Prenatal Support

Doula care focuses on three aspects of support during the perinatal year: educational, emotional, and physical. This includes:

- Foundational Childbirth Education: We’ll walk through the anatomy and physiology of pregnancy, labor, and birth so you can understand what’s happening in your body and feel empowered in the process. 

*I recommend that you take a formal childbirth education class in addition to what we will discuss together. Beginning January 2026, I will be offering the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

 - Coping Skills + Pain Management Planning: We’ll explore different comfort measures, relaxation techniques, and coping strategies. Together, we’ll build a plan for how you’d like to manage pain in labor; whether you’re planning an unmedicated birth or birth with an epidural, we’ll make a plan for how you can optimize your chances of having the birth that feels right for you.

- Exploring Birth Preferences: We’ll discuss your hopes, values, and any concerns you have around birth. I’ll help you build a birth plan that reflects your wishes and prepare you to confidently advocate for them with your provider.

Planning for the Unexpected: Birth almost never goes entirely as expected. We’ll talk through your Plan A, B, and C. What if you’re planning a home birth and need to transfer? What if your unmedicated birth shifts and you need the rest an epidural provides? What if you need an unplanned cesarean? I want to ensure that you always feel like you are an active participant in your own care and have the information you need to make an informed choice. 

- Evidence-Based Guidance: I bring the latest research to our conversations so you can make informed decisions about your care. We’ll talk about common interventions, routine hospital policies, and how to distinguish between what's medically necessary and what’s optional.

- Midwife or Doctor Appointment Support: If desired, I can attend one or two of your prenatal care appointments to help you ask the right questions, take notes, and feel supported during those visits.If you’re having a home birth, I attend the home visit with your midwife around 37 weeks. 

- Nutrition and Wellness Guidance

- Resources & Tools: You’ll have access to my lending library of pregnancy, birth, and parenting books.

- Postpartum Preparation: At least one of our prenatal visits will focus on getting ready for life after birth. We’ll talk about breastfeeding, physical healing, emotional recovery, support systems, and how to set realistic expectations for the early weeks of parenthood.

Yes, you can (and should, in my opinion) have a doula for a planned cesarean! There are many reasons why a person may need or choose a planned cesarean birth. 

As your doula, I’ll help you prepare for your cesarean birth with the same care, attention, and individualized support I provide for any type of birth. Whether it’s your first c-section or your fourth, we’ll work together to create a plan for a gentle or family-centered cesarean birth.

We’ll explore options to make the operating room feel more personal, like creating a playlist, requesting a clear or lowered drape, advocating for immediate skin-to-skin, and more. I also offer guidance and education around maternal-assisted cesareans if you’re interested in that approach.

On the day of your birth, I can accompany you to the hospital and be by your side in pre-op to help you feel grounded and supported. While typically only one support person is allowed in the OR, you may be able to speak with your OB ahead of time to request that both your partner and I be present. Regardless of the policy, I will remain at the hospital throughout your birth and will be there for you during immediate recovery, offering support during the golden hour and assistance with breastfeeding or chestfeeding as needed.

Planned cesarean births are still births, and they deserve the same level of intention, care, and support.

Emotional Support: I hold space for you and your partner throughout labor. Whether that means encouragement, reassurance, grounding breathwork, or just being a calming, familiar presence, I’m there to help you feel seen, heard, and supported through every stage.

Hands-On Comfort Measures: I use a variety of physical support techniques to help ease labor intensity. This may include counterpressure, hip squeezes, massage, guided breathing, position changes, rebozo work, heat/cold therapy, and more—tailored to what your body needs in the moment.

Help with Fetal Positioning: If baby is in a suboptimal position (like posterior or asynclitic), I can guide you through positioning techniques, movement, and exercises to help encourage baby into a more favorable position for labor progress and comfort. I draw from Spinning Babies® principles and other evidence-based approaches to support optimal fetal positioning.

Creating a Calming Environment: From adjusting lighting and playing your favorite playlist to making sure you have privacy and feel comfortable asking for what you need, I help create a birthing space that supports your flow and comfort.

Partner Support: I work alongside your partner or support person—not in place of them. I help them feel confident in their role and offer guidance on how to best support you, so you can feel even more connected through the experience.

Advocacy and Information: I help you navigate your choices by reminding you of your birth plan, offering clarification on medical terms or procedures, and helping you ask the right questions. I do not speak on your behalf, but I do empower you to advocate for yourself.

Support Through the Unexpected: If your birth unfolds differently than planned, I’m there to help you process in real-time, stay connected to your options, and adapt with care and clarity.

Golden Hour Support: After birth, I stay to support you during the first hour with your baby. I can help initiate breastfeeding or chestfeeding, encourage skin-to-skin contact, and make sure you feel settled, celebrated, and cared for.