Bay Area Birth Doula

When a laboring mother and partner feel safe and at ease, they are able to surrender and allow birth to unfold in its own time with minimal interventions. 

The research is clear and unequivocal: having an experienced birth doula by your side increases the likelihood of a positive birth outcome and birth memory.

According to a study reported in the National Library of Medicine (‘The effect of doulas on maternal and birth outcomes'), "...expectant mothers with a doula.. were four times less likely to have a low-birth weight baby, were two times less likely to experience a birth complication, and were significantly more likely to initiate breastfeeding."

Research also confirms that a doula's presence during birth can decrease the likelihood of a cesarean section, reduce the length of a mother's labor, reduce her need for labor augmentation, and reduce her need for pain medication including her request for epidural anesthetic.

The role of the doula is to make the birthing experience as positive as it can be, not only for the mother but for the partner as well.

A laboring woman who has continuous emotional and physical support is likely to feel more confident that she can have the birth that she desires. And, importantly, that she will be heard and respected throughout the process, regardless of the situation.

The doula’s primary focus is the emotional and physical well-being of the mother, where other members of the birth team, be it nurse, midwife or obstetrician, are primarily focused on the mother and baby’s medical needs.

Unlike these clinicians, a doula does not have responsibility for other clients in labor, or is subject to shift changes. A doula is exclusive to the one birthing mother and is committed for the long haul.

A doula does not have medical training and does not perform any medical procedures, however by virtue of our training and experience, we have knowledge of the birthing process and interventions that may be suggested during labor and birth. A doula will communicate these to the mother in a clear and precise way.

Prenatally we meet 2-3 times (or more) so that we can develop a sense of comfort and trust, which is crucial for effective support during labor. During these prenatal sessions I help you prepare for labor and birth through education, emotional support, and by discussing your birth preferences and potential scenarios and by addressing any anxieties.

I can also recommend additional resources, i.e. lactation consultants or pelvic floor physical therapy, or direct you to websites or books, to help you feel informed and empowered throughout your pregnancy and birth journey. I am not there to judge, but rather to empower and to validate your choices.

I offer continuous emotional and physical support. With the understanding that not all births progress as planned, I can offer suggestions to overcome possible bumps in the road. These may include comfort measures for pain, position changes to encourage the baby’s descent, or relaxation techniques to deal with anxiety that may arise.

Doula support continues immediately after birth. I can offer breastfeeding assistance, help preserve ‘the golden hour’ (if desired) and also remain by your side if the baby (and your partner) have to be transferred to the NICU. These moments postpartum can be overwhelming and scary and my continuous presence can be paramount in keeping you feeling safe, informed and comforted. I can also provide resources to arm you with knowledge and support if you need it.

I am a DONA-trained Doula and I adhere to the code of ethics outlined in the DONA International Code of Ethics for Birth Doulas. I am also an ICEA trained childbirth educator and I have taken many further education workshops, including breastfeeding support for doulas, prenatal massage training, spinning babies, rebozo training and more.