Working with a birth doula provides emotional support, continuous support from a birth professional during labor, and increased advocacy, helping to ensure the birthing person's preferences are respected. Research shows that working with a birth doula can significantly enhance the birth experience: having a doula’s continuous support can reduce the risk of cesarean births by up to 39%, lower the likelihood of inductions by 31%, lead to shorter labors, and increase overall satisfaction with the birth process.

No. When you work with a doula, your partner can feel more confident, supported, and included in the birth process. Having a birth professional by their side allows them to focus fully on supporting you, knowing they’re backed by expert guidance. My role is to provide reassurance and enhance your journey together, helping you both feel more connected and prepared for this special experience.

A doula offers invaluable support throughout pregnancy and birth, regardless of your chosen birthing preferences. If you choose an epidural or other pain relief medications during labor, I can offer support by recommending comfort measures and optimal body positions after receiving an epidural. These strategies can contribute to a smoother labor progression and encourage vaginal delivery. I’ll also help you explore comfort techniques for managing labor up until you receive an epidural, and assist you in settling in with your baby and initiating infant feeding after delivery.

Yes, doulas are typically qualified for HSA or FSA payments. I am happy to provide a superbill receipt for FSA and HSA payments.

Yes, there is a lot of support that can be offered during a cesarean birth. It will depend on the hospital and obstetrician on whether a doula will be allowed in the OR. However even if not allowed in the OR, I can help prepare you and your partner for the OR and provide support before and after the birth in the hospital.

I provide doula services in Loudoun, Fairfax, Clarke, and Frederick Counties in Virginia. This encompasses all hospitals and birthing centers within these counties, as well as homebirths. Some of the hospitals I serve include INOVA Loudoun Hospital, INOVA Fair Oaks Hospital, StoneSprings Hospital Center, Reston Hospital Center, and Winchester Medical Center. Additionally, I offer support at birth centers such as Premier Birth Center in Winchester and Chantilly.

Yes, I provide support in all birth settings: hospitals, birth centers, & homebirths.

Absolutely! We can arrange additional prenatal or postpartum support tailored to your needs.

"Health at Every Size" (HAES) promotes body positivity and emphasizes that health isn't solely determined by weight or body size, but rather by healthy behaviors. Applying HAES principles during pregnancy helps you focus on nurturing your overall well-being, both physically and emotionally, without fixating on weight-related concerns.

Autonomy in maternal healthcare entails respecting the pregnant individual's right to make informed decisions about their health and birthing process, including consenting to medical interventions. In supporting you, I want to empower you to make informed decisions and ensure your preferences are respected during your birth.

Equity involves ensuring fair and equal access to quality healthcare services regardless of socio-economic status, race, or other factors. My Community Birth Support Program aims to address the disparities in maternal healthcare by offering culturally sensitive care and bridging the gap in access to healthcare resources, particularly for marginalized and vulnerable populations.