As a doula, it is my role to provide informational, physical and emotional support through this precious time. What does this actually look like? We build a relationship so that I can understand your hopes, fears and preferences. We discuss these things together, and I answer any questions that you might have or direct you to the resource that may be able to answer it. I'll never speak for you, but I can be someone to ponder decisions with. I support you during labor by providing hands on comfort measures, assist with helpful positioning, providing emotional support and being a sounding board. It is my goal to assist you so that you can birth however you feel is best for you, whether that be unmedicated or medicated, scheduled c-section or home delivery. You have choices mama! I want to help equip you with the information you're seeking and help you feel prepared for labor, birth and postpartum. I want you to look back at your birth experience feeling like you were empowered to make the best decisions for you and your baby.
Services
"Loved having you assist with our delivery! It helped my delivery process with being less stressful and go a lot smooth."
- Amanda S.
"I greatly appreciate Aimee! She was fantastic at helping me cope through the process and remain calm during a challenging situation"
- Grace M.
Testimonials
Frequently asked questions
A birth doula is someone who supports you during pregnancy, labor, birth, and immediately postpartum. We are there to provide physical and emotional support during labor and as well help you advocate for your desires and preferences. I aim to provide information beforehand and help you and your support system prepare for labor so you are equipped to make the decisions and have the best outcome specific to you and your baby.
- Wow, where do I begin?! Evidence supports that doulas lead to better birth outcomes. Here are just some quick highlights from a great article:
- 8-15% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth
- 10% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief
- Shorter labors
- 38% decrease in the baby’s risk of a low five minute Apgar score
- 31% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience
- 25-39% decrease in the risk of a Cesarean
Beyond that, doulas are likely going to be the only professional in the room with you that you have been able to establish a relationship with. At most clinics, the first time you’ll be meeting your provider and nursing staff is when you arrive in labor and these staff often turn over to new staff during the duration of your labor. Additionally, these providers mostly come to do brief medical check-ins. Whereas doula’s provide continuous support and come from a different lens of supporting you and your network. Being your cheerleader, providing hands on comfort measures, guiding you through different stages of labor, etc.
- Doulas are not medical providers/staff and therefore do not preform any medical or clinical tasks such as exams, diagnose medical conditions, or provide medical advice.
- Doulas do not speak for you. Rather we empower you to be informed in your own decision making.
- Doulas do not replace the father/partner/support network. Doulas are a member of your birth team to support everyone in their individual roles. Partners are often grateful to have the extra support so they are able to enjoy and participate in the birth experience more.
What if I want an epidural or want/need to be induced?
No problem! Getting an epidural or being included each come with their own risks and unique needs. A doula can not only provide information to help you prepare for what to expect, but also be with you in the moment helping you understand what is happening, assisting with comfort measures and effective positioning, as well as the first feeding and immediately postpartum.
I already have a trusted provider. Do I really need a doula too?
While both are apart of your birth team, provider and doula roles are quite different. Doulas are trained in supporting you through informational, physical and emotional care through pregnancy, birth and immediately postpartum. We are available to you throughout pregnancy for all your questions and support in all the little things that providers aren’t able to do. We are also with you continuously through labor whereas your provider is coming in periodically to check in and complete other medical tasks.
You can hire a birth doula from the time you find out you’re expecting, to the time you’re full term. However, I do believe the sooner the better! The reason being is that we have a lot more time to get to know each other, I’m able to share more resources and information to help you be more prepared, you have more time to ask any questions you might have and have that doula support in navigating different aspects of pregnancy.
About a week after birth, we visit to check in on how you and your baby are doing. We take the time to process through your birth experience, discuss how you’re feeling emotionally, check in with breastfeeding, and answer questions. We also discuss any further support you may be needing, and I provide resource or referrals you may request.
1 postnatal visit:
As a doula, I am there for you with continuous phone and in-person support during labor. My main role is to support you through labor and delivery, from helping you interpret signs of labor to hands on comfort measures. I stick around after birth for about 2 hours to assist with your first feed and help you feel settled. Typically after a couple of hours, this is when you’re ready to just soak in your newborn and get some rest.
Support through labor & birth:
We will meet around 32 and 36 weeks to discuss how pregnancy is going, your hopes for labor and delivery and address any worries you might have. I provide information so that you can navigate making the best plan for you. I help you prepare for what to expect and how you and your partner/family/support can advocate for your wishes, and practice movements together. We speak about postpartum, and I help ensure you feel prepared.
2 prenatal planning sessions:
Have a random question or something on your mind you want to discuss? From the time I am hired, I am available to you by email, text and phone call for those things that arise you don't want to wait to talk about until our next meeting.
Virtual Support:
Shortly after we begin working together, we will meet either in person or virtually to discuss your hopes for pregnancy, your provider and birth location, birthing classes and how to prepare for and make the best of the rest of the journey ahead of you.
Care Discussion:
Birth Doula Support Package: $1300
INVESTMENT
Please fill out the contact form to inquire further and schedule a complimentary consultation!