Per the professionals over at DONA, a Doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a mother before, during and shortly after childbirth to help her achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible. They are there to support the family "welcoming" a baby into the world and to help the entire family,  moms and partners included, to have a positive experience.

What is a doula?

Doulas are there for families as a staple of comfort, education, and services in pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. Doulas support couples with making a birth plan, advocating for moms during labor, and guides you with continuous emotional and physical support. This looks different from family to family, but always includes encouragement, positivity, and compassion in your birth story. Whether planning for a natural birth or to have an epidural, your Doula should be a constant source of support and information.

What do doulas do?

Increased labor satisfaction
Support in coping with the unpredictability of labor. 
Reduces negative feelings about one’s childbirth experience
More successful in adapting to a new family dynamics
Greater success in breastfeeding
Support in creating your Birth Plan, or birth preferences
Established lines of communication for parents & care team

Birthers with doula’s are: 
28% less likely to have a cesarean section
31% less likely to use synthetic oxytocin to speed up labor
9% less likely to use any pain medication
34% less likely to rate their childbirth negatively
Less likely to have postpartum depression

Some of the benefits of having a doula include, but are not limited, to:

What are the benefits of having a doula?

Though I myself planned for and had a natural birth, it is really my role to support whatever birth experience you desire. Whether you’d like to plan for a natural birth or opt to have an epidural, my role will always be to champion and support your birth plan.

Do you work with natural or epidural births?

Doulas are an awesome addition to have to your birthing team, with the expertise and passion for all things birth! While they don’t replace your partner, nurse, midwife, or doctor, they’re a valuable addition to your birthing team. In fact, studies have shown that women who use a doula have improved labor and delivery outcomes! As a doula, our role is to help you and your partner feel empowered to advocate for yourselves during your birth experience.

Won't my partner be able to support me?

DONA Birth Doula Trained (January 2021)

Since the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended that every birthing woman have a doula in 2016, this career path has been on my radar. My doula journey officially started in November 2020 after I was gifted a DONA Birth Doula Workshop, and I decided to switch gears and support this integral time in a parent's life.. This year, I have 1 more Labor/Birth in order to apply for my DONA Birth Doula Certification and officially start my career as birth champion, side kick, and your Doula, Peachy.

What are your credentials?