Why Hire A Doula?
Women who had continuous labor support often in the form of a doula experienced a 31% decrease in the use of Pitocin, 28% decrease in cesarean birth, 12% increase in spontaneous vaginal delivery, 9% decrease in pain medications administered and 14% decrease in the risk of newborns needing time in the special care nursery according to Hodnett et al in a 2012 Cochrane review of Continuous Support During Labor.
Women who had continuous labor support often in the form of a doula experienced a 31% decrease in the use of Pitocin, 28% decrease in cesarean birth, 12% increase in spontaneous vaginal delivery, 9% decrease in pain medications administered and 14% decrease in the risk of newborns needing time in the special care nursery according to Hodnett et al in a 2012 Cochrane review of Continuous Support During Labor.
My Doula Story
I first learned about doulas almost 5 years ago while I was expecting my first. As my husband and I began to navigate this new journey of pregnancy and prenatal care, it all seemed so overwhelming and I knew I wanted the support of a doula. My amazing doula was just what my husband and I needed as we began the crazy ride of pregnancy, birth and an intense postpartum recovery. Her patience, intuition and confidence were worth more than I could have ever imagined.
Two years later, my husband and I were expecting our second and having a doula on our birth team seemed like second nature. During this time I began to read every book I could find on pregnancy support, the role of a doula, and postpartum recovery. I knew caring and supporting families as a doula was what I was made to do.
As a Registered Nurse and Mom with three children, I believe each and every birth is an empowering and incredible experience. I love to share with my clients that this isn't about my birth or my experiences, but your journey and your birth. I love when my clients look back on their birth story were empowered in their decisions, felt compassionate care and knew they were supported in every step of the way. It is an honor each and every time to be invited into my client's space as they enter this new world of pregnancy and parenthood.
Ultimately, I am here to support you and your wellness journey, your way! From clients who have chosen an elective induction, to clients who have given birth in the living room of their home, as your doula I provide continuous support for you and your birth preferences. I have great joy in providing emotional, educational and physical support during your pregnancy, birth and postpartum time. As a wellness advocate with Young Living I love educating on natural ways to reduce the toxins in our homes, teaching classes on how and when to use essential oils in our daily lives and empowering families in their health goals! Let today be the day you begin your wellness journey!
Two years later, my husband and I were expecting our second and having a doula on our birth team seemed like second nature. During this time I began to read every book I could find on pregnancy support, the role of a doula, and postpartum recovery. I knew caring and supporting families as a doula was what I was made to do.
As a Registered Nurse and Mom with three children, I believe each and every birth is an empowering and incredible experience. I love to share with my clients that this isn't about my birth or my experiences, but your journey and your birth. I love when my clients look back on their birth story were empowered in their decisions, felt compassionate care and knew they were supported in every step of the way. It is an honor each and every time to be invited into my client's space as they enter this new world of pregnancy and parenthood.
Ultimately, I am here to support you and your wellness journey, your way! From clients who have chosen an elective induction, to clients who have given birth in the living room of their home, as your doula I provide continuous support for you and your birth preferences. I have great joy in providing emotional, educational and physical support during your pregnancy, birth and postpartum time. As a wellness advocate with Young Living I love educating on natural ways to reduce the toxins in our homes, teaching classes on how and when to use essential oils in our daily lives and empowering families in their health goals! Let today be the day you begin your wellness journey!
Doula Services
Pregnancy & Birth Package ~ $1695
Birth Package Includes:Complementary consultation to ensure we are a great team together
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Compassionate Postpartum Support
The days leading up and following the birth of a child are full of excitement and exhaustion. Between caring for a newborn, middle of the night feeds, eating nourishing meals, caring for other siblings and keeping the house clean, many parents benefit from trained postpartum support. Postpartum support begins at $35/hr with 4/hr shifts minimum per visit.
- Preparing nourishing and healthy meals
- Registered Nurse support for enhanced physical and emotional wellbeing
- Postpartum emotional support and local resource referrals
- Lactation support and troubleshooting
- Care for your newborn and or other siblings
- Home cleaning & organization
- Running errands & grocery shopping
- Assistance in writing your baby's birth story
À la carte Doula Care- $300
Some parents want the support and guidance of prenatal support such as writing their birth plan/preferences, talking about birth fears or would like suggestions for relaxation and coping techniques but desire to give birth without a Doula. À la carte care services allow clients to meet in person or virtually for two private one-on-one prenatal sessions. Each meeting lasts typically 90 minutes and leaves client's empowered, prepared and confident in their birthing decisions.
Doula Q&A
What is a doula?
A doula is a trained birth professional offering you support from pregnancy to birth to postpartum care. For many clients, this means chatting about your goals and vision for your birth, then writing down your birth preferences. Doulas inform and empower you to use the options and tools you have to achieve the best possible experience. They also work with you to practice various labor and comfort techniques you can use during the pregnancy and birth of your baby. During labor, your doula is with you and your partner, encouraging you, offering suggestions if desired, and providing continuous care.
My husband will be at the birth - do I still need a doula?
A doula is never there to take the place of your husband or partner, but rather to enhance and compliment the experience. Some have described their husband as their left hand and their doula as their right, working together to support you. Doulas can suggest comfort measures or step in if the husband wants a break during the birth. Having a doula allows the spouse to participate emotionally without having to remember everything from your childbirth class. Having a Doula: Their Benefits & Purpose
Do doulas deliver babies?
