I assist women to access their own power to birth their babies, providing emotional support, physical comfort measures and advocacy for the birthing mother and her family.
Doulas are highly trained and experienced in providing support for birthing mothers. Doulas are experts in the process of pregnancy and birth and strive to help the birthing mother have a positive experience in the incredible, life-changing experience of birthing a new being.
The many benefits of doula care are shown in the study published in the book, 'Mothering The Mother', by Marshall H. Klaus:
50% reduction of Cesarean rate
25% shorter labor
60% reduction in epidural requests
30% reduction in analgesia use
40% reduction in forceps delivery

Pregnancy Support
 I provide support during pregnancy including emotional support, healing work, and herbal and nutritional support. I meet with you throughout your pregnancy to discuss your desires surrounding your birth and my role as your doula. I help mothers explore the many decisions and options surrounding the birth and newborn care. You have a choice about the many tests and procedures during pregnancy and childbirth and I provide information, knowledge and resources to help you make an informed choice. I work with you to create your birth plan and I am there to answer all questions. You will also receive healing touch and cupping treatments in pregnancy.

Birth Doula Care
Unfolding Lotus Birth Services provides the birthing mother with constant support during the entire birthing process. I am there throughout your whole labor and birth to calm, reassure, nurture and comfort. I come to you when you need me in labor and stay until you are settled in with your baby in your arms, happily breastfeeding. I provide the birthing mother with emotional support, position suggestions, pain coping techniques, offerings of herbal support, aromatherapy, support during pushing and other comfort measures. I advocate for you so your needs and wishes are respected by all present during your experience. I offer knowledge and information about the birth process and the options during labor and birth so that you can make informed decisions about your birth. I advocate for the mother, the baby and the whole family. I help to facilitate the bonding between the laboring couple, as well as with baby. I hold sacred space for your own empowerment. You can have the birth you desire!

The father, partner or other family members, also benefit from my care during the birth. I do not take the place of a supportive partner, but support the partner and the rest of the family to nurture the mother and also have a meaningful birth. I have experience with a variety of families including adoption, lesbian couples and single mothers. I tune in to the diverse needs of birthing families and honor them. With the energy of birth, sacred space is created. I protect that sacred space of birth.

I offer doula care in any setting. I have experience with births at the hospital, birth centers and at home, as well as with water birth. I believe there is a great need for doulas in hospital settings and I am working to help doulas gain popularity. I have experience with supporting women through a VBAC. I am very passionate about helping a woman heal from a previous cesarean birth and go on to birth vaginally. I also support women during a cesarean birth. I respectfully cater to the needs of each individual family, with compassion and non-judgment.

"Babies are bits of star-dust blown from the hand of God. Lucky the woman who knows the pangs of birth for she has held a star."  ~Larry Barretto

Postpartum Support
Immediately following the birth I stay with the mother and provide breastfeeding support if needed. I will prepare a "birthday" meal and help clean up. I offer high quality herbs to speed the mother's healing after the work of birthing. I visit the family 1-3 times following the birth. I also offer the postpartum mother hot healing herbal baths and other healing support to help promote relaxing and postpartum healing. I also coordinate support from the family's friends.

Postpartum doula care is also offered in the weeks after giving birth. This includes caring for older siblings, newborn care, running errands, preparing healthy meals, light housekeeping, etc. My role is to provide non-intrusive, non-judgmental support according to the family’s needs and wishes. I am there to facilitate your time to relax, and heal.