Labor Support
“Your body knows how to birth, and your baby knows how to be born. But it can still feel unknown and at times overwhelming. I am there to help you breathe if you lose your rhythm. To reassure you and your partner that the intensity of labor is normal and purposeful. I am an extra set of hands wherever they are needed, and a place to process the unexpected. I know birth, and I would love to know you.
-Katie, Drayton Harbor Doula
Why hire a doula?
Photo by Trevor Andrews Photography
My support as a doula is for all people. I don’t care where you want to have your baby, who you want to catch your baby, or how medicated or unmedicated you plan on being. I will come behind what you choose and support you whatever way I can. Personal responsibility and informed choice are two values of mine that impact how I support my clients. This means I will encourage you to take ownership of your birth. First and foremost, intuition has a place, your gut feeling is valuable, pay attention to it. Ask questions and explore out of that place. As your doula, my goal is to point you in the direction of evidence-based information. Then you get to sit with that information, consult with your provider, and make a choice for yourself. If you are looking for someone who is going to tell you what to do, I am not the doula for you. You are so capable and what you want, feel, and think matters. I will help you explore your values, then from there we look at models of care, birth location and providers that might best suites those values. This is where a positive experience begins, you may need to shift and make new decisions as your pregnancy progresses or as your birth unfolds. That is part of this journey, making the best decisions you can for yourself and your baby each step of the way. But it begins with a foundation of trust in yourself and aligned care provider(s). Then you get to build on on this with education, mental and physical preparation, and support from a doula along the way (not just in labor).
For partners, please know that I do not want to be the star of this show and my ultimate goal is to blend and support. I want you to be the person looking into their eyes. I do not replace you, I want to build you up and support this experience of birth for you as well.
You deserve to be centered as an individual and not as a statistic. Birth matters, what you want and need matters. Everyone is different, so every birth is different. Birth is not black and white, because people are not black and white. If experience has taught me anything, it’s this!
As for who I am, by nature I am a calm and thoughtful person. A calm-steady presence is something I feel I contribute to the birth space in all settings and in difficult circumstances. I value relationship. I want to know you, your partner and anyone else you decide to invite to your birth. I value honesty, supporting physiology, consent, informed-decision making, evidence-based care, personal responsibility, and open communication with care providers. These values will always come through in my work as a doula and educator. I love this work and I would love to get to know you.
The logistics, what does a doula do?
Provides 2-4 prenatal visits - What happens at prenatal visit?
#1 Whatever is on your mind, questions, curiosities, exciting moments, and taking time to get to know each other.
First visit we cover mental and physical preparation for birth. This means we talk through nutrition, movement, and mental preparation for birth. We also being the birth planning process by discussing how to put a birth plan together and how we can utilize it.
Second visit is done after you have completed a birth class. This way we can expand on what you learned and talk about what pertains to you as an individual, as well as expand on topics you want to dig into. We will also start to talk about your needs and how we as your team can best support YOU.
Our third visit is done BY 37 weeks. This visit is done in your home. Here we are going over early labor, when to go, communication, and we will think through some of the “what ifs”, what do we do if we need to pivot?
The fourth visit is done between 40 and 41 weeks. This is a good mental and emotional check point. We may grab a coffee, go on a walk, or do some hands on body work and movement as needed.
These visits are generally 1 1/2 to 2 hours long.
1-2 postpartum visits
A time to check in on you! How is your body, mind, and heart? How is feeding and sleep going? I may assist in basic feeding need or refer to a lactation consultant as needed. I check in on your basic needs. Do we need to create some intention to get your needs met? How can we utilize services. We may spend some time processing your birth. This time is whatever you need, in the moment.
Assist in birth planning
Offers focused attention on the birthing person
Continuous support throughout labor
Aware of partner’s needs
Attention to coping measures
Massage between contractions for relaxation
Counter pressure during contractions to reduce pain
Assists with position changes
Knowledge bank to draw from
Create space for decision making
On-call 24 hours a day
**A doula is not a medical provider. I do not offer medical advice and do not make medical decisions for the family.
Labor Support Packages
2-4 Prenatal Visits
1-2 Postpartum Visits
Remain at birth site 1-2 hours after birth
Available 24 hours a day for call/text support
On-call for labor support two weeks before and after your EDD
Use of TENS Unit
Back-up doula (in the rare scenario they are needed)
9 months of access to the Intentional Birth Course (valued at $397)
Birth class + placenta encapsulation discounts available depending on the package level you choose.
Three packages available ranging from $1650-$2250
Birth Doula Packages are discussed during a complimentary consultation.
Do you qualify for WIC or Apple Health (ex. Molina)? Doula support is now available, cost free, through Whatcom County Health & Community Services. Katie is contracted with this program and can make referrals as needed. Click here to learn more about this cost free doula program.
STAY TUNED! Early 2025, Apple Health (Medicaid), will directly and fully cover doula support.
“I cannot say enough about how amazing Katie is! We had no idea what to expect from a doula in our first pregnancy, and she provided SO much support, expertise, knowledge, and resources. She never pushed us in any direction but rather gave us comprehensive information and supported us in making choices that felt best for us. Her care and compassion helped us get through the toughest moments. Anyone would be really lucky to have Katie as their doula!”
-Emily, Birth Client