Welcome! And thank you for stopping by. I am a doula providing services in the Twin Cities, MN metro area. I would love to get to know you and to share more about what a doula is and how I can help you have an empowering, supported birth experience, wherever you decide to birth your new baby. I’ve included some frequently asked questions below, as you consider whether a doula is right for you.
What is a doula?
At a high level, a doula is a dedicated support person – I’m there for YOU, the laboring mom, and for your spouse or partner. A doula lifts the weight of providing support from your partner and allows them to more fully bask in the experience of welcoming their child to the world. A doula offers an experienced look at childbirth, and can reassure parents-to-be throughout the process.
I already have a doctor or midwife, why do I need a doula too?
A doula is not a medical professional, and does not provide any medical care. The advantage of having a doula is that YOU have selected a professional to provide their knowledge and support throughout your birthing time. Your doctor or midwife provides medical care and guidance, and does the actual work of delivering your baby when it is time. Your doula gets you through the labor leading up to the delivery, and provides information and support in the days and weeks following the birth of your child.
As a dad-to-be, I’m not sure I want a stranger in the room with us while we deliver. Am I not enough support?
As a father, you are absolutely the MOST important person in the room besides the mom. As such, you deserve to be supported too! A doula does not and should not replace a father or partner. Instead, she will guide the father-to-be in ways to further provide support and comfort to the laboring mother – including how to offer physical comfort for aches and pains, or offering suggestions on new positions to help labor continue to progress. A doula brings knowledge and experience to allow you to soak up every moment (and an extra set of hands to give you a break as well). My husband indicated following the birth of our second baby that having our doula present took some of the stress and pressure off of him – he felt more at ease taking a break when he needed to.
For more information about doulas and the type of support they can provide, please visit any of these resources:
Empowered Heart Doula Services, LLC 