At its simplest, a doula is a trained birth support professional. A doula is trained to understand the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor, and provides continuous individualized support to achieve the best birth outcomes possible for mothers, babies and their families.

The benefits of having a doula attend your birth are ample and evidence-based. Doulas add a necessary layer of care currently missing from the status quo birth experience. Studies show that having a doula present at birth results in improved birth outcomes, improved newborn health and improved satisfaction ratings including:

-shorter labors with fewer complications

-decreased risk of Cesarean, forceps/vacuum extractions

-decreased use of medications for pain relief

-decreased use of Pitocin

-decreased risk of NICU

-higher APGAR scores

-greater satisfaction of overall birth experience

-greater success in breastfeeding

-reduced risk of postpartum depression & anxiety

Furthermore, mothers who receive support during labor report feeling more secure and self-confident, no matter the circumstances of their birth.

I am not a medical professional. I do not give medical advice or perform clinical tasks. I won’t prescribe a treatment or medication, conduct cervical checks, monitor fetal heart tones, or assess the physical health of you or your baby - those are your care provider’s role. I also do not make decisions for you. This is YOUR birth. I support you in making empowered choices that make you feel heard, respected, and cared for.

People often think doulas are only for first time birthers who want unmedicated vaginal births. However, I believe all families deserve doula support support whether you’re planning a spontaneous vaginal birth, a medicated or Epidural-assisted birth, a VBAC, or a planned induction or Cesarean. I especially love working with homebirth families, and those who are pregnant after loss.

I believe that physiologic birth is a natural, normal, bodily function, and is not inherently a medical emergency. Birth does not have to be traumatic or urgent. Birth can be joyful, un-rushed, restorative, peaceful. I believe that birth belongs to birthers, not the institution we birth in, or our care providers. I believe that the way our society treats birth is both limiting and harmful. “Healthy mom, healthy baby” is the bare minimum around here -- HOW we birth matters. Bodies are wise and know how to birth. Babies are wise and know how to be born. I believe that when we protect the birthing body and honor the birth process, birth becomes a sacred rite of passage, and a portal with the ultimate opportunity to discover untapped inner resources of strength and power.

Physiologic birth is the innate capacity of a woman’s body to birth her baby without disruption, intervention or medical interference. Most of the time, birth will happen just as it is biologically designed to, with the exception of a true medical emergency. Birth research shows us that the safest and best outcomes come from protecting physiologic birth, letting labor begin spontaneously and progress in its own meandering way without being rushed. Babies know how to be born!

I completed the Birth Doula Training taught by Michelle Welborn @ Natural Resources in Spring 2023. This was 38 hours of hands-on education over 7 weeks.

Additional Trainings include:

CPR Infant Certification 2023

Miscarriage Doula Certification 2024

Blossoming Bellies Birth Childbirth Crash Course 2024 - 8 C.E hours [Movement and Counterpressure for Comfort and Labor Progress, Epidurals, Peanut Balls for Efficiency, Cesareans, Pushing, Preserving the Perineum]

I could never replace the value and necessity of a committed and involved birth partner! I know BIRTH but your partner knows YOU! Your partner loves you more than anyone else in the world, and that’s your super power. 

However, birth partners are also having their own special experience during birth. I'll be there alongside your partner, as an objective 3rd party. I can also provide coaching and support for the birth partner who wants it!

I do not replace your partner. I work with them. Together, we form a strong, supportive team centered around you.

I am based in Oakland. I attend births and tend to families postpartum in the East Bay and San Francisco. My exact service area is here. I charge an extra travel fee for bridge tolls/parking for clients in SF.