A doula is someone who supports people, typically during birth and postpartum. The term full spectrum refers to the wide scope of support that a doula can offer beyond birth and postpartum care. This can include a variety of experiences, like cycle syncing, pregnancy loss, IVF treatment, and conscious conception
The word “doula” comes from the Greek word doulē or ‘female slave’. It was first used by American anthropologist Dana Raphael in an article she wrote in 1969 outlining the universal role of those who assist with birth and breastfeeding. Due to its problematic etymology, many birth workers choose not to use this title. I call myself a doula to minimize the barriers people face in finding support.
A midwife is a licensed practitioner comparable to an OBGYN who handles the physical aspects of your birth. A birth doula acts as a support person with things like labor positions, comfort measures, emotional needs and resources. A doula does not diagnose, treat or offer things like cervical exams.
There are still ways a doula can support you as you navigate being a hormonal being! Understanding your body and how to live in union with your hormones is valuable to everyone, regardless of gender identity or choices around conceiving. It can also be helpful if you do plan on conceiving down the road to prepare your body.
I am a small business owner, so my prices reflect the cost of my time and services and allow me to pay for things like health insurance, therapy, and continuing education. My prices are also set to be comparable with other qualified doulas in the Seattle community. My fees also allow me to support things like reproductive justice organizations and BIPOC and LGBTQ+ doulas and midwives.
Yes! I offer limited sliding scale prices based on individual circumstances, as well as payment plans and trade. I’m often able to work something out so that we can work together, and I can also offer resources to help with fees. Please get in touch with me if cost is a barrier.
I attended my birth doula training with Bastyr University’s Simkin Center for Allied Birth Vocations. I have studied under Carrie Kenner of Big Belly Service, Jazz-Ylaine Baptiste of Cornerstone Birthkeepers, and Erika Davis of Whole Body Pregnancy. I received a Certificate in Narrative Focused Trauma Care from The Allender Center at The Seattle School.
Childbirth education addresses things like what to expect during labor and how to prepare physically, emotionally and spiritually for birth and postpartum. It is a tool for you to empower yourself with information so that you can best advocate for yourself and your choices by understanding various scenarios and outcomes.
I take precautions very seriously by socially distancing, monitoring any symptoms and getting regularly tested. I believe in transparency with all my clients around safety precautions, and will communicate with you about any symptoms I may have and regular updates about my test results.
Many hospitals are taking COVID-19 precautions and not allowing doulas to attend births. These protocols are constantly changing, and I can help you stay informed about your specific hospital. There are other ways I can support your birth experience, like childbirth education and virtual support during labor.
Yes! All of my services can be done virtually. If you don’t live in the Seattle area, please reach out and we can chat about how I can support you virtually. Due to COVID-19, some of my services will be done virtually depending on the situation. All Womb Care, Childbirth Education, and Prenatal offerings will be virtual until further notice.
I acknowledge that I occupy the unceded ancestral lands of Coast Salish peoples, specifically the Duwamish Tribe (Dkhw’Duw’Absh) also known as Seattle, WA. My business allocates monthly reparations to Real Rent Duwamish.