A birth doula is a non-medical, highly knowledgeable professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support for birthing people and their families.

A doula offers emotional, physical, and informational support during pregnancy and labor. Doulas prepare you for birth, affirm your choices, and are known to make a difference in the delivery room. Through my consistent, calm presence I can support the birthing person while their birth partner(s) takes breaks, and I can answer questions about common labor challenges and offer ideas for solutions.

Whether you’re a first time parent, or have experienced birth before, a doula can provide valuable support for you in your journey. Some research shows doula support can lead to lower rates of interventions, smoother deliveries, and overall more satisfaction in the birth experience. Another benefit to hiring a doula is having continuous support throughout your labor—this allows other support people to take breaks while ensuring the birthing person remains cared for.

In Juneau, I can attend births at Bartlett Regional Hospital, the Juneau Family Birth Center, and your home or other home birth location. I also offer a virtual support option for those in remote areas.

Yes, my doula services are available remotely! Whether you will travel to Juneau for your birth or will remain in your community, I have some birth support packages to fit your needs. Our prenatal and postpartum sessions can be done through Google Meets, and, depending on the package and location of your birth, I can be available through phone and text during your labor.

• Research your options. Check out DoulaMatch.net or seakbirthcollective.org to find local doulas. Meet with a few doulas and choose the one that’s right for you

• Most doulas offer free consultation meetings where you get to know each other and ask all your questions

  1. This can also be a great opportunity to find a backup doula in case your first choice is unavailable for your due date

• For my clients, the next step is to fill out the Client Intake Form which creates your profile on Doulado where I have my contracts, resources, and invoices. 

• Read your contract, ask questions, sign the contract and pay the deposit

Congratulations! You’ve made an important investment in your birth experience by booking a doula.

• Take a birth class through Hospital or the Birth Center (both are free)

• Meet with your doula for prenatal sessions 

• Read through your birth goals and share the document with your birth support team

• Continuously communicate any updates on your pregnancy, health, and labor plans

• Pay your balance by 36 weeks gestation

• Practice comfort techniques, consider plans for the early postpartum period, and rest up before labor begins

  1. Interested in postpartum doula services? I can help connect you with local postpartum doulas!

• Call your doula once you’re in labor and it’s time to have a baby!

I offer payment plans and have some flexibility for those who need some financial assistance. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if cost is preventing you from getting doula services. 

Other ideas: have your friends and family contribute by adding a doula fund to your baby registry or they can add funds to your account by purchasing a gift contribution from my website. Or do you have any skills or services you can trade? I’m open to ideas!

I believe every birth needs doula support, including C-sections. While our visits may look a little different, having a doula can be calming and reassuring. There are different options to consider with a surgical birth, and a doula can help you communicate your choices to medical staff. Birth partners can also benefit from having doula support. I can explain what’s happening, guide you in breathing exercises, and offer a supportive hand to hold.

It is rare that I would not be able to attend a birth, and if there are known conflicts, I will communicate this in advance. If there is an emergency, I will have a backup doula ready to meet you for your birth. Luckily, I know some excellent local doulas who can be my backup if needed.

In many cultures, it’s common practice to consume your placenta in order to replenish your body with important nutrients and hormones. Placenta encapsulation allows you to take your own placenta in pill form. I use a Chinese Traditional Medicine method that utilizes lemon, ginger, and jalapeño in a steaming process before dehydrating your placenta, grinding it up, and putting it in vegan capsules for easy consumption.