A birth doula and a midwife play very different—but highly complementary—roles.

A birth doula provides continuous emotional, physical, and informational support throughout pregnancy, labor, and the early postpartum period. That support might look like processing emotions, working through fears, answering questions, connecting you with resources, accompanying you to appointments, or helping you stay comfortable during labor through positioning, counterpressure, breathing techniques, and other comfort measures.

A midwife is a medical professional who provides clinical care for you and your baby. They monitor your health, assess your labor, and make medical decisions to help ensure a safe birth.

Both doulas and midwives can attend births at home or in birth centers, and some hospitals also have midwives on staff. If complications arise and a higher level of medical care is needed, care may be transferred to an obstetrician. In those situations, your doula remains a constant source of support.

That continuity is one of the greatest benefits of having a doula. No matter how your birth unfolds, you have someone by your side whose sole focus is you—helping you feel informed, grounded, and supported every step of the way.

At this time, I offer birth doula services only.

Postpartum doulas have specialized training in supporting families during the first weeks after birth. Their work may include newborn care, feeding support, maternal recovery, family adjustment, and screening for postpartum mood disorders. Some doulas are trained in both birth and postpartum care, and some also offer additional in-home support.

While I do not provide full postpartum doula services, my support does not end at birth. I continue to check in with you during the early postpartum weeks to see how you and your family are adjusting, answer questions, and connect you with trusted resources when needed—whether that’s lactation support, a postpartum doula, mental health care, or other forms of support.

Birth is a team effort, and everyone has an important role to play. Your medical team is focused on the clinical aspects of keeping you and your baby safe. Your partner or support person may be juggling logistics, communication, and their own transition into parenthood.

My role is different. My sole focus is you.

I’m there to support your emotional well-being, help you process information, offer comfort measures, and create a sense of calm and grounding throughout labor. Because of that, I’m not there to multitask—I’m there to stay fully attuned to your needs.

If something falls outside my scope, I’ll help you find the right person or resource. Then I’ll return to doing what I do best: supporting you.

A birth doula does not provide medical care or clinical assessments. I do not give medical advice, perform cervical checks, catch babies, or provide transportation to the hospital. I also do not serve as a photographer during labor and birth—if you are fully supported, then I’m happy to take a few pictures for you, but I cannot guarantee that I can capture the most important moments. I’m always happy to recommend a birth photographer if you want one there. My role is not to replace your medical team or your partner, but to complement them by ensuring that you remain supported, informed, and cared for throughout the process.

Not at all.

A doula provides emotional, physical, and informational support—regardless of how you plan to give birth. Whether you’re hoping for an unmedicated home birth, planning an epidural, scheduling a cesarean, or simply keeping your options open, my role is to support you.

And if your birth unfolds differently than expected, I’ll still be right there with you. Because doula support isn’t about a specific kind of birth—it’s about making sure you feel informed, grounded, and cared for no matter how your story unfolds.