A woman in birth is at once her most powerful, and most vulnerable. But any woman who has birthed unhindered understands that we are stronger than we know.

Current guidelines for social workers and birth workers do not permit me to serve you as both a therapist and a doula (though some day I hope this will change!). The therapeutic relationship is uniquely intimate and confidential.  If you desire to work with me in therapy, I can recommend several incredibly talented doulas in my community that may be a good fit for you.  If you hire me as your doula, and you find that you need additional mental health support, I will work to connect you with a counselor and/or support groups. Doula clients are welcome to join my therapist-led, peer support group as well.The cost of counseling services at Fallon Stapleton Psychotherapy and Doula Services varies depending on the type of service you need. Please contact us directly to discuss our fees and any available discounts.

I highly recommend that you speak to family members or friends who have hired a doula for their birth(s) and ask about their experiences. Having a doula can make a world of difference.  Research shows having continuous labor support greatly reduces your chances of having a C-section or instrumental vaginal birth, needing an epidural or other pain medications, or needing Pitocin.  You are more likely to experience shorter labor, spontaneous vaginal birth, and to have a positive birth experience.

I fully support your desire to have a medicated birth! Many hospitals now offer variable epidurals, meaning you are given a low dose of medication that still allows you to move around in bed.  There are a lot of positions we can use to make sure you're comfortable, and I can still help you and your partner to make informed choices throughout your birth. The frequency of counseling sessions with Fallon Stapleton Psychotherapy and Doula Services will depend on your individual needs and goals. Some clients may benefit from weekly sessions, while others may attend bi-weekly or monthly.

Your partner or spouse is an incredibly important part of your birth team, and a doula is not meant to take their place.  Ideally, a doula complements the strengths of the partner and fills in where needed. Partners often feel relieved to have a doula present who can guide the birthing person through labor with the use of comfort measures and relaxation techniques, as well as provide education about the course of their labor and their options. Doulas receive extensive training on childbirth, breastfeeding, pain management, physiology and positioning. Let me do the hard work so your partner can relax and focus entirely on you.

I will support your birth in any setting you wish.  This includes both hospital and out of hospital settings such as your home or birth center.  

I serve primarily the Charlotte and Lake Norman areas (Denver, Concord, Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson, Mooresville, Statesville, etc).  I am willing to travel up to one hour (each way) to your home or birth setting.  If I fall outside this radius, please reach out to me as I may have a recommendation that would be a good fit for you. 

Typically, unless otherwise discussed, I am on call for your birth from week 38-42. This means that you can expect a near-immediate response when you contact me. I even have a special ringtone for my clients! I want clients to feel heard and supported as their due date approaches. 

As soon as you feel like you need my support, call me, and I will be there.  Some laboring parents are comfortable in early labor and like to remain home as long as possible, and may only need my phone/text support.  Others may want me to come early and help them find positions that will help them work through contractions.  If you're in doubt, give me a call. 

My goal is always to be with you through the entirety of your labor until the birth of your baby. I will remain long enough to ensure you are able to feed your baby for the first time, and then leave to allow your new family some special time to bond alone.  If your labor is lengthy or has slowed in progress, we may discuss times where I am able to take breaks, eat, or rest, so that I can be more prepared to support you as your labor intensifies. There are many unknowns in birth, and we will discuss how I can best support you as changes in the birth plan occur. For labor that lasts multiple days, I charge a flat fee per day.

Doulas are not medical professionals.  As such, I cannot give you medical advice, recommend medications, or tell you when it's time to leave for the hospital or birth center.  For questions that fall outside the limits of my practice, I will recommend that you call your physician or midwife.  During your labor and delivery, I am there to provide emotional, physical, and spiritual support. Therefore, I will not perform any clinical or medical tasks, or make medical decisions for you.  My job is to help you and your partner ask the right questions so you feel informed throughout your birth. 

The best way to figure out how we can tailor services that meet your specific needs and concerns is to schedule a consultation. I deduct the consultation fee from your total if you decide to hire me. This gives us the space and time to determine how I can best support you. For example, if you do not wish to have someone other than your spouse or partner in the room with you during birth, I can assist with birth and post partum planning and provide private childbirth education classes, so you feel empowered and prepared for your upcoming birth! I can also support you during your post partum period with nursing support, provide you with referrals and resources in the community, and help with newborn care.