BIRTHING
TOGETHER
APPROACH TO BIRTH WORK
The birth of our children is a monumental moment.
Through thoughtful inquiry and curiosity during prenatals, together we will create a vision for your birth. I will walk beside you, listening closely to your desires for your birth and assist you in standing in the deep knowledge that your body already holds, while creating a plan that ensures your values are the guiding light for how we welcome your little person into the world.
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MEET ZOE
Our birth stories are not a moment, but instead a steady remembrance weaving through our consciousness as the moments that shape our lives unfold.
My work has always been centered on attunement; taking that extra time to listen, and hone in on how to create celebration and care around the stories that shape us.
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As your doula, I will join you in this journey to ensure that every step of it is guided by you, providing evidence-based care and support as your story unfolds on your terms.
WHAT I PROVIDE
I support all birth plans.
I can assist in unmedicated births, cesareans, epidurals, water births and everything in between. I attend births at all Portland-area hospitals and birth centers, and look forward to meeting your chosen care provider. As a doula, I am committed to being an advocate for disenfranchised communities.
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THE DIFFERENCE A DOULA MAKES
A doula’s primary role and responsibility is to the birthing person. They are not bound by hospital policies, administrators, midwives or doctors.
Expectation Vs. Reality
One study found that new mothers expected their nurse to spend 53% of her time offering support, but only 6%–10% of the nurse’s time was actually engaged in labor support activities (Tumblin & Simkin, 2001). This is not due to indifference by our medical professionals, but due to a variety of factors at any given time—amount of birthing people, staff shortages, along with other factors.
The role of the doula is to provide continuous labor support. Labor support is defined as the therapeutic presence of another person, in which human-to-human interaction with caring behaviors is practiced (Jordan, 2013).
Here are some some key statistics demonstrating the benefits
of having a doula with you during your birth:
39% decrease in the risk of Cesarean
15% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth
10% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief
Shorter labors by 41 minutes on average
38% decrease in the baby’s risk of a low five-minute Apgar score
31% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience
There is no evidence for negative consequences
to continuous labor support.