Labor & Birth Support

A labor doula attends to the birthing family before, during and just after the birth of the baby. I am trained to deliver emotional support from home to hospital (or birthing center), ease the transition into the hospital environment and be there through changing hospital shifts and alternating provider schedules. I serve as an advocate, a labor coach and an information source throughout the entire labor.

Studies have shown that women supported by a doula during labor have:

  • 50% reduction in cesarean rate
  • 25% shorter labor
  • 60% reduction in epidural requests
  • 40% reduction in Oxytocin use
  • 30% reduction in analgesia use
  • 40% reduction in forceps delivery

Information was obtained from Mothering the Mother: How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier, and Healthier Birth by Klaus, Kennell, Klaus (1993)

My labor package includes 2 prenatal meetings; the first of which is where we meet to see if a doula is right for your family and the second is where I help you shape a birth wish list or a "birth plan"; the labor and birth itself; and 2 postpartum visits. The entire fee is $550, payable in two sums, a non-refundable $200 upon signing a contract for services and the remainder within 7 days after the birth of your child.

Helpful links

  • Expectant Mother's Guide: a localized pregnancy, childbirth, and baby resource guide for expectant and new parents. Link is to a specific article about doulas, site is helpful in general.
  • Do I Need a Doula?: Answers to frequently asked questions.