Proudly serving the Dayton, Ohio region.

What is a doula?

According to Dr. Christine Morton, author of the book Birth Ambassadors, a birth doula is a companion who supports a birthing person during labor and birth. Birth doulas are trained to provide continuous, one-on-one care, as well as information, physical support, and emotional support to birthing persons and their partners.

I’m here to encourage you, support you, and create a safe, judgment-free space throughout your pregnancy and birth journey. During pregnancy, I’m available via phone and email for any questions or concerns. Once you enter your on-call window, I’ll be available to you 24/7 as you prepare for your birthing time.

We’ll meet for prenatal appointments where we’ll discuss your birth preferences, explore comfort techniques, and clearly define my role in supporting you. When labor begins, I’ll be by your side every step of the way.

I also encourage your partner or support person to be as involved as they feel comfortable, and I provide emotional and physical support for both of you throughout the experience. After your baby is born, I’ll stay to assist with initial bonding and breastfeeding (if desired).

Once you're home and settling in, I’ll provide postpartum support where we’ll reflect on your birth, answer any lingering questions, and connect you with helpful community resources.

What is the data behind having a doula?

Overall, people who received continuous support were more likely to have spontaneous vaginal births and less likely to have any pain medication, epidurals, negative feelings about childbirth, vacuum or forceps-assisted births, and Cesareans. In addition, their labors were shorter by about 40 minutes and their babies were less likely to have low Apgar scores at birth. There is a smaller amount of evidence that doula support in labor can lower postpartum depression in mothers. There is no evidence for negative consequences to continuous labor support. For more information:

• https://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/

As a Doula, I do NOT:

Doulas are not medical professionals, and the following tasks are not performed by doulas:

• perform clinical tasks such as vaginal exams or fetal heart monitoring

• give medical advice or diagnose conditions

• make decisions for the client (medical or otherwise)

• pressure the birthing person into certain choices just because that’s what they prefer

• take over the role of the partner

• catch the baby

• change shifts (although some doulas may call in their back-up after 12-24 hours)