What is a Doula?

The word "doula" (doo-la) comes from the Greek word for the most important female servant in an ancient Greek household, the woman who probably helped the lady of the house through her childbearing. The word has come to refer to "a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth." (Klaus, Kennell and Klaus, The Doula Book)

As a mother, Birthing From Within Mentor and Birth Doula, I have experienced and witnessed the internal wisdom that women possess as they labor, give birth and become mothers. I honor birth as a rite of passage for women and celebrate the initiation into parenthood for you and your partner.

As your doula, I strive to make your birth experience positive and empowering, regardless of how it unfolds. Because there is no "right" way to birth your baby, I focus on supporting your intuitive wisdom, staying present in the process, while supporting you and your partner in each moment.

Click here for a detailed description of my services and fees.

Benefits of a Birth Doula:
* Shorter labor by 25% (average two hours less for first time mothers)
* Reduced need for pain medication
* Fewer episiotomies
* 40% reduction in the use of forceps
* 40% reduction in the use of Pitocin
* 50% reduction in cesarean rate
* 60% reduction in the request of epidurals
* Greater satisfaction with the birth
* Better mother infant interaction
* Improved neonatal outcomes
* Increased breastfeeding success