Doulas are granted access into one of the most intimate and heightened moments in a woman's life: that of giving birth. A doula's job is to provide unending emotional and physical support while negotiating the interface of hospital staff, family wishes and medical circumstances that surround birth. We are committed to helping each woman have her needs met. We work hard intellectually as well as physically; and every time we begin our work, an amazing, passionate and fascinating story is just waiting to be told.

Birth can be a very vulnerable experience. A mother may find that she is being pushed to her limits both emotionally and physically in an environment that is unfamiliar to her. She may cry or moan, all while her body is exposed. By nurturing and communicating respect and awe, the woman will internalize these qualities and the positive impact is permanent. If she is treated without respect, and if her efforts to maintain dignity and control are lost, then that too can have a lifelong impact.

As a doula I will:
• Approach supporting the mother and her partner in preparing for their birth without judgement.
• Be present through the entire birth experience providing encouragement and support from start to finish.
• Empower the mother and her partner to advocate for themselves and ask questions to ensure they feel informed when making decisions regarding their birth.
• Always make sure the partner remains the #1 in support of the laboring mom and feels assisted and supported by the Doula as necessary and desired. (See article Partners and Doulas for more information.)

As a doula I will not:
• Place judgement on the choices you make. I will always respect those choices and make sure we are working towards the birth you envision having. I do not have my own agenda- it's your birth.
• I do not do any sort of medical interventions such as vaginal exams.
• I do not speak on your behalf. I will help you in getting the information from your midwife/doctor and nurses so that you will be able to make informed decisions. Your voice is most important when conveying your thoughts or concerns.

Please read PARTNERS AND DOULAS to learn more about the way doulas and partners work together during labor.

As a Registered Yoga Teacher with specialized training in prenatal yoga, I would love the opportunity to craft a yoga session specifically for you.

Please call me at 512.914.2092 or email doula@emilybessey.com for more information.