1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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 also provide a spiritual aspect of support to my Christian families. 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.
4. How long have you been a doula? I have been a doula for 10 years. I was a nanny for 10 years prior.
5. Are you a solo doula? Yes. I am also a member of the Tree of Life Birth Collective.
6. How many clients have you had? I have served countless families in several capacities (birth doula-75 families, postpartum families-50+, consulting & fitness clients-dozens of families).
7. 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 (for educational purposes only), End of Life Doula training-Doulagivers Institute, When Survivors Give Birth trauma support training, Holding Space for Pregnancy Loss (HSPL) training-Institute for Birth, Breathe and Death, Childbirth Educator training-DONA International and Mental Health Certificate training-Renewell Foundation
8. Are you certified? Yes. I obtained my birth and postpartum doula certification with ​ProDoula, my postpartum nutrition certification through Postpartum University and my End of Life Doula certification through Thoughtful Transitions.
9. 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.
10. What areas do you serve? I typically serve Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Garner, Durham and Chapel Hill, North Carolina and surrounding areas.
11. 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.
12. Do you have a family of your own? YES! You can learn about my family here!
13. How much are your services? My birth doula services range from $1450-$2000. Most of my prenatal and postpartum doula services are $50/hr. Health & fitness services are $50/hr. Virtual services are $40/hr. Classes are $150 each, unless they are included in your package. Standard and Custom Packages are available for your convenience.
14. How can I apply for your new parent mentorship program? Navigating the Wonder Years is customized virtual doula support for new and expecting parents who are seeking guidance to be confident and emotionally healthy figures for their children.
15. Do you offer free or pro bono services? Not at this time. I do offer payment plans for birth services.
16. What is a typical day like with a postpartum client? You can read more about a typical day here on my blog!
17. Tell me about your virtual doula services. My virtual services are the same as my in person services just in a digital format. Consultations and prenatal meetings are available by phone and Google Meet.
18. Do you provide overnight assistance (postpartum support, sitter services, companion care)? I do not offer overnight care. I do provide weekend assistance and support.
19. What forms of payment do you take? Cash, debit/credit cards, Zelle, and HSA/FSA. All invoices/receipts are sent through Honeybook.
20. Do you provide support for families who aren't Christian? Yes! I have worked with many families from many different cultures & backgrounds, religious and non-religious. While spiritual alignment is very important for some, it is not the only factor families consider when choosing a doula. Whether you are Christian, of a different faith or non-believer, I am available for anything you may need pertaining to pregnancy, birth and parenthood.
21. What are your future plans? Right now, I am exploring options to further my education as I continue to support new parents and families which may include nursing or midwifery school. If you would like to support my future endeavors, you can donate here.​