Unlike your OB or Midwife who performs the medical procedures to deliver your baby, the doula is there to help inform you about what choices you have, hold space for you, and offer physical, emotional and educational support for you to make the best decision for YOU!
I know I want an epidural so I don't need a doula, right?
One of the biggest misconceptions we hear is that a doula is only helpful in unmedicated births. Most women will labor unmedicated before they can receive an epidural, with a doula keeping you comfortable at home or during early labor at your birth place. At the hospital, a doula can suggest position changes, offer relaxation skills to help you to stay calm, and provide informational support to make sure you are informed and your medical staff knows your goals and preferences.
"My friends were a bit shocked when I told them that I had hired a doula and that I planned to get an epidural," says one new mom. "Honestly, it was perfect. I labored at home with my partner and doula, then we went to the hospital and labored for a bit more. I decided I wanted the epidural then, and my doula helped get me ready and held me during the procedure. Then she helped both of us stay focused on labor and our needs, and helped after the baby was born. It was the perfect labor." Six reasons why you should hire a doula if you want an epidural
Can a doula help me after the birth of my baby?
One of my favorite things about being a doula is serving women and their families after the birth of their baby. The weeks following your baby's birth are often full of joy, sleep deprivation and wondering, "Is this normal?" A doula can assist with breast and bottle feeding questions, prepare wholesome meals and snacks, perform housekeeping tasks, suggest newborn soothing techniques and encourage sibling adjustment so you and baby can bond and rest in a peaceful environment.
What is a doula?
A doula is a trained birth professional offering you support from pregnancy to birth to postpartum care. For many clients, this means chatting about your goals and vision for your birth, then writing down your birth preferences. Doulas inform and empower you to use the options and tools you have to achieve the best possible experience. They also work with you to practice various labor and comfort techniques you can use during the pregnancy and birth of your baby. During labor, your doula is with you and your partner, encouraging you, offering suggestions if desired, and providing continuous care.
My husband will be at the birth - do I still need a doula?
A doula is never there to take the place of your husband or partner, but rather to enhance and compliment the experience. Some have described their husband as their left hand and their doula as their right, working together to support you. Doulas can suggest comfort measures or step in if the husband wants a break during the birth. Having a doula allows the spouse to participate emotionally without having to remember everything from your childbirth class. Having a Doula: Their Benefits & Purpose
Do doulas deliver babies?
Unlike your OB or Midwife who performs the medical procedures to deliver your baby, the doula is there to help inform you about what choices you have, hold space for you, and offer physical, emotional and educational support for you to make the best decision for YOU!
I know I want an epidural so I don't need a doula, right?
One of the biggest misconceptions we hear is that a doula is only helpful in unmedicated births. Most women will labor unmedicated before they can receive an epidural, with a doula keeping you comfortable at home or during early labor at your birth place. At the hospital, a doula can suggest position changes, offer relaxation skills to help you to stay calm, and provide informational support to make sure you are informed and your medical staff knows your goals and preferences.
"My friends were a bit shocked when I told them that I had hired a doula and that I planned to get an epidural," says one new mom. "Honestly, it was perfect. I labored at home with my partner and doula, then we went to the hospital and labored for a bit more. I decided I wanted the epidural then, and my doula helped get me ready and held me during the procedure. Then she helped both of us stay focused on labor and our needs, and helped after the baby was born. It was the perfect labor." Six reasons why you should hire a doula if you want an epidural
Can a doula help me after the birth of my baby?
One of my favorite things about being a doula is serving women and their families after the birth of their baby. The weeks following your baby's birth are often full of joy, sleep deprivation and wondering, "Is this normal?" A doula can assist with breast and bottle feeding questions, prepare wholesome meals and snacks, perform housekeeping tasks, suggest newborn soothing techniques and encourage sibling adjustment so you and baby can bond and rest in a peaceful environment.
"Alyssa was AMAZING at my labor! It was my second pregnancy, but it was a home birth and I wasn't to be medicated this time around - Alyssa was fabulous. She came right in and just knew exactly what to do for me - counter pressures, suggestions on positions, and just a really calming presence. Originally, I wasn't sure how much help I would need because home births typically have really hands on people with just the midwife, but having Alyssa there freed my midwife up to help my husband set up the birthing pool and just having an extra person to encourage me made my birthing experience probably one of the most amazing times of my life. Thanks, girl! You're the best!"
~Tracy H~
~Tracy H~
"Alyssa was my postpartum Doula and she was wonderful! She helped with so many things that made the first few weeks after baby came so much easier. Plus her cooking was excellent! She inspired me to cook healthier for my family. She also gave me some valuable newborn advice and support. I would definitely recommend her!"
~ Karen F~
~ Karen F~
"THERE IS POWER THAT COMES TO WOMEN WHEN THEY GIVE BIRTH. THEY DON'T ASK FOR IT; IT INVADES THEM. ACCUMULATES LIKE CLOUDS ON THE HORIZON AND PASSES THROUGH...CARRYING THE CHILD WITH IT."
~INA MAY GASKIN~
~INA MAY GASKIN~