What is a doula?

a doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support, as well as birthplace advocacy for all women, birthing people and partners before, during and shortly after birth to help them achieve an informed, healthy, empowering and deeply satisfying experience.

Do I need a doula? Can my partner be my doula?

Doulas can be a highly beneficial part of a birth team for any birthing person and for all types of birth - first timer, second timer, hospital, home, cesarean, etc.

An experienced doula will know your needs, wants and desires in order to effectively and respectfully advocate for you and your partner. This will allow you to focus inward and your partner to focus on you without distraction. We are also trained to provide your partner with the essential knowledge and tools to confidently support you throughout your labor and delivery.

And emotional support shortens labor! Continuous one on one support in labor is associated with decreased use of anesthesia, fewer cesarean sections and SHORTER labors. This is because one on one emotional support creates a biophysical response on birth itself (hello, oxytocin!) making labor shorter and safer; and feeling safe while giving birth is essential to the physiological process of birth.

Read more on the evidence on doulas here

Won’t my OB/Midwife do that?

The short answer is, no. Doctors and midwives are not necessarily able to or trained to provide physical, emotional or other supports before, during and postpartum. Our purpose is to fill those gaps while protecting your space and honoring you, your baby and your desires.

How can a doula help with a Cesarean birth?

We will provide emotional support through the planning process and help you plan the most rewarding, empowering and beautiful cesarean birth. We will also provide a safe space for fear releasing, walk you through what to expect, and provide extra postpartum support while you heal.

What if I’m planning a medicated birth?

We are trained and knowledgeable for all types of labor support. We can help you adjust your body throughout a pain managed labor to promote optimal fetal positioning, comfort and a smooth pushing stage.

What is a postpartum doula?

A postpartum doula is specifically trained to provide a comforting, nonjudgmental space for you to share any and all emotional concerns, help you process your birth experience, provide feeding support, offer newborn care tips and aid, help around the house i.e. cooking, cleaning, etc. This helps provide you and your partner the time and opportunity to rest, cuddle and bond with your new baby.

Do you offer payment plans?

Absolutely. We hope to make our services accessible to anyone who needs it. After an initial deposit, our payment plan will allow you to pay “whatever you can, whenever you can” until the full amount is paid. We are also open to bartering and gift certificates - just ask!

Do you travel?

Yes! We are based in Cumberland, Maryland but service a 65 mile radius. Anything outside of this radius will come with an additional travel fee per visit or other options for prenatal visits such as virtual visits or a different meeting point.