What is a Doula?

Doula support is an ancient practice and has been around for thousands of years. Typically looked like the support and care of family members before, during and after birth. In many cultures that is still the case.

A majority of Midwifery and doula support tools have been stolen from people of color and still are being done in todays culture.

In this modern American society those support networks and knowledge do not usually exist or are not accessible for everyone, that is why doula care can be so important.

Doula Support looks different for each person but in general support can look like creating and holding safe spaces for birthing people, providing education and resources for birthing people, continued communication to help relieve anxiety leading up to a birth, supporting during the birth to advocate for the birthing persons wishes and finally providing support after the baby is born.

This is a great question - my general answer to most folks is, you can never have too many people that love and care about you.

That being said, some folks want privacy during their births and a Doula might feel overwhelming.

Some other questions to think on to help you make this decision would be:

• Do I have a support network that feels safe to call on?

• Am I a member of the BIPOC community and am afraid of medical violence?

• Do I feel like trauma I have experienced could come up during birth? Does that feel heavy?

• Am I nervous about the whole experience and want someone to help me feel informed?

EVERYONE deserves a Doula.

If you are asking yourself this questions, please email me. Even if you decide not to work with me I have resources I would love to share with you!