For the next 8 months, I will not be attending births as I have just given birth myself in May  2003 and am taking time off to nurture myself and my baby.  I will be taking clients beginning with due dates in November 2003.  Thank you!

Sarah Carter, certified doula

Sarah has been attending births as a doula since 2000.  She is certified through the Doulas of North America [DONA], and has assisted with medicated and unmedicated, home and hospital births.  Her mission is to help families give birth, in whatever way best suits them.  If you want to ask her any questions, or see about hiring her, you can call her at or e-mail her at Sarah.  An initial interview is always free and puts you under no obligation.  It's just a chance to get to know each other and see if you and she are a good doula-client fit.

Birth doula services cost $250, which includes: two pre-birth visits (including defining “successful” childbirth, discussion of pain, mastering fears, a birth art activity, exercises and positions for labor, etc.), early labor phone contact and home visit if possible, continuous support throughout active labor and delivery, and at least one postpartum visit to discuss the birth, adjustments, breastfeeding, newborn care, etc.

Would you like to see pictures of past clients, and read comments about Sarah's work in the past?  Check out her Clients Page.

So why would you want a doula?

A national survey indicated that over 50% of US hospital obstetrics units are short-staffed. The Medical Leadership Council stated that the inability to provide continuous coverage to laboring women could increase the chance of a cesarean birth. Women who are accompanied by doulas in childbirth are more satisfied with their birth experiences. They feel more confident, are more likely to interact closely with their infants and less likely to have postpartum depression. Mothers who are cared for by labor doulas are much more likely to initiate and continue breastfeeding and fewer newborns have complications.

What is a doula?

“Doula" is an ancient Greek word for woman-servant.  Today it refers to a supportive companion who is professionally trained to provide labor support.

As your doula, I can

· Be a constant presence of encouragement and reassurance

· Give priority attention to your comfort and wishes

· Talk, walk and help you through the hardest parts of labor

· Support your feelings and decisions about the birth

· Provide information and resources when your prepare for birth

· Help you overcome fears related to the birth and motherhood

· Help you find more comfortable positions during labor

· Rub your back, feet, neck and hands to help you relax

· Talk you through a planned relaxation exercise

· Help you meet your physical needs (eating, drinking, walking)

· Assist your birth partner in meeting your needs and his/her own

· Tell you many different options for your birth, comfort measures, and relaxation techniques

· Provide basic breastfeeding and infant care information

· Help you ask medical personnel the right questions to get the information you want

doulas help families

According to Kennell, Klaus, and Kennell (1993), using a doula is associated with:

· 50% reduction in cesarean rates

· 25% shorter labor

· 60% reduction in epidural requests

· 40% reduction in oxytocin (pitocin) use

· 40% reduction in forceps delivery

And mothers who have a doula at their births are more likely to report being happier with their birth experience, their partner and their baby.