Need a birth doula?
Meet your doula
What is a Birth doula?
A birth doula offers support during labor and childbirth. They provide comfort measures such as massage, relaxation techniques, and position suggestions to help manage pain and discomfort. Birth doulas also help clients navigate the emotional aspects of childbirth, providing reassurance and encouragement throughout the process.
The presence of a doula during childbirth has been associated with various benefits, including reduced rates of medical interventions, shorter labor durations, increased satisfaction with the birthing experience, and improved maternal-infant bonding. Doulas can be especially valuable for individuals who want additional emotional support, information, and advocacy during the birthing process.
It's important to note that doulas are not medical professionals, and their role is complementary to that of doctors, midwives, and nurses. Doulas work alongside the medical team to provide holistic support and enhance the overall childbirth experience.
doula practice:
A doula practice refers to the professional services and activities that a doula provides to individuals and families during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. It encompasses a wide range of supportive and informational activities designed to enhance the overall childbirth experience and promote well-being.
A doula's presence during pregnancy and childbirth can contribute to a healthier and more positive birthing experience by reducing medical interventions, managing stress and pain, improving communication, and fostering a sense of empowerment. The physical and emotional benefits of having a doula can lead to better overall outcomes for both the birthing person and their baby.
key aspects of a doula practice:
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A doula typically begins working with clients during the prenatal period. This involves meeting with the expectant parents to discuss their birth preferences, fears, and expectations. The doula provides evidence-based information about childbirth options and helps the parents create a birth plan that aligns with their desires and values.
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One of the primary roles of a doula is to provide emotional support to the birthing person and their partner. Doulas offer reassurance, encouragement, and a safe space for expressing fears and concerns. They help create a positive and nurturing environment, which can contribute to reduced anxiety and increased confidence during labor.
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During labor, a doula is present to offer physical and emotional support. This might include techniques such as massage, breathing exercises, position changes, and comfort measures to help manage pain and stress. The doula's presence can also help create a calm and supportive atmosphere in the birthing room.
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Doulas can act as advocates for the birthing person's preferences and wishes. They can help facilitate communication with medical professionals, ensuring that the birthing person's voice is heard and their choices are respected.
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Doulas provide evidence-based information about labor, childbirth, and postpartum care. They help clients understand their options and make informed decisions about their care.
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Doulas can also offer postpartum support to families after childbirth. This may involve assisting with newborn care, bodyfeeding support, emotional support, and helping the family transition into their new roles.
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Doulas aim to empower clients to make informed decisions that align with their values and preferences. They educate clients about the physiological and emotional aspects of childbirth, helping them feel more confident and prepared.
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Doulas work alongside medical professionals, such as doctors, midwives, and nurses. They do not provide medical care themselves but complement the medical team's expertise by offering holistic support.
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Each doula practice is unique, as it reflects the doula's training, experience, and personal approach to supporting families. Doulas tailor their services to meet the specific needs and desires of their clients.
"While further research is warranted, existing studies suggest that doula support during labor may lead to improved maternal and neonatal outcomes, including reduced rates of cesarean sections and the use of medical interventions."
Benefits of having a doula
Having a doula during pregnancy and childbirth can bring about several health-related benefits, as their supportive presence and interventions contribute to both physical and emotional well-being. Here's why having a doula can be important from a health perspective:
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Studies have shown that individuals who have a doula present during labor and delivery tend to have lower rates of medical interventions such as cesarean sections, epidurals, and inductions. Doulas provide comfort measures and emotional support that can help manage pain and reduce the need for medical interventions.
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The continuous support and comfort techniques provided by doulas have been associated with shorter labor durations. This can reduce exhaustion and the risk of complications that may arise from prolonged labor.
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Doulas create a calming and supportive environment that can help lower stress levels for the birthing person. Reduced stress is linked to better overall health outcomes during labor and delivery.
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Doulas are trained in various pain relief techniques that can help individuals manage pain without relying solely on medications. These techniques can include massage, breathing exercises, positioning, and visualization.
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When individuals feel supported, informed, and in control of their birthing experience, they tend to report higher levels of satisfaction. Positive birth experiences are linked to better mental and emotional health postpartum.
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Doulas can help facilitate communication between the birthing person and the medical team. This open communication can lead to better understanding of medical procedures and options, reducing confusion and anxiety.
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Doulas provide continuous support throughout labor and delivery, complementing the care provided by medical professionals who may need to attend to other patients or responsibilities. Having a constant source of support can help individuals feel more secure and less anxious.
