FAQs

Are you a certified doula? Who are you certified through?

Great question! I recently completed my training through the SLO Birth Collective, and I am actively working on completing my certification. I plan to have my certification complete by the end of 2022.

What exactly is a doula and what does doula care look like?

A doula is a non-medical professional who is trained in providing continous emotional and physical support to mothers during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and the early postpartum period. The word doula comes from a Greek word meaning “a woman who serves.” Doula care looks like offering comfort measures to the mother, offering information and reassurance, assisting the partner in supporting the mother, and encouraging the mother to become informed about various birth choices.

How much experience do you have as a doula?

At the time of this writing, I have attended 15 births and counting. These include hospital births, home births, and birth center births. However, the majority of my experience is in unmedicated home and birth center births. Before going through training, I gave birth to three kids myself, and then was asked by multiple friends to support them through their own labors. I’m really enjoying stepping into this role now as a trained doula and offering my services to a broader group of women.

Why did you decide to become a doula?

I decided to become a doula because I am passionate about supporting, educating, and empowering women to face pregnancy, labor and motherhood fearlessly and confidently. I believe all women should feel supported and informed when it comes to childbirth.

How does having a doula affect birth outcomes?

Research has shown that women who receive continuous support from doulas are more likely to have better outcomes than women who receive other types of continuous support. What the statistics have to say about outcomes for women who receive continuous labor support:

-31% decrease in the use of Pitocin

-28% decrease in the risk of C-section

-12% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth

-9% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief

-14% decrease in the risk of her newborn being admitted to a special care nursery

-34% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience

I’ve noticed you talk about God. Do you work with people who are non-religious?

Yes! Thanks for asking. My faith is a big part of my life, but I will follow your lead and respect your beliefs and perspective. I am very able and willing to serve and work with people from all different faith traditions, ethnicities and backgrounds. I believe there is always common ground to be found.

Why Night Song?

Many births happen in the quiet darkness of night, and I see myself as holding vigil for you during that birth process, holding a song of hope and joy in my heart for you, the birthing mother.