How to Create Your Birth Guide (Not a Birth Plan)

When preparing for labor and birth, many people are encouraged to create a birth plan. But here’s the truth—birth is unpredictable, and you can’t plan every detail. Instead of thinking of it as a rigid plan, consider it a birth guide—a flexible outline of your preferences that allows for adjustments as needed.

A birth guide helps you communicate your wishes while staying open to the unexpected. Here’s how to create one that reflects your ideal birth experience while embracing the unpredictable nature of labor and birth.

1. Start with Your Birth Preferences

Think about what’s important to you in your birth experience. Some key areas to consider include:

• Environment: Do you want dim lighting, music, or a quiet space?

• Pain Management: Would you like to try unmedicated techniques first, or are you open to an epidural?

• Labor Preferences: Are there specific positions or movement techniques you’d like to try?

• Medical Interventions: How do you feel about induction, membrane sweeps, or assisted birth if needed?

• Breathe Work: Do you have a certain kind of breathe technique you have learned and want to incorporate?

• Cervical Exams: Are you ok with doctors and midwives performing routine cervical exams?

2. Consider the “What-Ifs”

Birth is full of surprises, and flexibility is key. Instead of thinking in absolutes, explore your preferences if things don’t go as planned.

• If you need a cesarean, what aspects of the experience are important to you?

• If labor takes longer than expected, what support measures would help you stay comfortable?

• If an intervention is suggested, how will you gather information to make the best decision for you and your baby?

By preparing for multiple possibilities, you’ll feel more confident and in control, no matter how your birth unfolds.

3. Keep It Simple and Share It with Your Birth Team

Your birth guide should be clear, concise, and easy to reference during labor. A one-page document with bullet points is ideal. Share it with your partner, doula, and healthcare provider ahead of time so they understand your preferences and can advocate for you if needed.

4. Focus on Feelings, Not Just Logistics

Beyond medical choices, think about how you want to feel during labor and birth. Do you want encouragement and hands-on support, or a quieter, more private space? Communicating these emotional preferences is just as important as logistical details.

5. Be Open to the Unexpected

A birth guide is not about controlling birth—it’s about preparing, not predicting. Staying open-minded and trusting your birth team allows you to navigate changes with confidence and peace of mind.

Your Birth, Your Way.

Creating a birth guide helps you feel empowered, informed, and ready for labor—while also allowing space for the unexpected. Birth may not go exactly as you envision, but with the right preparation and support, it can still be a positive and empowering experience.

If you’d like help creating your birth guide and preparing for labor, I’d love to support you! Contact me today to learn more about my birth doula services.

Five Benefits of Having a Birth Doula

Welcoming a new baby into the world is an exciting and transformative experience, but it can also come with uncertainty and challenges. A birth doula provides continuous emotional, physical, and informational support throughout labor and delivery, helping families feel more empowered and confident. If you're considering hiring a birth doula, here are five key benefits to keep in mind.

1. Continuous Emotional Support

Unlike hospital staff who may change shifts, a birth doula stays by your side throughout your entire labor. Doulas offer reassurance, encouragement, and a calming presence, helping to ease stress and anxiety. Having a trusted, knowledgeable support person can make a significant difference in how you experience childbirth.

2. Reduced Risk of Medical Interventions

Studies show that the presence of a birth doula is associated with lower rates of medical interventions, including cesarean sections, epidurals, and the use of forceps or vacuum extraction. Doulas provide comfort measures like breathing techniques, massage, and position changes, which can help labor progress naturally and reduce the need for interventions.

3. Pain Management and Comfort Techniques

A doula is trained in various pain-relief methods that don’t involve medication. From guiding you through breathing exercises to using counterpressure, rebozo techniques, and movement suggestions, a doula can help make labor more manageable. These techniques not only provide relief but also help you feel more in control of your birth experience.

4. Advocacy and Informed Decision-Making

Birth doulas help you navigate your options, ensuring that your voice is heard in the birthing space. They provide evidence-based information and support your birth plan while also helping you adapt if unexpected circumstances arise. Having a doula by your side means you have someone to advocate for your preferences while fostering positive communication with your medical team.

5. A More Positive Birth Experience

Research suggests that people who have doulas report higher satisfaction with their birth experience. Feeling supported, informed, and in control can contribute to a more empowering and positive birth. Even if things don’t go exactly as planned, a doula helps you process and adjust, leading to a more fulfilling experience overall.

Ready to Hire a Birth Doula?

If you're expecting and want personalized support for your labor and delivery, hiring a birth doula can be one of the best decisions you make. As your doula, I am here to guide you through the process, offering the reassurance, knowledge, and care you need for a more confident and supported birth experience.

Interested in learning more? Contact me today to discuss how I can support you on your birth journey!

Three Ways a Birth Doula Supports the Partner during Labor

When people think about hiring a birth doula, they often focus on the support provided to the birthing person. However, a doula is also a valuable resource for the partner or husband, helping them feel more confident and involved in the labor process. Whether your partner wants to be hands-on or isn't sure how to best support you, a doula ensures they are prepared and empowered. Here are three key ways a birth doula helps the partner during labor.

1. Guidance and Reassurance

Labor can be unpredictable, and partners may feel unsure about how to help in the moment. A doula provides clear guidance and reassurance, helping the partner understand what’s happening and how they can offer support. Instead of feeling overwhelmed or helpless, the partner has a knowledgeable professional by their side, offering encouragement and direction every step of the way.

2. Enhancing Partner Involvement

A doula never replaces the partner—instead, they enhance the support the partner can provide. By offering suggestions for comfort measures, breathing techniques, and hands-on support, a doula helps the partner feel more engaged and effective. Whether it’s knowing the right way to apply counterpressure or simply offering words of encouragement at the right moment, a doula empowers the partner to be as involved as they want to be.

