Doula Services

Doula Fees

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A Doula is a professional labor assistant who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a mother and her partner before, during and immediately after birth.

Studies show that births attended by doulas are shorter, have fewer complications and interventions, mothers are more satisfied with their experience and babies are healthier and breastfeed more easily.

Research shows the presence of a doula can:

• Decrease the cesarean section rate by 51%
• Decrease the length of labor by 25%
• Decrease pitocin use by 71%
• Decrease the use of epidurals by 60%
• Decrease the use of forceps by 57%

(Source: Mothering the Mother by Klaus, Kennel and Klaus)

As of 2010, my doula clients have a 93% vaginal birth rate with 86% delivering totally unmedicated! The current c-section rate in Kentucky is over 34%.

A birth doula:

• Recognizes childbirth as a key experience in a mother's life.
• Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor.
• Assists the woman and her partner in preparing and carrying out their plans for birth.
• Stays with the parents throughout the labor process.
• Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures and an objective viewpoint, as well as helping the couple get the information they need to make informed decisions.
• Facilitates communication between the couple and clinical care providers.
• Perceives her role as nurturing and protecting the woman's memory of her birth experiece.
• Helps the woman's partner to participate at his or her comfort level.

My Philosophy

I believe that birth is a natural, normal and transformative life event. I believe that most women have the inner power and strength to give birth to their babies without drugs and interventions – especially with the proper knowledge and support. As a Doula, I provide continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a mother and her partner before, during and immediately after childbirth. I feel it is my job as a doula to enhance the labor and birth experience for both the mother and her partner. I would love to help you have the safest and most rewarding birth experience possible.

Education & Training

Bachelor of Arts Degree, 1995
Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY

Natural Childbirth Educator, 2003-present
As a Certified CBE, I have more training than the average doula, and am therefore able to bring my extensive knowledge of birth into my experience as a doula.

DONA Certified Birth Doula, 2004-present
As a certified doula, I am required to earn a certain number of continuing education hours every year in order to stay on top of the latest research and maintain my skills as a doula. I am also required to attend a minimum number of births and receive positive evaluations by my clients to maintain certification.

Advanced Breastfeeding Workshop, September 2006
In this 3 hour DONA approved lactation workshop, I learned skills to help me better serve my clients with their breastfeeding needs.

Advanced Doula Skills Workshop, September 2006
The Use of TENS During Labor - In this 3.6 hour DONA approved workshop, I learned how to use a TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator) Unit during labor. Many of my clients have benefited from the use of my TENS training. (You must be a certified doula to use a TENS unit during labor).

Advanced Doula Skills Workshop, September 2006
Optimal Fetal Positioning - This 3.6 hour DONA approved workshop focused on techniques to help ensure proper fetal positioning which is very important in the labor process.

Postpartum Doula Training, October 2006
In this 27 hour DONA approved workshop, I learned how to help families adjust to their new role as parents. The skills I acquired during this workshop help me to better serve my birth doula clients after the births of their babies.

Lamaze Childbirth Educator Conference, September 2008

Personal Doula Experience

Natural birth • Planned epidural • VBAC (and VB after multiple Cesareans) • Home birth • Hospital birth (Clark Memorial Hospital, Norton Suburban Hospital, Baptist Hospital East, Norton Downtown, University of Louisville Hospital, Frankfort Regional Medical Center) • Water birth • Induction • Planned Cesarean • Twins • Posterior birth • Compound presentation • Breech • Prolonged labor • Precipitous labor • Single mothers • Teenage mothers • Back labor • PROM • Unexpected outcomes • etc.

Dads & Doulas

Many dads want to be as involved as possible in the birth of their baby. Sometimes parents may worry that a doula will interfere in this process when quite the opposite is true. Doulas actually help the partners to be more involved in the process in most cases.

Labor can be a very emotional and stressful experience. Having a knowledgeable and caring doula can help make the process more enjoyable and less scary for both the mom and the dad.

A doula can help reassure both parents that everything is normal and help the father understand the woman's instinctive behavior during birth. Many dads are much less anxious when a doula is present. He can more fully participate in the experience rather than worrying about remembering everything he learned in childbirth classes.

The father's presence and loving support is an important part of the birthing process. The love he shares with the mother and baby are gifts only he can provide.

The partner's love, dedication and attention coupled with the expertise and guidance of a skilled doula makes for the best possible birthing experience for both the mother and the father.

I would love to be a part of your birth team!