- What is a doula? A birth doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to new parents before, during and shortly after childbirth. A postpartum doula is a temporary family caregiver trained specifically to the assist with the many changes that families experience following the birth of a baby.
- What does a doula do? A doula assists a family with several things including pregnancy and birth preparation, childbirth education, birth rights education, postpartum recovery & care and newborn care. Some doulas specialize in fertility and help those who are trying to conceive. There are actually several types of doulas. You can learn more here.
- What makes Best of Both Worlds Doula Services different & what can I expect from you as my doula? Best of Both Worlds Doula Services combines years of experience as a child care provider, mother, nurturer and family consultant. I like to think of my clients as family because I support them in such a personal way. I strive to give all clients non-judgmental support and care no matter what. All clients are listened to and treated with respect and dignity while in my care.
- How long have you been a doula? I have been a doula for 8 years. I was a nanny for 10 years prior.
- Are you a solo doula? Yes.
- How many clients have you had? I have served countless families in several capacities (birth doula-42 families, postpartum families-45+, consulting & fitness clients-dozens of families).
- What trainings have you taken? Postpartum Doula training-DONA International, Birth Doula & Reproductive Justice training-Durham Volunteer Doulas, Abortion Doula training-The Carolina Abortion Fund, End of Life Doula training-Doulagivers Institute, When Survivors Give Birth trauma support training, Bereavement Doula training-Stillbirthday and Childbirth Educator training-DONA International.
- Are you certified? Yes. I obtained my doula certification with ProDoula.
- What is the difference between doula and a midwife? A midwife is a health care provider who has medical training. A doula is more of a birth coach as well as a new parent guide & caregiver during the fourth trimester. You might choose to have a midwife instead of an OB for prenatal care, labor & delivery. A doula does not replace your healthcare practitioner or partner, but can add extra support such as helping you with pain management during labor and even providing postpartum support after the baby arrives.
- What areas do you serve? I typically serve Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Garner, Durham and Chapel Hill, North Carolina as well as the entire Triangle area. Traveling doula services have been discontinued until further notice.
- Do you have an office? I have a home office that I use for phone and virtual consultations. In person consultations take place at local cafes and my clients' homes.
- Do you have a family of your own? YES! You can learn about my family here!
- How much are your services? My birth doula services range from $1250-$1600. Most of my prenatal and postpartum doula services are $40-50/hr. Health & fitness services are $50/hr. Virtual services are $40/hr. Packages are available for your convenience.
- How can I apply for your mentorship program? My mentorship program has shifted a bit due to my schedule and I am offering limited mentorship at this time.
- Do you offer free or pro bono services? Not at this time. I do offer payment plans for birth services.
- What is a typical day like with a postpartum client? You can read more about a typical day here on my blog!
- Tell me about your virtual doula services. My virtual services are the same as my in person services just in a different format. All consultations, prenatal meetings. fitness services are available on various platforms including Zoom and Google Meet. Please note that I am not able to offer some services virtually (meal prep, grocery shopping, etc.).
- Do you provide overnight assistance (postpartum support, sitter services, companion care)? I do not offer overnight care. I do provide weekend assistance and support. Weekday support is limited in the months of September through May.
- What forms of payment do you take? Cash, check, debit/credit cards, Zelle, PayPal and HSA/FSA. All invoices/receipts are sent through Honeybook.
- What are your future plans? Right now, I am planning and mapping out my midwifery journey and my family care facility. I also hope to start a reproductive education program for local girls and teens. If you would like to support my future endeavors, you can donate here.