Birth Doula Services

My services are unique to each birthing person. Regardless of circumstance, I will facilitate a safe space along your birth journey, whether it be an unmedicated water birth, a planned Cesarean Section, or anything in between. As your doula, I will be a source of information, and a steadfast emotional support throughout this transitional time. I will empower you and your family through knowledge, comfort, respect, and confidentiality.

Birth Doula Services

The word “doula” is Greek, meaning “woman caregiver." This word was chosen for its nonmedical connotation; highlighting the importance of an attentive and comforting companion. Not every birthing person or doula identifies as a woman, and I realize this term is sometimes problematic. My identification with this term is that of an action word. "Doula" invokes the qualia of an experienced individual holding space for another's experience.  I am an open, grounded doula who brings personalized, heart-based care to all involved while they labor and love their child into the world.

Hiring a doula cuts in half the odds of an unnecessary cesarean, and also halves the odds of having a forceps or vacuum-extractor delivery. A doula's presence shortens labor by greatly reducing stress, pain, and anxiety. They’re the only one in the birth room whose sole responsibility is to care for your emotional well-being: to bring a sense of safety and comfort.*

After receiving doula training from Enlightened Mama in St. Paul, MN in 2015, I have attended 30 births at hospitals and birth centers in the Twin Cities metro area. I’ve held space for people through swift labors, long labors, water births, Nitrous-oxide use during labor, Epidural-aided births, C-sections, Premature births, high-risk pregnancies, single parent births, and LGBTQAI births. 

Please email me directly if you wish to set up a free consultation at healingartsbycm@gmail.com.

I look forward to connecting with you.

First, we'll meet for a free consultation, either in your home or at a central coffee shop. This is our chance to get to know each other and see if I would be a good fit for your intended birth experience. We will use this time to talk about your preferences and desires. I will also describe my offerings in depth.

Once we've determined it's a match, I'll ask for a retainer fee to hold your place in my schedule. This will be half of the total fee we have agreed upon. I offer sliding scales for lower income families. 

We'll meet an additional 1-4 times before your birthing time. This time will be used for education, practicing comfort measures, and checking in with deep feelings that may arise during this transformative time. 

You'll have continuous physical and emotional support during labor until your beautiful babe is born. 

Finally, we'll meet for one postnatal visit in your home to reconnect and process your birth story. 

*Fact-based evidence from Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth page 237

Placenta Encapsulation

Placenta Encapsulation is an art form of processing the very special organ you have created during pregnancy. The placenta serves as the pathway between you and your baby; you share nutrients, blood, oxygen, and growth. Consuming it after birth can provide you with nutrients specially made for you – by you! The post-birthing time can be filled with emotional and energetic ups and downs and taking placenta capsules has been said to help birthing parents feel better and revitalized.

Chinese Medicine process includes “bringing warmth” to the placenta before dehydrating it. I steam it with warming herbs like ginger, lemon, and jalapeño. Then dehydrate and process it into capsules. This ensures those nutrients will return to your body, and hopefully stave off major postpartum emotional shifts.

The Raw method includes dehydrating and processing without warming it first. This method is said to be more potent in its affects, giving a bigger boost of energy.

You may also choose to do half TCM and half Raw methods.

Placenta Prints & Tinctures

Placenta Prints capture the unique Tree-of-Life quality of each individual placenta. I use watercolor paper to create these beautiful keepsakes. 

Placenta Tinctures are made by steeping a small portion of the placenta in 100% Neutral Grain Spirit. This offers the energetic effects of ingesting the raw placenta in liquid form. This medicine lasts indefinitely and can be used anytime you feel like you need a boost after birth (even long after your placenta pills are gone).