What Does A Doula Do?

Doulas are an extension for the birthing person that is present to provide physical, emotional, and informational support to the birthing person and be an advocate for the birthing person to make sure their birth wishes are fulfilled as long as they remain safe.

What does this mean?

As your doula, we will meet 2-3 times before your labor in order to discuss what your birth preferences are, potential medical interventions and the risks and benefits associated with each, and how to physically and mentally prepare leading up to labor and delivery so that you walk into your labor and delivery feeling confident.

During labor and delivery, I am present to be your advocate and make sure your birth preferences are fulfilled to the best extent, keep your birthing space a calm, and provide physical and emotional support as you progress through the stages of labor.

After birth, I will see you 1-2 additional times in order to check in on you as you transition into parenthood. I will help guide you with simple mobility and breathing techniques in order to help you reconnect to your body and help ease some of the aches and pains. I am also available for questions regarding symptoms you may be experiencing and be able to identify if they are symptoms that are to be expected or something that may need further medical attention.

Doula Packages

Education Journey

$500

  • 3 prenatal and 2 postpartum virtual or in person visits

  • Assistance with birth preferences (birth plan)

  • Patient resources and education

  • Ongoing text and email support

  • Up to 2 hours of virtual birth support

  • Labor Prep and Postpartum Check In are included as part of visits (See Childbirth Services)

Birth Journey

$950

  • 3 prenatal and 2 postpartum visits

  • Assistance with birth preferences (birth plan)

  • Patient resources and education

  • Ongoing text and email support

  • Labor Prep and Postpartum Check In are included as part of visits (See Childbirth Services)

  • In person labor support and ongoing communication with your birth team at the hospital to ensure that your birth preferences are respected and upheld (as long as they do not pose a safety risk)

Birth &Beyond Journey

$1100

  • 3 prenatal and 2 postpartum visits

  • Optional 2 additional postpartum virtual visits

  • Assistance with birth preferences (birth plan)

  • Patient resources and education

  • Ongoing text and email support

  • In person labor support and ongoing communication with your birth team at the hospital to ensure that your birth preferences are respected and upheld (as long as they do not pose a safety risk)

  • Labor Prep and Postpartum Check In are included as part of visits (See Childbirth Services)

  • Postpartum Evaluation performed 6+ weeks after delivery for assessment and education on treatment/management of diastasis recti, pelvic floor coordination, breathing patterns, Cesarean scar mobility, and return to activity

Why Should I Hire A Doula?

A 2017 study (Bohren et al. 2017) revealed that the presence of continuous doula support resulted in:

  • 39% decrease in risk of Cesarean section

  • 10% decrease in use of pain relief medications

  • A shorter labor duration (41 min average)

  • More likely to have a positive birth experience

As a pelvic floor therapist and doula, Dr. Ashley is able to provide unique preparation for labor and delivery that is more intensive than most hospital systems offer for expecting parents. Listed below are just some of the things that we will address together.

  • How to know when you are going into labor and when you should go to the hospital

  • Teach you and your partner how to utilize hands on techniques, movement and breathing strategies to make your contractions easier

  • How to help the baby to descend more effectively and "push" correctly to reduce labor time and fatigue

  • Education on the different stages of labor and how your partner can support you in all of them