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While there are certainly evidence-based benefits to having a doula (lower use of epidurals, labor augmentation tools, cesarean rates, etc.), I also like to acknowledge other ways in which having doula support can benefit a mother. Mothers who have doula support during their pregnancy, birth, and throughout postpartum often feel more calm, informed, and equipped for what they may experience during their early motherhood journey. Doula support is more than just helping a mom get through one contraction and to the next—it's about holding a mother through one of the most transformational and sacred times of her life. Being a doula is about helping a mother to feel loved, seen, cherished, prepared, informed, and deeply cared for while she focuses on doing the same for her baby. When things don't go as planned during birth, doulas can benefit a family by helping the family to navigate conversations with providers, gaining all the information they need to make a fully-informed decision. Doulas can assist in helping families understand interventions and smoothly navigate a change in birth plans. The support of doulas far extends that of the statistics (although those are greatly reassuring in and of themselves!).
During my time as a doula, I have witnessed some incredible support from husbands as their wives navigate the throes of labor to birth their babies. Despite this, often times dad express much gratitude for having a doula as part of their birth team. You see, the role of a doula is not to take the place of what a husband can provide for his wife in the birth space, but to compliment his support. When I am supporting a family, I ensure that dads have the same information as moms and are being prepared to fully support their wives during labor and postpartum. I will also provide gentle guidance to fathers during birth in order to assure they are showing up for their wives the best way they can, making them an integral part of the birthing experience. Additionally, I value dads also being well nourished, hydrated, and rested (same as the mother) so that he can continue to show up for his wife and baby fully. I am there to step in when dad might need a chance to attend to his own basic human needs during especially long births, so that no mother has to labor alone for any period of time. Doula support often benefits the whole family, not just the mother.
I believe that birth is an inherently spiritual event and is a beautiful opportunity for a mother to encounter God, calling on Him in one of the moments of deepest need in her life. As a Christian doula who frequently works with other Christian families, I encourage mothers to invite God to be an integral part of birth preparation and the process of giving birth. Often times, this looks like discussing the spiritual component of birth preparation and childbirth during prenatal visits, believing in God's design of the baby, female body, and birthing process, and encouraging a mother with scripture or prayer at anytime during our time together, if it seems it would benefit the mother and family. For families who do not associate with Christianity, I remain respectful of their beliefs and shift my primary focus to the mental and physical aspects of birth preparation and encouragement during the birthing process.
Generally, I remain within the general Tucson area (extending to and past Sahuarita, Oro Valley, Marana, etc.) for in-person birth support, however, have made exceptions in the past, traveling as far as Phoenix to support a birth. If you are wondering whether I service your location, please reach out via a contact form to schedule a free consultation.
Unfortunately, I do not accept insurance at this time. You are more than welcome to request an invoice to submit to your insurance provider to see if they will cover my services, however.
Yes! Payments throughout the duration of doula support in pregnancy are accepted. The only deadlines include a non-refundable deposit upon signing the contract, another payment due at 32 weeks, and the full amount due by 37 weeks, at which point I would go on call for you.
As a doula, I understand that birth does not always go to plan. Because of this, I am flexible and will adjust alongside your family, if your birth plans or location changes. I will work with you to ensure you have all the details needed to make an informed decision and will support whatever route you decide is best for you and your baby, even if this is different than originally discussed during our prenatal visits. If a cesarean section is needed, I will remain present in the hospital until you are well and settled afterwards, remaining available for support, questions, and the transition between your room, the OR, and into your postpartum recovery room. Typically, doulas are not allowed back in the OR, however, I will gladly accept if the invitation is extended to me.