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Doulas also provide guidance to partners on how to offer effective support during labor. This ensures that partners are better equipped to assist with comfort measures, leading to a more supportive birthing environment.
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Doulas educate individuals about their options and rights, empowering them to make informed decisions about their care. This can lead to a sense of control and agency, positively impacting mental and emotional health.
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A positive birth experience and enhanced emotional support during childbirth have been associated with a reduced risk of postpartum mood disorders, such as postpartum depression and anxiety.
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In cases where unexpected complications arise, doulas can offer emotional support and help individuals understand their options, facilitating better decision-making during high-stress situations.
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Doulas focus on the whole person—physical, emotional, and psychological—providing holistic support that complements medical care and addresses a wide range of needs.
How I can support you
As a bilingual (English + Spanish) Certified Birth Doula, I am dedicated to providing comprehensive support during the childbirth journey, fostering clear communication and understanding. Grounded in holistic wellness and Ayurvedic principles, my approach aims to empower and instill confidence in mothers, creating a supportive environment where trust in the birthing process is essential. Beyond childbirth, my commitment extends to postpartum care, emphasizing nutrition, physical wellness, and mental and emotional health. Through culturally sensitive and nurturing guidance, I aspire to empower individuals and couples, facilitating a harmonious transition into parenthood with a sense of empowerment, trust, and confidence in birthing their baby.
Birthing doula (BAsic package)
This package includes:
Three prenatal visits (1 per trimester or when client signs on with me. 1-2 hour sessions)
Doula support during labor + birth
One postpartum visit (1-2 hour sessions)
24-72 hrs after giving birth
One childbirth education course
Perinatal Yoga video package
Support with newborn “sleep training”
Mindful birthing guided meditation package
Childbirth education + postpartum care handbooks, birth experience template
24/7 communication with me
VIRTUAL Birthing doula (full package)
This package includes:
Monthly video chat support (begins from hire until 36 weeks)
Virtual support of labor + labor
One postpartum visit (1-2 hour sessions)
24-72 hrs after giving birth
Mindful birthing guided meditation package
Perinatal Yoga video package
Support with newborn “sleep training”
1:1 Wellness Coaching (3 sessions)
Childbirth education course
Childbirth education + postpartum care handbook, birth experience template
24/7 communication with me
additional services (in person or virtual)
This package includes:
Group or private perinatal yoga classes
Mommy/daddy + Me yoga classes
Childbirth education workshops for you + partner
1:1 Wellness Coaching
How to transition into “parenthood” workshop
Birthing doula (full package)
This package includes:
Three prenatal visits (1 per trimester or when client signs on with me. 1-2 hour sessions)
Doula support during labor + birth
One postpartum visit (1-2 hour sessions)
24-72 hrs after giving birth
Mindful birthing guided meditation package
Perinatal Yoga video package
Support with newborn “sleep training”
1:1 Wellness Coaching (3 sessions)
One childbirth education course
Childbirth education + postpartum care handbooks, birth experience template
24/7 communication with me
What I don’t provide:
Medical advice or care
Drive to appointments (I can accompany the parent)
Childcare/Nannying
Dog walking
Household tasks (e.g. cooking/meal planning)
Sleep and feeding assistance
Extensive newborn care
TESTIMONIALS
“My doula was absolutely amazing! Desiring a vbac with less than 2 years from my c section sounded crazy to most but I knew it was possible. Andrea was so supportive throughout my whole pregnancy always sharing knowledgeable resources that empowered me to go after what I wanted. After reaching 40 weeks pregnant I felt extremely overwhelmed and I was ready to give up on my dream of an unmedicated birth Andrea always had the right words to reassure me that baby girl will come when she was ready and that we were both doing great. I am so glad I remained patient and listened to body and allowed my baby girl to come on her own at 41 weeks and 1 day. Delivering my baby girl was an amazing experience having the right support team really makes THE difference.”
-Erica Serna
I’m happy with the support received during birth. Andrea is great in giving emotional support! What stood out to me is how Andrea stayed for a while after birth and really took care of what I needed and what baby needed so my partner can rest.
-Shamara Jolley
“My overall experience with my doula was a 10/10! I will forever be grateful for her ability to keep me grounded while in active labor. My doula was very hands on when it came to pressure points & massages to relax me. She was very knowledgeable and made me feel comfortable when asking questions even after birth. I will most definitely recommend Andrea as a doula to all my friends & family members.”
-Karen Serna
“Having the best knowledgeable support person.”
-Cindy Tran