Great question! A lot of research has been done to prove the benefits of having a doula present during labor. In short, having a doula accompany and support you during pregnancy, birth and postpartum increases your chances for positive birth outcomes.

What does this mean?

◇ Lower birth risks
◇ Shorter duration of labor
◇ Lower chances of a cesarian section
◇ Lower chances of epidurals or other interventions
◇ Gives you a greater sense of satisfaction with your birth experience
◇ Gives a greater sense of confidence, capability and happiness in the newborn phase

If you'd like to see the science behind these findings, I recommend checking out Evidence Based Birth.

One of the great joys of my job is having the opportunity to spend time with folks during their most transformative, intimate, powerful and emotional stages of their lives. The incredible ways that humans move through this time are so varied and every individual family is just that - individual, unique, and with their own rhythms and intentions. The spectrum of humanity that I see is huge and I love that. I love working with families who are committed to exploring their fullest potential in a birth experience, and interestingly, this can look very different each time. Single parents by choice, pregnancy after loss or trauma, unplanned pregnancy, very-much-hoped-for-3-rounds-of-IVF pregnancy, LGBTQ+ families, and families who just thought “Let’s have a baby” and here we are. It’s all a humbling reminder that this world is made up of perfectly varied individuals and yet, in birth, we all go through similar trials, triumphs and transformations.

To answer the question - all kinds of families, but particularly those who are keen to explore the possibilities of their own autonomy and power in birth.

I am fully vaccinated, and although many of the restrictions have been lifted, there are still some ways Covid will affect your birth. For more information about this, please read my detailed COVID outline.

It is never a doula’s role to take the place of the birth partner (husband, wife, partner, friend, family member, etc) during labor, but rather to enhance and complement their support. The birthing person and their chosen partner are a team, and we work together during prenatals to strengthen that bond and ensure that the birthing journey is one you take together, with a connection that is deep and supportive. Partners often feel that they want to be the best support, but are unsure how to deliver on that. That’s where I come in - I can prepare the partner on what to expect, show them how to recognize what’s going on, and teach some great physical techniques to give the kind of intuitive, committed support that will genuinely help their loved one in labor. For some, the birth is overwhelming, or they simply wish to observe and witness the labor and birth without having to play the role of the labor coach. That’s fine too! A doula can also allow the birth partner to relax if they need a break without leaving the birthing person unsupported.

Anytime you feel like you’d like the support is the broad answer, but there’s some practical parts to this too. People typically hire me around the end of the 1st trimester, but I also have people reach out as soon as they get a positive test, or as late as 36 weeks of pregnancy. I tend to be fully booked around 5-6 months out (for example, if it’s January, I’m usually booked through to May/June), but sometimes have a random opening for last minute folks. I always tell my clients straight away - I am a resource, and you should utilize me from the moment we start working together so that you feel supported as you move through pregnancy (and all the decisions and options you will be presented with).

I attend births in all places. Beautiful birth stories happen everywhere! I am happy to take the time to chat with you about your choice of birth place; for me, the most important thing is that you have found your calm, are informed on your options, and feel right about your plans. Only you will know what is right for you, and it is absolutely worth doing your research to discover a bit about each of your options before making a decision. Take the time to talk to your OB, meet some homebirth midwives, or go to a virtual tour of a birth center; you might be surprised what resonates and feels right to you.

Seeing a birthing person in their power, in their own space and operating on their own terms is deeply rewarding and humbling, and I love to be given the honor of accompanying a birthing family throughout their home birth. Birth in a hospital can also be incredible and empowering, and I’ve seen many a baby arrive in a calm, loving hospital environment. And birth centers are a great option too, for something in between! I’m always happy to discuss your options of birth place and it’s never too late to switch care if you’re unhappy.

I’ll be there for it. Part of preparing for labor is accepting that we do not have control over how everything will happen. Sometimes babies need help to arrive into our arms, and as your doula I will be there with you no matter what.

In a medicated birth (induction or epidural, etc) a doula supports by helping you deal with side effects, managing discomfort, assisting with positional changes and suggestions, and supporting you mentally - preparing ahead of time if possible, and holding space for you as it happens. For a cesarean, I will prepare you for an empowered birth experience. I will provide constant support and encouragement, guide you through the complete process, suggest ways to make your baby’s arrival positive and calm, will be there in the recovery room to assist, and support you through your healing postpartum with all my tips and tricks.

Birth by nature encompasses so much more than just birthing a baby. There is a whole spectrum of outcomes and possibilities that are associated with getting pregnant, not getting pregnant, your pregnancy experience, birth and beyond. I gladly support miscarriage, abortion, (in)fertility journeys, preterm loss, and still birth. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need support.

You've got lots! San Francisco and the Bay Area have many wonderful home birth midwives, birth centers and hospitals. It can be overwhelming to figure out what will be right for you. I offer an in-depth, personalized session to discuss this and help to figure out what will be right for you.

I live in Oakland, and serve San Francisco, and the East Bay from Richmond, down through Berkeley, out to Walnut Creek, down through Oakland and Alameda to San Leandro and Hayward. Here’s a map of my service area.

I’ll do my best to answer it, let’s talk.