"If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it." John H Kennell, M.D.
What I Offer as a Doula:
I have attended births since 2007 and have experience in all birth settings: home, birth center, and hospital. During both of my natural childbirths I was assisted by my husband and a doula. Her service to me was indispensable. Those two experiences in part drove my decision to begin a career in the childbirth field. I am happy to discuss with you your questions or wishes for your own birth and the role I play as your doula.
If you choose me as your doula I will accompany you through labor to help ensure a safe and fulfilling birth experience. I draw on my knowledge and skills to provide physical, emotional, and informational support to everyone present at the birth. My role is to help you have a satisfying birth as you define it.
Included in my fee are the following:
If you choose me as your doula I will accompany you through labor to help ensure a safe and fulfilling birth experience. I draw on my knowledge and skills to provide physical, emotional, and informational support to everyone present at the birth. My role is to help you have a satisfying birth as you define it.
Included in my fee are the following:
- A no cost, initial interview to be sure I am the right fit for you
- Prenatal visit to discuss your birth plans in detail and cover personal relaxation techniques we may use during your birth
- Birth plan preparation assistance if desired
- Phone/email support offered through pregnancy until 2 weeks postpartum
- On-call 24/7 two weeks prior to and two weeks following your due date
- Continuous support throughout labor
- Postnatal support, including breastfeeding, immediately following the birth until the family is ready for quite time together (typically 2 hours following the birth)
- Postnatal visit in your home to discuss the birth, answer any questions, offer breastfeeding support, referrals, baby care tips, etc.
- In case an emergency prevents me from attending your birth I work with a back up doula
- Upon request I will provide you with an invoice, provider number, and procedure codes to facilitate your submission for reimbursement to your insurance provider.
Testimonials...
"My labor and delivery was beautiful - everything I had hoped it would be - and I really think that is due to our decision to hire Danielle. She taught our childbirth education class and after getting to know her, we decided she was a good fit for us. I labored at home and Danielle was there every step of the way, first coaching over the phone and then coming to our home when things started getting intense and I was ready for additional support. By the time they checked me at the hospital, I was fully dilated - the timing was perfect. I am so thrilled that I was able to labor at home for so long and give birth to my baby boy naturally. I really couldn't ask for a better birth experience and I am thankful to Dani for her part in it." S.K. 2011
"Looking back on my four day labor, I know I could not have made it through without Danielle. She helped me remain clam when that seemed impossible, and led me through breathing that relaxed me and made the contractions bearable. She provided guidance and support when I needed to make decisions about the labor and delievery -- which I couldn't imagine doing alone in that state! Her support was conforting and unwavering and somehow exactly what I needed when I needed it." D.V. 2008
"Danielle was a great resource leading up to the birth of our first child. We were understandably anxious in anticipation and Danielle helped us formulate a birth plan that was right for us and eased our concerns. On the day I went into labor, Danielle was attentive and comforting ... She brought a calming feeling of support and understanding, and was a great relief for me and my husband. Danielle helped me to focus through each contraction and we were able to make it through with little medical intervention. I will use Danielle again when the time comes and recommend her to any and all who are expecting. Our experience with her was excellent!" E.D. 2010
Read more testimonials on DoulaMatch
"Looking back on my four day labor, I know I could not have made it through without Danielle. She helped me remain clam when that seemed impossible, and led me through breathing that relaxed me and made the contractions bearable. She provided guidance and support when I needed to make decisions about the labor and delievery -- which I couldn't imagine doing alone in that state! Her support was conforting and unwavering and somehow exactly what I needed when I needed it." D.V. 2008
"Danielle was a great resource leading up to the birth of our first child. We were understandably anxious in anticipation and Danielle helped us formulate a birth plan that was right for us and eased our concerns. On the day I went into labor, Danielle was attentive and comforting ... She brought a calming feeling of support and understanding, and was a great relief for me and my husband. Danielle helped me to focus through each contraction and we were able to make it through with little medical intervention. I will use Danielle again when the time comes and recommend her to any and all who are expecting. Our experience with her was excellent!" E.D. 2010
Read more testimonials on DoulaMatch
What is a DOULA?
The term doula refers to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth.
Studies continue to show that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorted with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily. "Continuous Support For Women During Childbirth Review", The Cochrane Library of Systematic Reviews. A birth doula:
Studies continue to show that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorted with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily. "Continuous Support For Women During Childbirth Review", The Cochrane Library of Systematic Reviews. A birth doula:
- Recognizes birth as a key expirence the mother will remember all her life
- Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor
- Assists the woman in preparing for and carrying out her birth plan
- Stays with the woman throughout the labor
- Provides emotional and physical support and an objective viewpoint, as well as helping the woman get the information she needs to make informed decisions
- Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner, and her clinical care providers
- Perceives her role as nurturing and protecting the woman's memory of the birth
- Supports the partner's participation at his/her comfort level