What is a doula?

A doula’s main focus is guiding and supporting mothers and their partners through labor and birth. They are a continuous presence to help reduce stress and ease fear. They focus on emotional & physical comfort, and advocate for the mother’s wishes for the experience.

The presence of a doula often reduces the need for clinical outcomes (like cesareans, requests for pain medication, and other interventions). A greater satisfaction with the birth experience, shorter labor times / shorter hospital stays, and less stress have been reported when a doula is involved in the process. Doulas can improve the experience for both you and your partner. They are not a replacement for your partner, they are a support so that your partner is given the opportunity to also experience the birth positively and without stress - they get to experience the birth however feels most comfortable.

Doulas are often the only continuous presence during your labor and birth. Providers/Midwives and nurses have other patients and come and go, and even your partner may need a break for a meal or nap. Whether you are having a spontaneous labor and birth, planned or unplanned cesarean, epidural or no epidural. A doula is there for you.

Sources: The Birth Partner: A Complete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Partners, Doulas and Other Labor Companions by Penny Simkin with Kate Rohs and Evidence on: Doulas (evidencebasedbirth.com)

Why “Be You?”

As your doula I believe you should feel comfortable to make any decisions that are best for you and your baby. You get to “be you” while I aid in the support of those decisions. I also intend to guide the process so you can relax and do not have to worry about anything except your most important task - ushering your baby into the world! I hope for you to feel comfortable knowing that I am there for you while you may feel vulnerable, and I do not judge - what decisions you make, what you look like naked, what you may say (or yell) to me when you are in the throes of labor - I am not phased! You-be-you! Additionally, my name is Britana Uppinghouse - my initials are “BU,” so it is a fun play on my name. In my logo, the flowers surrounding mother and baby represent my support through the different stages of pregnancy and birth - buds for prenatal support, a full bloom flower for labor & birth, and a mature flower for postpartum support.

What is the difference between an OB-GYN, Midwife & Doula?

To put it simply:

• OB-GYN are medical doctors, and can perform surgical procedures and many other medical interventions. They almost always deliver babies in a hospital. They are responsible to the health and wellbeing of the mother.

• Midwives are trained and experienced professionals that are able to do all procedures associated with low-risk, normal births. They are able to deliver babies in hospitals, birth centers, and home births. They are responsible to the health and well-being of the mother.

• Doulas are not licensed medical professionals and have varying degrees of certifications. They are able to only provide non-clinical advice, guidance and emotional and physical support. They do not diagnose, treat, or prescribe, and are not medically responsible for the health and well-being of the mother.

  Source: Midwife vs OB-GYN: What's the difference?

How much do your services cost?

At this time, please fill out the form on the Contact Page for service details.