Happy Hatchings Doula Services
“Birth is not only about making babies, Birth is about making Mothers. . . Strong, Competent, Capable Mothers who trust themselves and know their inner strength”.- Barbara Katz Rothman
Welcome to Happy Hatchings Doula Services!
My mission is to help families achieve their best possible birth through:
Tailored prenatal educational support
Advocacy training so you feel confident in your rights and medical decisions
Evidence based guidance as you prepare your informed birth plan
Careful collaboration with your chosen medical providers to ensure both safety, and birth autonomy
Nurturing support to your mental, emotional, and spiritual needs as you grow towards parenthood
Physical and physiological support so your body can optimally carry you through this miraculous journey.
Since 2004
Walking the path to Parenthood with families is an honor and a sacred trust. In spite of having attended over 1700 births- Every time I witness those miraculous first moments of life, I catch my breath, and rejoice in the divine. Psalms 139:13-14
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a doula?
From the Greek word meaning Female Servant- A Doula is an educational, emotional, and physical support person that serves your family. We ease your path through pregnancy, birth and the postpartum journey. An analogy I enjoy compares your pregnancy to an athlete’s preparation to run a marathon. You know it will be a challenge- physically, and emotionally, but the big day will arrive regardless of how you spend the intervening time. Anyone can just show up on the day of the race, and hope for the best. However, having a knowledgeable coach by your side to help you prepare, answer your questions, and even run the race by your side will be so valuable! The hardest part of preparing on your own is that you don’t know what you don’t know- so you are never sure when you are ready! Having a doula who has helped hundreds, even thousands of others through this same process can make ALL the difference in how your preparation and your big day plays out!
What are the benefits of hiring a Doula?
A recent research study published in 2025 called “The Effects of Doulas on Maternal and Birth Outcomes” reviewed over 180 studies, over a 21 year timeframe to consolidate what science says about the effects of Doula care. The research showed statistically significant:
- Decreased risk of Csections- (up to 52% drop in one study!) Increased success for VBAC’s.
- Fewer Medical Interventions needed, (Pitocin, Epidurals, other pain medications)
- Fewer complications, higher infant APGAR scores
- Fewer Preterm Deliveries (preemies)
- Shorter Labors and, less time pushing
- Improved breastfeeding success in both short and long term, Earlier lactogenesis
- Lower maternal Anxiety and Stress, Less reported birth trauma and PTSD, up to 57% drop in postpartum Depression.
- Mothers with increased confidence & autonomy, reporting more positive birth experiences.
What DON’T Doulas do?
I don’t judge, nor place expectations on your path. This is your birth, not mine. As long as you are fully informed, and feel peaceful with the path you have chosen for you family- My job is done!
I don’t provide any medical care, assessment, or diagnosis. This precludes things such as blood pressures, fetal heart monitoring, cervical exams, labs, etc. Additionally, I do not deliver your baby. This is the role of your OB/GYN, or Midwife.
I do not make medical, or life decisions for you. However, I will provide evidence based research, and training in advocacy throughout your pregnancy. I help open conversations and collaboration between you and medical providers to ensure you have all the information you need to make truly informed decisions. I don’t speak for you- but will refer back to your birth plan, and your stated preferences to make sure you are heard!
I do not give outcome guarantees. Birth is different for every woman, every baby, every pregnancy. While the principles, practices, and preparation options I share are evidence based, and designed to help you achieve your best possible birth. Emergencies, and unplanned events occur. However, I will guarantee that I will walk you through whatever comes, ensuring you feel supported, empowered, and informed to make your next right choice. Alternate endings can still be happily ever after!
Do Doulas take the place of Dads/Grandma’s/Friends?
I have joyfully stepped into the role of primary support for those women who find themselves birthing alone. However- I will never replace your loved ones at your bedside! Instead, I become an integral part of your birth team, supporting your whole family. Labors often exceed 12-24 hours of support. My presence allows your loved ones time to rest, eat, shower, etc. to be at their best for your birth, while you still have continuous support. It also allows them to go with your newborn to the NICU if higher care is needed without you being left alone. I support your spouse in their emotional journey as well helping them know HOW to best support you. At times we need both of us working in tandem to reduce your discomfort and meet other needs. Furthermore, I bring decades of experience and a skillset that would be hard to learn in a few short months. One research study showed C-Section rates for middle-class women supported continuously by their partner at 25%, vs 13.4% when supported by their partner AND a Doula!
Do Doulas replace my Dr., Midwife, or Labor Nurse?
Doulas add too, but DO NOT replace any member of your delivery team. Each has their own role. Many first-time parents express surprise after their birth at how little time their OB/GYN or midwife is there during their labor. Sometimes they only pop in just minutes before your actual birth. Often the provider you worked with throughout your pregnancy is not the one covering births when you deliver. Nurses have many duties, and often more than one patient to care for. As such they are in and out of the room. They work set shifts, often leaving after you have bonded, but before you deliver. These limitations are part of what lead me from bedside nursing to doula work! As a Doula, I join you when labor is established and I stay by your side until after you give birth and recover. Experiencing labor with uninterrupted, expert care from someone you chose and trust is priceless!