3. Allowing the Partner to Rest and Recharge

Labor can last for many hours, and the partner may need a break to eat, rest, or step away for a moment without feeling guilty. A doula provides continuous support, ensuring that the birthing person is never left alone. This allows the partner to step away when needed, knowing that their loved one is still being cared for. With a well-supported and rested partner, both parents can be more present and engaged during the birth experience.

A Birth Doula Supports the Whole Family

Hiring a birth doula isn’t just about supporting the birthing person—it’s about creating a positive and empowering experience for both parents. With guidance, encouragement, and continuous support, a doula helps the partner feel confident, informed, and ready to be the best support system possible.

If you and your partner are preparing for birth and want extra support, I’d love to help! Contact me today to learn more about how a doula can benefit both of you during labor and delivery.

Four Common Misconceptions about Birth Doulas

If you’ve heard about birth doulas but aren’t quite sure what they do, you’re not alone! While more people are recognizing the value of having a doula, there are still many misconceptions about their role in labor and birth. If you’re considering hiring a doula, it’s important to separate fact from fiction. Let’s clear up four of the most common myths about birth doulas.

1. Myth: A Birth Doula Replaces the Partner

Truth: A doula doesn’t replace the partner—instead, they enhance the support the partner can provide. Some partners worry that hiring a doula means they will be left out of the birth experience, but that’s not the case. A doula helps the partner feel more confident and involved by offering guidance, reassurance, and practical ways to support the birthing person. Together, the doula and partner make a great team!

2. Myth: Doulas Only Support People Who Want an Unmedicated Birth

Truth: A birth doula supports all kinds of birth experiences—whether you want an unmedicated birth, an epidural, or a planned cesarean. Doulas are there to provide information, comfort measures, and emotional support, no matter what type of birth you choose. Their goal is to help you feel empowered and supported in your decisions, not to push a specific birth plan.

3. Myth: A Birth Doula Only Provides Physical Support

Truth: While doulas do offer hands-on comfort techniques like massage, counterpressure, and positioning suggestions, their role goes beyond physical support. They also provide emotional encouragement, answer questions, and help you navigate important decisions during labor. Additionally, they serve as a bridge between you and your medical team, ensuring that your voice is heard throughout the birth process.

4. Myth: Hiring a Doula Means You Don’t Need a Doctor or Midwife

Truth: A doula is not a medical professional and does not replace your doctor, midwife, or nurses. Instead, they work alongside your healthcare providers to ensure you have the best birth experience possible. While your medical team focuses on the health and safety of you and your baby, your doula focuses on your comfort, emotional well-being, and advocacy, creating a well-rounded support system.

The Truth About Birth Doulas

Birth doulas provide invaluable support, helping families feel more confident and prepared for labor and delivery. They work alongside partners and medical professionals, offering encouragement, education, and comfort every step of the way. No matter what kind of birth experience you envision, a doula can help you feel empowered and supported throughout the journey.

Are you interested in learning more about how a birth doula can support you? Reach out today—I’d love to answer your questions and be part of your birth team!

Five Benefits of Having a Postpartum Doula

Welcoming a new baby is a beautiful and life-changing experience, but the postpartum period can also be overwhelming. Between recovering from birth, adjusting to a new routine, and caring for a newborn, many parents find themselves exhausted and in need of extra support. That’s where a postpartum doula comes in. A postpartum doula provides emotional, physical, and practical support to help ease the transition into parenthood. Here are five key benefits of having a postpartum doula by your side.

1. Emotional Support and Reassurance

The postpartum period can be filled with a wide range of emotions, from joy and excitement to exhaustion and self-doubt. A postpartum doula offers a listening ear, reassurance, and encouragement as you navigate this new chapter. Whether you’re experiencing the baby blues or just need someone to talk to, having a doula can help you feel more confident and supported.

2. Hands-On Help with Newborn Care

Newborns require constant care, and it can take time to adjust to their needs. A postpartum doula helps with everything from diapering and swaddling to soothing techniques and sleep routines. Whether you're a first-time parent or adding another baby to the family, having expert guidance can make those early days much smoother.

3. Support for Feeding and Infant Bonding

Feeding a newborn—whether breastfeeding/chestfeeding, bottle-feeding, or both—can come with challenges. A postpartum doula provides support for lactation, helping with positioning, latch techniques, and troubleshooting common breastfeeding concerns. If you're using formula or pumping, they can also assist with feeding routines and help ensure you and your baby are comfortable and thriving.

4. Household Assistance for a Smoother Recovery

Recovering from birth takes time, and simple tasks can feel overwhelming in those first few weeks. A postpartum doula can assist with light household duties like meal preparation, laundry, and tidying up, giving you more time to rest and bond with your baby. This extra support allows you to focus on healing without the stress of daily chores piling up.

5. Guidance for the Whole Family

A postpartum doula supports not just the birthing person, but the entire family. They can help partners feel more confident in their new role, provide guidance for older siblings adjusting to the baby, and offer practical tips to make the transition smoother for everyone. Having a knowledgeable, compassionate professional by your side ensures that the whole family feels cared for and supported.

A Postpartum Doula Helps You Thrive, Not Just Survive

The early days of parenthood should be about bonding, healing, and enjoying time with your baby—not feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. A postpartum doula provides the support you need to feel more rested, confident, and prepared for this new chapter.

If you’re expecting and want to set yourself up for a smoother postpartum experience, I’d love to help. Contact me today to learn more about my postpartum doula services and how I can support your family!