an amazing backup doula that will provide the same level of support throughout your labor and birth. She is happy to chat with you during your pregnancy to help you feel at ease with her in the event she is with you during your birth.