A doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and educational support before, during and shortly after childbirth. Doulas help ensure a positive birthing experience, regardless of outcome. Studies have shown that having a doula as a member of the birth team decreases the overall cesarean rate, reduces the length of labor and improves the birthing experience. Many clients report feeling more satisfied with their birth experience (regardless of outcome), when a doula is present.

A midwife is a trained health professional who provides medical care and is qualified to deliver babies. A doula is a non-medical support person who provides emotional and physical support, along with resources and birth preparation to an expectant family prenatally, during birth and shortly thereafter. Specifically at a birth:

Doulas may be found:

-Doing hip squeezes or other hands on muscle relaxation techniques

-Providing guidance and reassurance to you (and your partner)

-Repeating affirmations/breathing techniques that empower you and allow you to cope with pain

-Assisting with labor positioning

-Refilling your water bottle

Midwives may be found:

-Ensuring you and your baby’s vital signs are stable

-Documenting details of the labor/birth

-Administering medication as needed

-Catching the baby you are birthing

Many think that a doula takes the role of the partner when, in fact, our role supports them as well. Even if your partner isn’t sure how to support you in labor/birth, they know your fears, preferences and desires. A doula supports both you and your partner by offering reassurance, suggesting ways your partner can help during labor, and allowing your partner to participate at their comfort level. Labor can take awhile–doulas provide partners with breaks so that they can rest, use the bathroom, have a snack and generally refuel in whatever ways are needed.

Words from a birthing partner: “Chelsea was absolutely amazing. From the moment she entered our home her warmth, encouragement, confidence, sensitivity, intuition and empathy made it seem like a visit from an old trusted friend. She slipped seamlessly into the labor and birthing process, filling the gaps that I hadn’t been able to anticipate, giving us her undivided and unwavering attention. I cant imagine going through this without her. She is a very special person and we will love her forever. Thank you thank you thank you until the end of time.”—Sean T.

I received my birth doula training through the Simkin Center for Birth at Bastyr University, and I am certified as a Postpartum Doula through Prodoula. Additionally, I have a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Puget Sound. While practicing as a physical therapist, my specialty was in women’s health (specifically assisting women during the pregnancy and postpartum phases).

I have been a PEPS facilitator since 2017, helping countless families navigate the last months of pregnancy and the early stages of raising kids.

Professionally, I am trained to support you at home, a birth center, or hospital. Personally, I delivered both my kids at home and am happy to share about that experience if you’re interested.

I often recommend that you start your search in your second trimester, talk to and interview a couple of doulas, and then secure a doula by the beginning of your third trimester. That said, there are folks who don’t realize they want to use a doula until just a few weeks out—assuming my schedule allows for it, that’s fine too!

*If you consider yourself a planner or someone who experiences anxiety more often, hiring a doula earlier in your pregnancy might be more beneficial. This allows you to really form that trusting relationship and feel unconditionally supported as you navigate the emotional and mental ups and downs pregnancy can bring.

Yes, I can assist you in preparing a birth plan by discussing options, providing information on various interventions and procedures, and helping you discover and articulate your preferences for the birth.

My role is to help you navigate your labor experience, regardless of how it goes. As labor progresses, my role is to ensure you understand your options, weighing pros and cons of each so that you can make the decision that is right for you at that time. Should you need to transfer to the hospital, have an emergency c-section or require unexpected interventions of any kind, I will stay with you and support you and your partner through it all.

My job is to work with and alongside your other healthcare providers– doctors, midwives, nurses, and lactation consultants in order to support you and care for you throughout the process. There will be times when I am right there with you, and other times where I may fade into the background–refill water bottles, dim the lights, take photos or whatever is needed while other providers work directly with you.

I generally try to space clients out so that due dates do not overlap. That said, babies come when they want! I work with other doulas who provide backup support should that be needed.