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Photographer: www.wandering.se

What is a doula?

A doula is an emotional, psychological, and physical support who can help you as a pregnant person and your partner with preparation before, during, and after childbirth. Pregnancy and birth are transformative events in many ways, and the feelings about giving birth can vary greatly.

Some feel positive, excited and ready, while others may experience anxiety, fear, or even shame related to those feelings. No matter what you're feeling, my primary role as a doula is to help you prepare for labor in a way that feels meaningful to you.

Support, knowledge, and confidence in childbirth and parenting—what does that mean?

SUPPORT: I want to be there as a calming voice and a familiar face, ready to meet you where you are during pregnancy, labor, or the postpartum period, with everything that entails. The goal is to ensure each transition feels smooth and trusting, so you don't feel alone or abandoned when you need support the most.


KNOWLEDGE: What do you want to know before you give birth? Maybe you're curious about understanding what happens in your body, which hormones control a normal birth, how you can create the best conditions for yourself and your baby, the routines and checks you'll face during a hospital birth, or how to prepare for a home birth—we tailor a plan to your specific needs. I'm here to answer all your questions. I can assist with writing a birth plan and ensure you're informed about your rights and options, so you can make the best decisions for you.


CONFIDENCE: There are many tools to help create a sense of security around childbirth, and together we'll explore what works best for you. If, for example, past experiences or negative images of birth cause anxiety and fear, we can talk through those feelings and your expectations. We'll work on changing thought patterns, creating new mental images, and finding ways to relax, so you and your partner can feel confident and secure heading into labor.

The Doula Effect – research has proven that doula support makes a difference!

Research has shown that when a woman receives support from a doula during labor, it can positively affect both the progress and outcome of the birth in several ways (Klaus, Klaus, & Kennell, 2002). The doula helps the birthing woman feel more in control and involved in her birth experience (Simkin, 2008). A study by Kennell et al. (1991) showed that women who received support from a doula found their birth experience more positive and were more satisfied, even when complications occurred.

Here are some of the key factors that are affected during labor, often referred to as the "doula effect," based on research:

  • Shortened labor

  • Improved bonding and breastfeeding

  • Increased sense of control and satisfaction

  • Reduced risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

  • Reduced use of medical pain relief and interventions (e.g., forceps, episiotomy, emergency C-section)

Photographer: www.wanderings.se

Klaus, M. H., Klaus, P. H., & Kennell, J. H. (2002). The Doula Book: How a Trained Labor Companion Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier, and Healthier Birth. Da Capo Lifelong Books.

Kennell, J. H., et al. (1991). "Continuous emotional support during labor in a US hospital." The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), 265(17), 2207-2211. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.1991.03460170077029

Simkin, P. (2008). The Birth Partner: A Complete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Doulas, and All Other Labor Companions. Harvard Common Press.