Why have a doula?
Pregnancy and birth are a time of great transformation, where we learn much about ourselves and what matters most to us, where we gather up our resources and support around us for the big change into a bigger family and all the joys and challenges this brings. I know that birth is very important to lifelong relationships in families and to parents’ feelings of being strong and capable; not a certain type of birth, but a birth where they were connected to each other, where they felt supported and heard, where the decisions were theirs’ to make and where their baby was warmly welcomed by the family.
In preparation for and during this very special time, many couples benefit from the support of a doula. Since 2008, I have been fortunate to be alongside many couples throughout this important and magical time. I feel called to offer this support as I know what a difference it can make to have a strong advocate with whom you and your partner have already formed a trusting relationship, who can hold the space for you, believe in and support you, help you navigate services and choices, and encourage a good, safe working relationship with other care givers.
I strongly believe in every woman's ability to know what is right for her and her baby and that, with support of her partner and/or doula and access to information, she can safely birth her baby with grace, strength and passion. I believe in the ability of women's bodies to birth their babies, and in the power of our given physiology. I have supported many women planning to birth after caesarean (VBAC) and those considered high risk, those planning to birth at home with and without midwives, and those planning c sections. I am very knowledgeable about your rights and am happy to support you to birth in your way. I do not have a preference as to how you birth your baby, but know that you do, and that you will want unconditional support with that.