Some women may assume that a doula is not for them based on the common misconception that doulas will only support a natural birth.  I have learned that some women who desired my services thought they would be ineligible due to their plans for pain management and other common birthing situations.

First of all, this is your birth.  I cannot stress this point enough.  I am here to support you during this birth.  It's as simple as that.  Everyone has their own agenda walking into each birth, you, your partner, your families, the nurses, the doctors, the tech who comes to draw your blood, Everyone.  My job is to leave my own ideas about birthing at my door when I leave & come to you with an open mind, strong body and loving support.

A doula cannot tell you how to birth, only give you ideas and tools derived from evidence based care to use during your pregnancy, labor and immediately postpartum. It is your choice to implement these ideas.

If you choose to use narcotics or an epidural as  pain relief during your birth, it is just that, your choice.  It is not within my scope of practice to tell you whether or not to use these forms of pain relief.  I will help you find the information necessary to make an informed decision about your pain relief choice, and support you no matter the decision you make.

Should you choose to have your labor induced or to have a surgical birth, this also does not preclude you from having doula support.

While it is true that many women who seek doula support desire a more natural birth, it certainly is not a hard and fast rule.  My goal is to support you through your birth how you see it and as the situation dictates. 

If you still have questions about whether or not you want a doula to attend your birth, please do not hesitate to ask questions.  I am more than willing to answer your questions and/or have a free initial consultation so you can make a more informed decision.

How many clients do you take per month?

I can only take two clients per month. Why so few? My goal is to block out 2 weeks before and after your due date to be completely available for your birth. If I cannot clear all those dates, I will let you know.

Also, I do not have a backup in the immediate Heidelberg area. I do have the possibility of asking another doula who is roughly an hour away to be my backup, but that's not ideal on a regular basis. If I have too many clients lined up in a month, the possibility exists that I may miss a birth while attending another. It would be irresponsible for me to let that happen.

Finally, I am blessed by a great group of friends who are willing to take my children, but I rely on their kindness and cannot take advantage of that to attend more births. I can only take on clients as my family situation dictates so that I am able to give you my 100% attention as you deserve.

Do I really need a birth plan?

If you are planning a low intervention birth, yes. Why? Care providers today are not used to women wanting to let their bodies do what they need to without the many interventions that have become common place. A simple one page reminder will do the job. And yes, I am happy to help you draw up a plan.

Do you have breastfeeding support services?

I now offer additional support above and beyond the initiating the breastfeeding relationship with your new baby.  I am in the process of completing the Certified Lactation Counselor course through Childbirth International.  So if you have questions, or know you are having some troubles with you wee one nursing, please don't hesitate to contact me.  Fees are on a case by case basis and are not included in the birth doula package.