As your birth doula I use my professional training, experience and intuition to support you during your labor and birth. I provide continuous physical, emotional and informational support to you and your partner(s).
So what exactly does that look like?
During pregnancy: I meet with you and your partner(s) for prenatal sessions. During these sessions we explore the stages of labor and birth and what to expect physically and emotionally. We discuss and define your priorities and birth desires, address any fears or concerns and identify your personal ways of coping with discomfort, stress and fatigue. We build our relationship and gain a deep understanding of how we can best work together as a birth team. In addition to the in person meetings we are in regular communication via phone, text and/or email. I encourage open communication, questions and check ins, it all helps me better support you during your birth.
I provide evidence-based information about your options and help explain medical procedures. I support you fully in whatever decisions you make about your body and your baby. I will advocate for you by reminding you of your options and rights. If I see a deviation from your birth preferences I will raise it for you and/or your partner to discuss with your healthcare provider.
When you are in labor: I meet you at your home or place of birth and remain with you until after the birth of your baby. During this time I provide continuous support for you and your partner, holding the space for you to birth your baby your way. When needed I suggest coping techniques such as breathing, visualizations, mantras, movement and position changes to help labor progress and/or ease discomfort. I also use massage, pressure point relief, Rebozo techniques and essential oils for comfort and to encourage relaxation. I ensure you stay hydrated and overall create an environment conducive to birthing. If you labor with an epidural I suggest suitable positions which will continue to aid your body in it's state of active labor and help you into those positions. I am with you all the way through the birth of your baby. If you birth your baby via a planned cesarian birth we work together to define your birth preferences and how I can provide support specific to this birthing option.
After your birth: I stay with you until after the placenta is delivered, you are comfortable, and your family seems ready for quiet time together. I help with initial breastfeeding and ensure you are comfortable. All of this takes approximately two hours. I check on you the day after your birth via phone to see how you are doing and remain available to you for support and questions.
When you are ready we arrange a postpartum visit, during which we chat and review your birth story and see how you are feeling. I answer any questions and will supply postpartum resources if needed. I also love, LOVE having a cuddle of baby too, doula perks!
“I couldn’t imagine not having Kat with me while laboring and delivering. She was such a calm and knowledgeable force. At several points Kat knew what was happening with my labor before I did. She was an amazing advocate and maintained composure in a challenging hospital environment all while never leaving my side and always reassuring me that I was doing well. We feel so blessed to have had Kat with us”
Here are some of the babies I had the honor of witnessing come into the world, baby snuggles are the best!
I am there for YOU, the birthing person, my responsibility is towards you solely, not towards a hospital administrator, nurse, midwife, or doctor.
My birth philosophy.
I believe the positive effects of a laboring person being supported, respected and surrounded by love during birth ripples out further than we can measure. If the rights, wishes and wholistic wellbeing of mother and baby are not given priority we are failing more than just that mother and baby.
If women are constantly told stories of fear. If they are dismissed when they ask for evidence based information and care. If they are treated as passive participants which limits the ability to fully connect with their bodies, their baby, their birth. How can they enter motherhood feeling confident, strong and joyful like this? How can she start off on the best foot to nurture and raise the next generation, the future of the world? To me it is this important.
My intention is for my birthing families to remember their birth journey with love no matter what path it takes or what options are chosen and know they were seen, heard and cared for. Birth should be more than just something to endure. With the right support it has the potential to be a transformative journey through which the birthing person travels, emerging on the other side stronger, empowered and ready for motherhood. Everyone should have a chance to experience that if they wish no matter how or where they choose to birth their baby. No judgements, no right or wrong choices, no expectations just compassionate support.
The Doula Effect
A few stats if you're into that...
31% decrease in use of Pitocin
28% decrease in the risk of Cesarean
12% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth
9% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief
14% decrease in the risk of newborns being admitted to a special care nursery
34% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience
source: Evidence Based Birth
