These are common questions I have been asked. Do not hesitate to call me or email with specific needs or concerns. Our personal consultation is another great opportunity to discuss your goals and answer more questions.

Q. What are the benefits to having a Doula at my birth?
A. There are so many benefits. From shorter labors and less interventions, to reduced use/need for pain medication. Doulas are there to provide support in many areas of pregnancy & childbirth. Sometimes the Dad's need a break too, and having a Doula there to stay by Mom's side, benefits everyone!

Q. Are there any exercises that I can do while pregnant to help prepare my body for birth?
A. Absolutely! Walking throughout pregnancy will not only benefit the Mom’s health, but your baby’s too! Practice squatting and lunging daily. This will help to get your body prepared for the marathon of labor. Doing Kegels every day will help to maintain your muscle tone as well. I highly recommend doing a perineal massage daily from 36 weeks gestation and on. This will encourage natural stretching and elasticity. Eating a well balanced diet, and as your due date nears, upping your protein and carbohydrate intake will help your body prepare for the endurance of labor. Daily exercise and relaxation techniques will all assist in your labor/birth process. Visualizing your birth experience going well, as it approaches, will also help condition your mind and prepare your body.

Q. Is a Doula there to replace the Dad/Partner?
A. No. Doulas are there to help the Mom and her partner have an active role in their birth process. They are there to support your birth choices and facilitate your wishes. The pregnant woman, partner and Doula work as a team. Sometimes Dad's need a break. Whether it be to step out to get a bite to eat, make a phone call, or to just walk around and get some fresh air. Having a Doula there, by Mom's side, is one of the many reasons you need a Doula!

Q. Will my medical Insurance cover the cost of a Doula?
A. Currently, some health insurance companies are looking into covering the cost of a Doula. Here, in the state of CT, Blue Cross and Connecticare are offering some kind of coverage based on what plan you have. I encourage you to inquire with your health insurance company.

Q. How will you help a pregnant woman through her pregnancy, labor and birth process?
A. Throughout the pregnancy I will maintain contact with the Mom every month. Once birth draws near, I will be contacting her more frequently. Then, once we enter the "on call" period, which is two weeks before up to two weeks after your due date, we will remain in contact a couple of times a week. Once Mom is in labor, there are a variety of position changes, breathing patterns, and visual techniques that I will offer you. All of these components together, will help facilitate the birth outcome as being a natural process.

Q. Why did you become a Doula?

A. It was 1988 and I distinctly remember being on a field trip at a local hospital with my 8th grade class. We were touring the whole hospital that day for "career day." When we arrived at the maternity wing of that hospital, I remember feeling like I could have spent the entire day there! Just knowing that there were women, REAL WOMEN, giving birth beyond those doors, intrigued me beyond belief! I knew in that moment that pregnancy & birth fascinated me! After helping my sister with the birth of her child in 2004, I knew that I had found my calling! I pursued certification as a Doula and it only got better from there! I then decided to add to my profession, and was just recently certified as a Childbirth Educator as well. I myself, LOVED being pregnant, and I love being a Mother even more! I have a passion for helping people, and I am confident that I can contribute to your birth process. Pregnancy and birth are amazing feats that a woman’s body are built for, and I love helping each woman achieve her birth goals. I have truly found my gift in being a Doula, and I welcome you to my passion!