What’s your philosophy and style when supporting someone in birth and postpartum?

I believe that your experience during pregnancy and birth truly matters, and that all birthing people deserve to be given the chance to make informed decisions and have their voice heard during labor and birth. My doula practice is built around those values, and my biggest goal is to help my clients learn the skills and knowledge necessary to be confident in their journey of birth, Postpartum, and beyond.

Why did you become a doula?

My own first birth experience was long, exhausting and empowering. I was able to make the choices that were right for me, and felt in control of making decisions for myself and my baby. But I also recognized how differently it could have gone if I hadn’t had the opportunity of education and resources or the privilege of choice. I feel a deep empathy for birthing people and new parents trying to figure out how to readjust their relationship to their lives, from the changing dynamic of partners as parents, to the shifting idea of autonomy, the disconnection and changing role of our careers and the pressure we put on ourselves based on societal expectations. All of these things take energy and time to navigate, two things that are in short supply when taking care of a newborn.

Why did you pick the name Little Mitzvah? Although the literal translation (from a biblical standpoint) means commandment, in the modern world it has come to be used for something more interpretive, specifically on the emphasis on kind deeds. Having been on both the receiving end and giving end of conscious acts of empathy and kindness, I know the transformative power of empathetic connections. It is in the spirit of the idea of every day little mitzvahs that I began my journey as a Full Spectrum Doula and continues to inform the support and care that I give my families.

How do you involve/include my partner and other family or friends during labor, birth and postpartum?

My role as a birth doula is not to replace the support of a partner or other family members, but to bring the tools and expertise to the birth that will help empower partners to be present and involved. I coach birthing people and their partners through different labor positions, breath work and counter pressure techniques that help with pain and stress reduction during the process of labor and pushing.

What techniques do you use to help me through labor and birth, and do you offer any unique skills?

I use different evidence based approaches to support families from perinatal through postpartum. I incorporate knowledge of movement and positioning of the pregnant body in labor, counter pressure and touch based support and mindfulness into my practice to encourage comfort and pain management in labor. I advocate for the essential need for informed consent and trauma informed care into every aspect of the perinatal, birth and parenting journey. I also offer my skills in photography at no charge, and am happy to take photos during labor and birth.

If I think I might be in labor, can I call you?

Yes! I am available to listen and give feedback if you think you may be in labor, or if you just want to ask questions, or need resources. *If your questions are outside of my scope as a non-medical care provider I will encourage you to reach to your provider.

What happens if you can't make it to my birth? What if you can’t make a postpartum shift?

I will always have a back up just in case, and you will have an opportunity to meet with my backup so that you are comfortable with the rare chance I can’t make it. If I am sick or have something that keeps me from a overnight, I will give you the option of rescheduling if possible, or sending a backup to cover for me.

What is your experience with breast/chest feeding and bottle feeding, and what is your practice when it comes to families choosing which way to feed their baby?

I am trained as a full spectrum doula, and certified in perinatal and postpartum care. This means I am educated in feeding babies in both capacities. Feeding your baby can look very different from family to family and can incorporate a wide spectrum of feeding practices. I am routinely reading and educating myself on the most current evidence based information on care for both nursing parent and baby, proper guidelines for milk storage, bottle and pumping parts storage and cleaning and the latest info on safe formula feeding practices. Information rapidly changes and I believe it is essential for me to stay updated about data on the healthiest practices for both baby care and perinatal/postpartum self care.

Do you offer day and/or night care, and what are the differences in terms of support?

I only offer night support at this time. Night support traditionally primarily prioritizes sleep. This means I spend a majority of my night with baby, caring for (diaper changes, soothing, feeding) and/or supporting nursing parents in feedings. Daytime support does allow for parents to rest, and support nursing parents in their body feeding journey, but often has more of the components of meal prep, light housework, and daytime child care.

Do you have an allergies, do you like cats/dogs, or any other special things I should know about your personal preferences and needs?

I love all animals and have no problems having them around me in your home! After all, they are a part of your family and many times could use a little extra TLC while they adjust to the newest member of their pack. I really have few requests when I am supporting you. I bring my own blanket and pillow, and try to keep everything as tidy as possible. I do have a scent allergy, and it is very uncomfortable for me to sleep in spaces with Glade plug ins or other very intense perfume based scents.