As common as it is to have a baby, when it happens for the first time it can feel as if you're stepping into a whole new world. One that you quickly need to learn everything about to ensure the safest and best options for you and your family. Navigating your options, the medical system, information and all of the changes, can feel overwhelming but you don't have to do it alone.

Even if this is your 2nd baby, 3rd, 4th or beyond, Doulas are beneficial. From providing prenatal consultations, virtual birth support or in person birth doula support in Addis Ababa, I can help.

As your birth doula I provide individualized support to you and your family. I schedule two prenatal appointments where I’ll help you develop a birth plan, go through your desires and options for your birth, provide you with information and techniques for moving through your pregnancy and birthing day with as much comfort as possible. I'm on call for your birth from week 37 until your baby arrives. I may join your family at your home or at your birthing location. On your birthing day I come to you when you are ready. After your baby is born, I provide one postpartum visit where we might process your birth, learn more about newborn care, get support with feeding your child and learn more about what to expect in the early days and weeks with your new baby.

If you’re interested please reach out!

what is a Doula?

Doula’s are trained professionals who provide support to women during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. Doulas are not medical professionals, except in cases where nurses or other medical professionals train to become doulas. Often doulas spend more time with pregnant women than medical professionals are able to and so they may recognize when a potential problem arises during pregnancy or in the postpartum period and direct women to care providers for support. 

During pregnancy a doula supports women in the following ways:

• Teaching her about what she might expect during labor and in the postpartum period

• Providing educational materials and evidence related to pregnancy and childbirth 

• Teaching her and her partner comfort measures and techniques that can be valuable during pregnancy and birth

• Teaching exercises, nutrition and breathing techniques

• Reassuring and listening to her as she’s navigating the tremendous changes that pregnancy brings on

During labor and birth, doulas provide continuous support in the home and the birth location. Some examples of labor and birth support are:

• Comforting touch

• Words of support 

• Repositioning techniques 

• Information and evidence to make informed decisions 

• Support for partners

• Redirection 

• Support with breathing techniques 

• A confident presence 

There is evidence that shows that having a doula present during labor and delivery reduces the average length of labor, the rate of cesarean births, the use of pain medication, increases the number of breastfeeding mothers and increases overall satisfaction for both the mother and their partner. 

Please contact me below if you’re interested in learning more.