Doula FAQ

After my birthing experience with my three children I decided I wanted to make sure every mother have the birthing experience they are hoping for. I have always loved helping people and after looking to become a nurse, I realized many nurses do not get to invest in the mothers the whole time during labor so I started looking into being a doula. After I attended my first birth I was so excited I started my certification that night! Check out my Blog Why a Doula to get the full story.

Birth is an exciting and unexpected process. We can’t know exactly when or where you will deliver. We will do everything possible to educate you and your partner on when to call me and to head to the hospital. Personal emergencies are another thing we can’t predict but I will do my best to make sure I don’t have to leave your side.

I have my CPR certification and I’m also a LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse). During nursing school I received the clinical achievement award for my OBGYN Clinical rotation. I also have been a published/ award wining birth and newborn photographer.

I’m a stay at home mother of my three children. I also teach English online to children in China. I feel so blessed to be able to spend this time with them while they are young and being able to focus on my business.

The thing that makes me different from most doulas is the attention I give the mothers. My nursing background has helped me not only with care of the mother before and during labor but also during your postpartum period. I also understand that birth is a special time for a mother and her partner and I don’t want to take the partners place. I’m here to help you advocate for your self, and to support, encourage, and keep you informed along this journey.

There is no normal birth. Each birth is different and special. At our prenatal meeting after 35 weeks we will go over your wishes, and we will compose a birth plan together. When it comes time for your labor and delivery I will make sure your birth team has copies of your birth plan and I will advocate for you if you are unable to and help you have the labor and delivery you wish. Now I can’t guarantee that everything will be followed perfectly due to the fact that labor is unpredictable but I will do everything I can to make it a positive experience.

I believe that the husband or partners role is very important and I will not replace that role. My job is to know everything about pregnancy and birth and the father knows everything about the mother so we make a perfect team. Check out this blog about Dad’s and Doulas. You also can read about it more in our Resources Center. 

We will decide together when you would like me to join you during your birthing process. Some like to wait until they are in active labor, where some would like me to arrive at their home during early labor. You can download this When to Call your Doula paper to help guide you.

Short Photography’s birth philosophy is your philosophy. We feel that every mom has the right to have the birth that she wants. We are here to support her and her partner during prenatal, birth, and postpartum. Our goal is to empower moms to have their dream birthing experience by educating them and helping them through each step during labor.

Selecting a doula is an incredibly important decision and I feel that it has to be right for both the parents and the doula. We like to have a free in person consultation so that everyone can get to know each other. During this time we also go over any questions you may have.