Birth Doula Support
Image Credit: Brittany Gamblin
What is a Doula?
The word "Doula" refers to the Greek meaning, "woman who serves". Doulas assist individuals and their partners through pregnancy, labor, childbirth, and the postpartum period. There are four types of support:
Physical – Helping you through labor pains by offering nurturing touch, position techniques, & guided imagery to calm the nervous system and promote relaxation.
Emotional – Holding space for emotional and spiritual transformation. Empowering you to make decisions for yourself and to give birth in the way that feels appropriate for YOU.
Informational – Making sure that all information is understood so that informed decisions can be made. Also having resources and referrals to other services in the area.
Avocational – Teaching you how to advocate for yourselves, but also being an advocate for your wishes.
Doulas are professional space holders! Creating a peaceful, receptive, safe environment, while validating any emotions, feelings, words and choices. Birth is sacred, and a rite of passage. As a doula, I want to make sure you know how powerful and magical you are!
The benefits of having a doula in your birth space is reported by birthing people to include an increase in positive birth experiences, a decrease in the risk of needing a Cesarean section, and less fear surrounding birth and feeling centered and grounded during all stages of birth. (Source)
As your birth doula, I protect your birth space as it unfolds. You will feel empowered to take your birth into your own hands and feel confident as you bring your baby earthside. I will be present to bring normalcy, reduce fear surrounding birth, and offer solutions to manage the sensations of labor.
To date, I’ve had the honor of supporting births at Boulder Community Health Foothills, The Birth Center of Denver, Boulder Birth & Holistic Health, Good Samaritan–Lafayette, Rose Medical Center, St Luke’s Medical Center, Lutheran Medical Center, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Littleton Adventist, Medical Center of Aurora, Skyridge Medical Center, UC Health Longs Peak Hospital–Longmont, Avista Adventist Hospital, Swedish Medical Center, Hygge Birth Center (Colorado Birth and Wellness), Seasons Birth Center, Banner Medical Center, Estes Park Hospital, and have had the honor of working with midwives during homebirths.
