A Birth Doula is the physical, emotional and informational support for a pregnant person and their partner during the pregnancy, labor, delivery and postpartum period. The word Doula means "woman who serves", and so a doula does just that. "Throughout time and in cultures all over the world, there have always been those individuals -usually women- who tend to the needs of the mother in labor, and nurture the family in the early weeks postpartum". (Brennan, Patty. The Doula Business Guide)
Doulas have been attending births since the beginning of time. During pregnancy, delivery and the postpartum period, the women of a community would support the mother, and help to guide her during this most vulnerable time. These women were doulas. Studies have shown that this continuous support during childbirth can decrease the use of pain relief medication during labor, decrease incidence of Cesarean birth, decreased length of labor, and help the mother have a more positive childbirth experience.
My name is Nicole Danley. I am a mother of two incredible children, and I gave birth to a beautiful surrogate baby in February of 2021. I am an avid hiker, backpacker and National Park nerd! I am also a Student Midwife in my primary phase in the same area where I work as a Doula. I am trained through Dona International as a Birth Doula, and I am actively working on my certification. Additionally, I am certified in acupressure through Acupuncture Northwest and Associates. I am passionate about providing physical, emotional and informational support for future mothers and their partners through out the prenatal, labour and postpartum stages. Women have choices during labour and delivery, and as your doula, I can hold space for you to feel empowered to make those choices for you and your family.
As the caterpillar transforms itself into a beautiful butterfly, so does the woman transform herself during childbirth, into a mother. It is through this process that she becomes empowered, from birth and beyond!