Austin Doula Support
After over eleven years as a birth worker, documenting stories, holding space, making connections, and absorbing knowledge, it seemed only natural to step into the role of doula. Taking that leap is something that I had contemplated for years, but when the pandemic hit, that pull started to feel almost imperative. With families needing more support than ever before, navigating totally uncharted waters, with restrictions on who can enter into the divine spaces where babies come earthside, I knew it was time to expand my role from passive observer to active supporter.
I believe that the right way to birth is as unique and different as every individual. It is not my job to teach you how to birth, but instead to support you mentally, physically, and emotionally in discovering your own right path through the labyrinth.
FULL SPECTRUM
I offer non-judgmental, individualized, person-centered support through the full spectrum of reproductive experiences—before, during, and after pregnancy, through the postpartum period, and into parenthood, as needed.
TRAUMA INFORMED
I operate from a place of understanding that nearly all people have experienced trauma in varying degrees, and that those experiences shape the people we become and how we show up in life. It is my goal to prevent re-traumatization by making sure that my clients feel seen, heard, respected, and validated in their experiences, feelings, wants, and needs.
SUPPORT FOR ALL OUTCOMES
Whether intentional or unintentional, pregnancies don’t always end the same. Full spectrum doulas offer support for all outcomes, including live birth, miscarriage, abortion, and stillbirth. If you need help accessing abortion services, please email me.
SUPPORT FOR ALL BODIES
I work consistently toward an inclusive practice for all people, with anti-racism and cultural sensitivity at the core of my values. I welcome people of all skin colors and cultural backgrounds, all levels of ability, all socioeconomic statuses, all sizes, and all genders and sexualities. As a white, cisgender, heteroflexible woman in a male/female partnership, I understand that my lived experiences may be nothing like the lived experiences of the people I may serve. If you need help finding a birth worker with a deeper understanding of your lived experiences, I am happy to provide referrals based on your unique needs.
SUPPORT FOR ALL FAMILIES
Families come in all shapes and sizes, and it is my honor to support them all. Single parent, two-parent, and 3+ parent (polyamorous & ethically non-monogamous) families, families born of surrogacy or adoption, those with same-sex, non-binary, or transgender parents… all family dynamics are welcome here.
LGBTQIA+ Friendly & Transgender Safe Space
SUPPORT FOR ALL BIRTHS
There is no one right way to grow a family. I am not here to tell you how you should birth your baby, but rather to listen to what you envision your best birth to be, and help you to achieve that—no matter what it looks like. I believe wholeheartedly in the right and the importance of bodily autonomy and informed choice, and I’m ready and eager to support any birth in which these rights are upheld. Planning an induction? Scheduling a cesarean? Do you want an unmedicated birth? Going straight for the epidural? Having an unassisted freebirth? Awesome, let’s make it happen!
What does doula support look like?
Each family has a unique journey, and no two are alike. For that reason, I don’t offer any standard services, because I believe that individualized, person-centered support is a much better way to meet your wants and needs. As we discuss your desires and form a more intimate relationship, we’ll be able to identify ways that you’ll feel best supported through your experience. Some of the ways I can offer physical, emotional, and mental care include:
Education - Validation - Birth Planning - Advocacy - Labor Support - Encouragement - Community Resources - Meal Train - Lactation & Bodyfeeding Support - Postpartum Planning - Infant Care - Sibling Support - Birth Processing - Errands - Light Housekeeping - Small Meals
What are the benefits of receiving prenatal and birth support from a doula?
According to Evidence Based Birth, research has shown that when birthing people have continuous support from a doula during birth, the following trends were observed:
39% decrease in undesired cesareans
15% increase in the likelihood of spontaneous vaginal birth
10% decrease in the use of medication pain relief
Shorter labors overall, by an average of 41 minutes
38% decrease in a baby’s low APGAR score at 5 minutes
31% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience
An important note about circumcision:
It is my strong belief that bodily autonomy is a fundamental human right. It’s your right, and it’s your baby’s right. For this reason, I do not feel comfortable supporting families that are opting to circumcise their baby. Although most of the doulas I know are against this procedure, there are lots of wonderful doulas in the Austin area that are still willing to support families through this process. If you need some recommendations, you’re welcome to send me an email! If you need resources to learn more about circumcision, I highly recommend this thorough resource from Evidence Based Birth.
Training & Certifications
Birth Doula Training — BEST Doula Training
Full Spectrum Doula Training — Birthing Advocacy Doula Trainings
OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Training — Biologix Solutions
Gender Affirming Birth Work 101 — Moss Froom
Gender Affirming Birth Work 201 — Moss Froom
No White Saviors: Birth Worker Workshop — Jamaa Birth Village
(In Progress) Birthworker Inclusivity Training Series — B.I.T.S
Investment
➣ Virtual or in-person consultation (30-60 min)
➣ Two prenatal appointments in your home (2 hours each)
➣ Support via email, text, and phone throughout pregnancy
➣ On-call 24/7 from 38 weeks until the time of delivery
➣ Mental, emotional, and physical support for you and your birth partner(s), from active labor though two hours postpartum
➣ One postpartum check-in at your home (1 hour)
$1600
More questions? Just ask!
I would love to hear from you! Whether you have questions about doula support, birth photography, films, or something else entirely, I’d be thrilled to connect. Just fill out this form and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can!