My first experience of birth was with my first son, at home, in our bedroom, in our tiny house, with two experienced midwives. It was incredible work, and the beginning of a deep understanding of the capabilities of women that I could not have fathomed. This was the first step towards my work as a birth doula. The picture at left was taken moments after the birth of my second son, also in our home, in a tub. That was the moment that I could no longer resist the calling to support other families. It was not long after this that I emailed my midwives about my epiphany, and 6 months after my son’s birth, I was attending doula training with Birth Arts International.

I have been involved with birth ever since, whether it be in person, by phone, or via email support, even when I was officially “on a break” to sort out life. I come to this work with love. Nothing more, nothing less. My experience only adds to what I am able to share, and with each birth I learn so much, and I am so very honored to be a part of your path.

Some of my roles:

• My first priority is to hold the space. A sense of peace and normalcy goes a long way.
• I offer early support to help mothers labor at home as long as desired, and can help you decide when it’s time to call the midwife or head to the hospital or birth center.
• I am available to answer any questions, offer encouragement, and to help a mother evaluate where she and baby are in the moment.
• I can suggest different positions and techniques to aid in optimal fetal positioning
• I can provide massage and counter pressure to help a mother work with her contractions.
• I can also guide a partner in providing this physical support.
• I am able to offer hot and cold packs, simple foods and drink.
• After the birth or at the postpartum visit, I am available to assist with breastfeeding. 

This is a short list, but it gives a general overview of what you might expect.

Working with a Birth Doula can:

• Result in a shorter labor with fewer complications
• Reduce the need for interventions, including pitocin, epidurals, vacuum extraction, forceps, and cesarean
• Increase success with breastfeeding
• Reduce the chance of postpartum depression

As your doula, I provide unlimited support via email and phone to address any concerns or questions that you may have, as well as two prenatal visits. Two weeks before your estimated due date until two weeks after your estimated due date, I remain on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to be notified of the onset of labor. I ask that you notify me early in the onset of labor or if your water has broken to allow time for me to arrange to meet at the your home or at the birth center or hospital. I will support you and your partner while laboring at home or in the birth center or hospital for the full duration of labor (note: I may take a break if labor goes beyond 24 hours) and up to 2 hours after the birth. I will provide one postpartum visit within 1 week after the birth.

My fee for births is $650 within Philadelphia and $750 outside the city limits.

Interested in setting up a time to talk? Please fill out my Birth Doula Consult form.