What Is a Doula
Think of a doula as your birth-side person.
A doula is a trained, non-medical birth professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support throughout pregnancy, labor, birth, and the early postpartum period.
I'm not there to replace your doctor, midwife, nurse, or partner. I'm there for you. To help you understand your options, prepare for what's ahead, get comfortable when labor gets intense, involve your partner, and help you feel supported when plans change.
I don't make decisions for you. I help you feel confident making your own.
Emotional Support
A calm person in your corner.
Birth can be exciting, intense, unpredictable—and sometimes all three at once. I bring reassurance, encouragement, breathing support, and a steady presence when you need it most.
Physical Support
Hands-on help through labor.
Position changes, movement, massage, counterpressure, hip squeezes, breathing techniques, heat, comfort tools, and plenty of "let's try this instead" when something isn't working.
Informational Support
Because you deserve to understand your options.
When choices or interventions come up, I help you slow things down, understand what's being offered, and think through questions you may want to ask your care team—so you can make informed decisions about your care.
Partner Support
I'm not replacing your partner—I'm helping them support you, too.
I help partners know what to do, where to help, and how to stay involved. Whether that means showing them a hip squeeze, suggesting a position, or giving them reassurance when they're unsure, we're a team.
Your doula doesn't take over your birth. She helps you feel more prepared to take part in it.
Explore Birth Doula Support →What a Doula Isn't
Your medical provider — or a replacement for your partner.
A doula provides non-medical support and works alongside your OB, midwife, nurses, and partner. I don't diagnose, perform clinical tasks, or make medical decisions for you.
My role is to help you feel informed, supported, and confident while your medical team handles your clinical care.
Common Questions
You might be wondering…
Do I still need a doula if my partner will be there?
Absolutely. I work with your partner, not instead of them. I can show them ways to support you, suggest comfort techniques, and help them feel confident and involved—while also giving them space to simply be your partner.
What if I want an epidural?
You can absolutely have an epidural and a doula. I can still help with positioning, comfort, rest, partner support, understanding what's happening, and navigating decisions as labor progresses. There's no "right" way to birth here.
What if my birth doesn't go according to plan?
That's often when support matters most. If plans change, I'll help you understand what's happening, think through your options, ask questions, and stay grounded as you decide what feels right for you.
Will you advocate for me?
Yes—but advocacy doesn't mean speaking over you. I'll help you understand your options, remind you of your preferences, and encourage you to ask questions so your voice stays at the center of your care.