What do I do as a Doula, and how can I support you?

As your doula, I walk with you through pregnancy, labor, and birth offering grounded information, emotional presence, encouragement, and practical support along the way. I’m someone you can ask the hard questions, share your fears with, and lean on when the noise gets loud. This isn’t about me taking charge. It’s about you stepping into birth with clarity and confidence, knowing you’re supported by someone who trusts you and your body deeply. I also support your partner so they can show up in a steady, connected way and take a breather when they need one, knowing you’re still held. While I can’t promise a perfect outcome (birth has never worked that way), research and experience both show that continuous, personal support during labor is linked to shorter labors, fewer interventions, and greater satisfaction with the birth experience overall.

What is the difference between a Doula and a Midwife?

Midwives and doulas often work closely together, but we serve in different ways. Midwives are trained medical professionals who provide clinical care throughout pregnancy, labor, and birth. They monitor you and your baby, offer guidance, and are responsible for your safety. A Doula, on the other hand, is not a medical provider. My role is to support you emotionally, physically, and informationally throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. That might look like reminding you to eat, grounding you with touch or breathwork, encouraging your partner, or just holding space when things feel intense. I’m there to walk with you. To help you tune out the noise, trust your body, and remember the strength you already carry.

Do you support hospital births?

Yes, I do. However, for mothers planning an unmedicated hospital birth, I highly encourage choosing midwifery-led care such as the midwives at VCU or St. Mary’s Hospital where the approach to birth tends to be more physiological, hands-off, and mother-centered. I believe every woman deserves to give birth in the environment where she feels most at ease, most confident, and most supported. For some, that’s at home. For others, it’s in a hospital. My role isn’t to choose that space for you, but to walk with you in it. That said, I work best with women who are willing to do the inner work of preparing mentally, emotionally, and physically for birth. I cannot do that part for you. Birth asks a lot of us, and the process tends to unfold more smoothly when we feel safe, supported, and undisturbed. Often, that looks like laboring at home in a quiet, familiar space for as long as possible before transitioning to the hospital, if that’s your plan. So yes, I support hospital births but not without intention. I support women who are ready to take ownership of their experience and trust their bodies, no matter where they give birth.

What is my partners role when hiring a Doula?

Your partner’s role is still just as important — maybe even more so. I’m not there to take their place. I’m there to help them feel confident in how to support you, to give them tools when things feel intense, and to hold the space so you both can stay connected in what matters most. Sometimes that looks like helping your partner breathe with you, speak reassurance over you, or offer counter-pressure when you need it. Other times, it looks like giving them a moment to rest or eat while I stay by your side. You’re not choosing between your partner and a doula. You’re creating a steady, supported team around you so your partner can be fully present with you, instead of feeling like they have to figure it all out alone.