Welcome!

I am a Rhode Island based doula tailoring my support to meet each families’ individual needs. I’m pleased you are here and welcome you to take a look around. Please get in touch with any questions you may have. My goal is to support you well for a safe and positive pregnancy and birth experience. Let’s talk about what that looks like for you and your family.

I have served families at the following hospitals (and counting!):

Newport Hospital; Newport, RI

Memorial Hospital; Pawtucket, RI

Women and Infants Hospital; Providence, RI

South County Hospital, Narragansett, RI

Charlton Memorial; Fall River, MA

Kent Hospital; Warwick, RI

Landmark Medical; Woonsocket, RI

The following are some things that help me help you better:

Member of Doulas of Rhode Island

Certified Labor Doula (Childbirth International)

Pre-Certified Postpartum Doula (ProDoula)

Bachelor of Fine Arts from the New School

Rebozo Certified (Apprentice) through Gena Kirby

Certified Prenatal Health Coach

Officially qualified to use Spinning Babies techniques

DOULA FAQ

Everything you wanted to ask about doulas!

If you want to find out more about Meg from Barefoot Mama, you can visit her website here: Barefoot Mama

Labor Support

Complimentary consultation
Two prenatal visits
Unlimited communication during the pregnancy, birth and early postpartum period
Access to my lending library
Labor and birth support
One postpartum visit

Birth Planning Session

A 2-hour consultation with families who are looking for guidance and information regarding the formation of a birth preference sheet and hospital/care provider expectations.

Postpartum Food Prep

Food preparation for the family during the postpartum year. Taking into account the families needs, this service includes a shopping trip and meals/snacks prepped for the agreed amount of time.

Postpartum Care

An in-home service available anytime within the first year of your baby's life. Support catered to your needs, which may change by the day!  Some examples include:

- Light house keeping -

- Overnight care (so you can sleep!) -

- Snack/meal prep -

- Objective and non-judgmental support and help navigating the various parenting choices -

- Referrals and resources to help you in your parenting journey -

What do you need to care for your family well? It's my job as a postpartum doula to provide it! Read more about what I can provide for you on this blog post: "What does a postpartum doula do and three reasons why you might hire one"

What is a Birth Doula? Do I need one?

If you are not quite sure what a birth doula is or what they would do, you are not alone! I often get a blank stare when someone asks me what I do.

dou·la (noun) - a woman who is trained to assist another woman during childbirth and who may provide support to the family after the baby is born.

The word “doula” is a greek word meaning “servant of women.” A doula is considered to be a non-medically trained birth professional who provides emotional, physical and educational support to women and their families throughout pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period. This could look different for every mom and family. Sometimes this looks like a calm presence in the room, reassuring you that everything you are experiencing is normal. Other times a doula is able to provide the birth partner with a nap or lunch break by being able to step in as primary support until they are back. And then sometimes, a doula can help mom and partner to better understand the medical lingo and any intervention that might be suggested so that they can make an informed decision about their health and the birth of their baby.

I’ll let you in on a little secret. I didn’t have a doula for my first birth... And it wasn’t terrible. However, having someone there who was familiar with birth and could remind me that everything I was experiencing was normal and to help me focus when I felt as if I was losing control would have made for a completely different experience. Studies have shown that having a doula’s support during birth there is:

• 31% decrease in the use of Pitocin 
• 28% decrease in the risk of Cesarean
• 12% increase in the likelihood of spontaneous vaginal birth
• 9% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief
• 14% decrease in the risk of newborn admission to special care nursey
• 34% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience 

Among things like relaxation techniques, emotional, physical, and postpartum support, a doula does not replace your partner but actually enhances the partner’s experience by encouraging them in different ways to be able to provide support to the laboring mother.

The lending library is one perk of having me as your doula. Feel free to borrow whatever you think will help you on your journey.

Pregnancy

The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth by Shelia Kitzinger
Great With Child by Beth Ann Fennelly
Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn by Penny Simkin, Janet Whalley, Ann Keppler, Janelle Durham and April Bolding
A Green Guide to Your Natural Pregnancy and Birth by Claire Gillman
The Pregnancy Book by Dr. William Sears and Martha Sears
The Mama Natural Week by Week Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth by Genevieve Howland
Expecting Better by Emily Oster

Birth

Your Baby, Your Way by Shelia Kitzinger
Mindful Birthing by Nancy Bardacke, CNM
Active Birth (Revised Edition) by Janet Balaskas
Supernatural Childbirth by Jackie Mize
Christian Woman's Guide to Childbirth by Debra Evans
The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth by Henci Goer
Easy Labor by William Camann MD and Kathryn J. Alexander, MA
Easing Labor Pain by Adrienne B. Lieberman
The Official Lamaze Guide by Judith Lothian and Charlotte DeVries
The Labor Progress Handbook by Penny Simkin and Ruth Ancheta
Creating Your Birth Plan by Marsden Wagner MD, MS
Evidence Based Care for Normal Labour and Birth by Denis Walsh
Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin
The Birth Book by Dr. William Sears and Martha Sears
Childbirth Education (Second Edition) by Francine H. Nichols and Sharron Smith Humenick

Women's Health and the History of Birth

BIRTH by Tina Cassidy
Birth Matters by Ina May Gaskin
Our Bodies, Ourselves by The Boston Women's Health Book Collective

Caesarean Birth

The Essential C-Section Guide by Maureen Connolly and Dana Sullivan

VBAC

Vaginal Birth After Cesarean by Elizabeth Kaufmann

Aromatherapy

Essential Oils in Pregnancy, Birth & Babies by Stephanie Fritz LM,CPM
Aromatherapy and Massage for Mother and Baby by Allison England
Healing Oils of the Bible by David Stewart

For the Partner

The New Father by Armin A. Brott
The Expectant Father by Jennier Ash and Armin A. Brott
Special Women by Paulina Perez and Cheryl Snedeker
The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin

Breastfeeding

New Mother's Guide to Breastfeeding by Joan Younger Meek with Sherill Tippins
The Nursing Mother's Companion (20th Anniversary Edition) by Kathleen Huggins, RN, MS
Bestfeeding by Mary Renfrew, Chloe Fisher Suzanne Arms

Newborn Care

On Becoming Babywise by Gary Ezzo MA and Robert Bucknam MD
The Baby Book by Dr. William Sears and Martha Sears
The Premature Baby Book by Dr. William Sears and Martha Sears
Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child by Marc Weissbluth MD
What to Expect the First Year by Arlene Eisenberg, Heidi E. Murkoff and Sandee E. Hathaway, BSN
Touchpoints: Birth to Three by Brazelton and Sparrow

Beyond The First Year

The Birth Order Book by Dr. Kevin Leman
The no-cry sleep solution for toddlers and preschoolers by Elizabeth Pantley
The Happiest Toddler on the Block by Harvey Karp MD
Your Child's Health by Barton D. Schmitt MD

Starting Solids/Nutrition

The Family Nutrition Book by Dr. William Sears and Martha Sears
Baby Led Weaning by Gill Rapley and Tracey Murkett

Infertility

The Belated Baby by Jill S Browning and Kelly James-Enger

VACCINES

The Vaccine Friendly Plan by Paul Thomas M.D. and Jennifer Margulis Ph.D
The Vaccine Book by Dr. Sears
The Thoughtful Parent's Guide to Vaccinations by Dr. Aviva Romm

DVDs

The Happiest Baby on the Block by Harvey Karp, MD
10 Minute Solution: Prenatal Pilates
Holy Yoga: Prenatal/Back Care by Christina Mroz
Gaiam's Prenatal Yoga with Shiva Rea