I am a birth doula and photographer in the Washington DC area. I am based in Northern Virginia, and I attend births in Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC.
If you are looking for a newborn photo session, check out my photography website.
Role of a Doula
Birth is a transformational moment in the life of a woman and her partner. My role is to help you navigate the remarkable journey of pregnancy, labor, and delivery.
I believe . . .
A woman should be supported in the way she wants to birth.
Pregnancy and labor should be supported with evidence-based care.
Partners play a vital role during pregnancy and childbirth.
The role of a doula is to offer encouragement, and physical and emotional support to mom and her partner. A doula does not offer medical advice. Rather, she helps you ask questions and get the information you need to make decisions that are right for you. And she supports you in the way you choose to birth.
How I'm Different
No matter what kind of birth you are planning, there are four areas we focus on:
Childbirth education
Learning about the process of childbirth is incredibly important. Despite planning and practice, your birth may differ from the plan you had for it. Whether this is your first baby or not, knowing the basics of childbirth is the foundation of informed consent.
I give you access to my lending library, which includes several good books on prenatal education. I teach a comprehensive, 2.5-hour birth course, the Thinking Birth class, that covers basic childbirth education, prenatal exercises, and labor comfort techniques. I offer tailored advice to parents planning a medicated, unmedicated, or cesarean birth. My birth class offers you in-person instruction on prenatal exercises, common comfort techniques, and helpful meditative practices.
Mindfulness and meditation techniques
Mindfulness practices, like awareness of breath meditation and yoga, help you prepare for a calm and relaxing birth experience. Remaining calm, connected, and present during labor helps you birth more effectively, and it is the key in helping you have a positive experience - even if there are unexpected bumps along the way.
Much of my prenatal work is focused on helping you learn these mindfulness techniques.
Choosing a care provider and birth place
Besides your own prenatal education and mindfulness practice, your choice of care provider and birth location will have the biggest impact on the options available to you during labor. I can help you find accurate information about your place of birth and sort through questions to ask your care provider in order to ensure a good fit.
Creating an optimal birthing environment
Whether you birth at home, in the hospital, or at a birthing center, I can help you make your environment more conducive to a calm, centered, and present birth.