A doula, specifically a labor/birth doula, is a person who provides continuous support to a birthing person during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum. Doulas provide information, emotional and physical support by encouraging the birthing person and new parent(s).

My favorite resource is Evidence Based Birth, a website focused on providing evidence based information about pregnancy, birth, labor, interventions, medical procedures and more. Check out their evidence based facts for why having a doula is important here.

But don’t just take their word for it! In 2019, the New York Times worked with Dr. Neel Shah, assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive biology at Harvard Medical School about the gaining traction of “having someone in your corner during an emotionally intense experience ...[and] more concrete benefits” (Haelle, 2019)

The Mayo Clinic has even noted that “some studies [show] that continuous support from doulas during childbirth might be associated with:

• a decreased use of pain relief medication during labor

• a decreased incidence of C-sections

• a decrease in the length of labor

• a decrease in negative childbirth experiences”

(Butler Tobah, 2021)

Over the last few years, the maternal mortality rate has received significant attention, with doulas and midwives playing a large part in the decrease of death.

According to the CommonWealth Fund, the CDC, the Gates Foundation, the Lancet, the United States of America ranks last in maternal mortality out of most industrialized nations.

https://www.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/lancet/PIIS0140-6736(14)60696-6.pdf

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hestat/maternal-mortality/2020/maternal-mortality-rates-2020.htm

https://www.gatesfoundation.org/goalkeepers/report/2021-report/progress-indicators/maternal-mortality/

In 2020 alone, the death rate increased by 20% while most countries actually saw a decline.

See my story here.

I work with anyone in need. Though I am contracted with programs that serve particular groups (moms under 24, black women/birthing people), I don’t turn anyone away if they aren’t in those groups. Overall, women and birthing people are dying or being traumatized at an alarming rate in the US. If I can help any family avoid negative outcomes, I will.

Please contact me if you are hiring a doula for someone other than yourself or a partner.

Example: grandparents hiring for child, adoptive parents hiring for birthing person, couple hiring for surrogate, etc.

Right now my focus is hospitals and birthing centers. I will eventually branch out to home births with certified midwives.

As long as you are not putting yourself or your baby in danger, I will support you. Whether that means helping you make an informed decision about the subject or just encouraging you that your decision for you and your child is the best for you both.

I was trained in January 2021 by CAPPA trainer, Katie Nyberg and have been a doula ever since. I currently have served six clients and have been to two births so far.

As your doula, my personal opinion is not helpful or important for your decision making. I will provide you with evidence based information that can empower you to make the best choice.

I will not try to sway you one way or another, but will notify you if something is a medical necessity that would endanger you or your child if you don’t do it.

I am willing to travel throughout Iowa and Missouri but no farther than three hours from Des Moines in any direction.

There are hospitals I prefer for one reason or another but ultimately it’s your choice of hospital. If I feel uncomfortable at a specific place, I can refer you to a doula who does.

As long as you would like once you go to the hospital! Often birth can be pretty boring, so taking naps can be vital for you, your support partner, and me. But only if you are comfortable with that. Otherwise I’ll be with you the whole time.

As a professional but not medically trained provider I cannot perform any medical procedure including but not limited to cervical checks, fetal monitoring, IV placement and more.

There are multiple types of doulas but some of the main ones in reproductive work include abortion doula, labor doula, postpartum doula, and fertility doula. Planned Parenthood outlines different types and what they are here.

Abortion Doulas assist people during abortions whether that be a medication or surgical abortion. Read more here.

Labor Doulas are the most common doulas. They help during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and for some of the postpartum period. See above answer for more information.

Postpartum Doulas focus solely on the postpartum period also known as the fourth trimester. They can provide care in multiple areas. Read more here.

Fertility Doulas assist families and individuals with getting pregnant—from education to emotional support these doulas are there to encourage and counsel those who want to be parents. Read more here.

I am currently a labor doula which does include some postpartum training.

My goal in 2022 is to train as a postpartum and fertility doula so I can expand my scope of practice for the betterment of our community, especially working with the black and lgbtq+ communities.

The best way to handle a conflict with your medical provider is to ask questions. One technique to follow is BRAIN.

BRAIN stands for Benefits, Risks, Alternatives, Intuition, Next Steps (or “No”).

Ask your doctor about the benefits, risks, and alternatives of each procedure or medical advice. Following up, what does your gut tell you? Then next steps, maybe this means going with an alternative or agreeing to the procedure. It’s up to you to make the decision that’s best for you and your family.

Remember, you hire the doctor, not the other way around. If you don’t agree with something even after gathering all the information, get a second opinion! It’s your body and your baby and you have a right to say no to anything that doesn’t feel right.