What I Do

In ancient Greece, many women had handmaids called, doulas. Doulas were lifelong attendants to the family and usually knew them better than anyone else. The doula intuitively knew what to do for the family most times even before they knew their own needs. For the ancient Greek woman giving birth, it just made sense that her doula would be right by her side, along with the help of other supportive women from her family and community. Today, the doula role is very specific to the time surrounding the prenatal, birth, and immediate postpartum period. The benefits of having a doula accompany you on this journey remain profound and undisputable.

As a birth doula, I accompany you and your birth partner through your entire labor and birth, usually beginning when your labor is well established, either at your home, hospital or birth center until you have had your baby. I usually stay about an hour after the birth, to keep nurturing the space for you to bond with your new baby and begin breastfeeding.

During your labor, I draw on my extensive training and experience to provide you with emotional support and physical comfort. I'll help you communicate with the medical staff, prompting you with questions to ask. I'll reassure you and your partner with my continuous and consistent presence. I may make suggestions for labor progress, help with relaxation, soothing touch and massage, positioning, and other techniques for comfort. I help your partner create a calm and positive atmosphere for the birth of your baby. My loving touch helps childbearing women and families feel nurtured and cared for.

My Training and Experience

The first birth I attended was about 10 years ago right here in Austin. I was absolutely amazed and inspired by the power of the birthing woman. Although I did not realize it at the time, the calm and comforting space I helped create at that birth was my introduction to the doula profession. I started volunteering in the Prenatal Education Program at Any Baby Can Family Resource Center. I provided prenatal nutrition information, general health education, labor and birth support, and postnatal follow-up to many families in Travis County. I served mostly single, teen mothers as they made their transition into parenting.

Since 1996, I have attended over 300 births at hospitals, homes, and birth centers. Each one is as special as that very first one over 10 years ago. The birth of a baby is truly a miracle and I will never tire of bearing witness to it. I now enjoy a very busy doula practice, attending 3-4 births each month.

I am an active member and certified doula with DONA International (formerly Doulas of North America). As the state representative for DONA International, I mentor doulas and am often called to speak at doula trainings and special events all over Texas. I have produced talks about the doula role for The Texas Department of Health, Seton Medical Center, Midwives Alliance of North America and many parent support groups. I have also worked with The Coalition for Improving Maternity Services (CIMS - pronounced "kims") - a coalition of over 90,000 birth professionals and international organizations committed to bringing mother-friendly childbirth practices to every birthing woman and her family. I am currently pursuing mentor certification with Birthing from Within and teach Birthing From Within-style childbirth classes in my home.

I have attended several different childbirth classes in Austin including Lamaze, Bradley and HypnoBirthing to ensure that I understand each method of training and can therefore adapt my care for you accordingly. I am a certified breastfeeding educator with the Texas Department of Health, having completed over 40 hours of intensive breastfeeding training.

My Philosophy

The needs of childbearing families can be varied and complex. I believe that each labor and birth is a unique and miraculous experience, and that the emerging family is the center and focus of that experience. While the course of labor and birth is unpredictable, each family should be able to choose for themselves how they would like to respond to it - where they feel safe, who they want to deliver their baby, who else they would like to have with them, and whether or not they want to use pain medications, and other technology. I also believe there is no 'perfect' way to have a baby - there is only 'your' way.

I believe that birth is fundamentally safe and normal, and that belief gives me the calmness I bring to your birth. My goal is to support my clients in reaching their goals, and not to try to persuade them to give birth in any particular way. I'm eager to help you find your own way, as this is your birth experience. I provide individualized care based on your particular circumstances and preferences.

Numerous clinical studies have found that a doula’s presence at birth:

• Tends to result in shorter labors with fewer complications
• Reduces negative feelings about one’s childbirth experience
• Reduces the need for pitocin (a labor-inducing drug), forceps or vacuum extraction and cesareans
• Reduces the mother’s request for pain medication and/or epidurals

Research shows parents who receive support:

• Feel more secure and cared for
• Are more successful in adapting to new family dynamics
• Have greater success with breastfeeding
• Have greater self-confidence
• Have less postpartum depression
• Have lower incidence of abuse

**Sources:
Maternity Wise
DONA

Choosing a Doula (doo'-lah)

You may be spending many hours with your doula in the same room, and it will be a particularly sensitive time for you. It's important that you choose a doula with whom you feel very comfortable. I am happy to spend time on the telephone with you to help you make a decision. I am also more than happy to arrange an interview so that you can meet me in person. If I am not the doula for you, I would be happy to give you referrals to other doulas in the area. My goal is that you have an experience where you feel respected, and to do that, you need the right doula for you!