FAQs
-
The word doula comes from the ancient Greek word meaning “a woman who serves.” Today, a doula is a trained non-medical professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period.
As a birth doula, I support you during labor with comfort measures, encouragement, and guidance alongside your medical team. As a postpartum doula, I help ease your transition into parenthood with newborn care, emotional support, and practical help so you can rest, heal, and bond with your baby.
-
Having a doula by your side during labor is more than emotional support—it's a proven way to improve birth outcomes. According to Evidence Based Birth, research shows that continuous support from a doula can lead to:
39% decrease in overall cesarean birth rate
31% less likely to be induced
15% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth
10% decrease in the use of pain medications
25% decrease in length of labor, by an average of 41 minutes
38% decrease in baby’s risk of low APGAR score
31% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience
But beyond the numbers, choosing a doula means choosing sacred, continuous care. I remain with you throughout your entire labor—something no other member of your medical team is guaranteed to do. I provide grounded presence, comfort techniques, evidence-based guidance, and emotional reassurance so you feel truly supported, seen, and empowered through every wave.
Birth is not just a medical event—it’s a rite of passage. You deserve to be held through it.
-
No—I do not deliver babies. I am not a midwife or medical professional. As your doula, I provide non-medical support throughout your pregnancy, labor, and birth. I do not perform clinical tasks like vaginal exams or catching the baby.
Instead, I walk alongside you—offering emotional reassurance, physical comfort, advocacy, and grounded guidance. Whether you’re birthing at home, in a birth center, or a hospital, I work in harmony with your chosen medical team to help you feel safe, informed, and deeply supported during this sacred experience.
-
I am a Certified Labor Doula, Postpartum & Infant Care Doula, and Childbirth Educator through ProDoula, a nationally recognized and evidence-based training organization. I am also certified to support families in the operating room and post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) as a hospital-trained doula through Tampa General Hospital. This additional training allows me to remain by your side during cesarean births and immediate recovery when permitted, and is a space most doula’s are not allowed in. Additionally, I hold a current Basic Life Support (BLS), CPR, and AED certification through the American Heart Association, covering infants, children, and adults.
Alongside clinical readiness, I’m continually expanding my knowledge in holistic birth support, including herbal wellness, somatic healing, and nutrition, to nurture the full spectrum of your perinatal journey—mind, body, and spirit.
-
Doulas support all kinds of families—from first-time parents to those adding another baby to the mix. Clients come from all walks of life, including single parents, high-risk pregnancies, LGBTQ+ families, surrogate mothers and those planning unmedicated or highly medical births.
In recent years, more people are learning what celebrity parents have known for a while: having a doula can be a powerful tool for confidence, comfort, and advocacy during birth. These well-known figures have all spoken about working with doulas:
Nicole Kidman - This A-lister famously put a spotlight on doula’s back in 2008 in an interview with Oprah, when she shared that she had a doula during the birth of her daughter, Sunday Rose. She expressed gratitude for the support, noting that the doula helped everything go smoothly and contributed to a very easy labor.
Meghan Sussex - The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, incorporated a doula into her birth plan, aiming for a natural birth using hypnobirthing techniques. She worked with Dr. Gowri Motha, a holistic obstetrician known for the "Gentle Birth Method," during her pregnancies. This method includes visualization, reflexology, and breathwork to promote a calm birthing experience. This approach marked a significant deviation from recent royal traditions.
Anne Hathaway - The famous actress has been open about her journey to motherhood, including her experiences with infertility and miscarriage. She worked with renowned doula Lori Bregman during her pregnancies. In a testimonial, Hathaway praised Bregman, stating “Lori is a pregnancy and birth goddess! We all need support, and Lori Bregman has enough support for the whole village.”
Erykah Badu - In addition to being a legendary artist, Erykah Badu is also a practicing doula! She’s supported several high-profile births, including those of Teyana Taylor and Slick Woods. Known as "Erykah Badoula" in the birth world, she brings a deeply spiritual, grounded energy to the families she serves, blending intuition, music, and ancestral wisdom into her doula practice.
Gigi Hadid - The model welcomed her daughter at the family farm with support from family and others, inspired by natural birth documentaries. Her birth doula, Carson Meyer, provided insights and support during the birthing process.
Kelly Ripa - The talk show host hired a doula for the birth of her second child and has spoken openly—and humorously—about the experience. Reflecting on her birth, she said: “We did breathing exercises, we focused on things—we focused on getting Mark out of the room.” Her love for the birth process stuck with her. Years later, on Live with Kelly and Ryan, she shared:“I wish I could be a midwife or a doula… I just find the whole childbirth experience to be so incredible and miraculous and exhilarating.” Kelly’s genuine enthusiasm continues to spotlight just how impactful and inspiring doula support can be.
Alicia Keys - The singer worked with celebrity doula Latham Thomas during her pregnancy. Known for her grounded, soulful approach to life and motherhood, Alicia embraced holistic support as part of her birth journey, valuing the calm and empowered presence a doula can bring.
Jessica Alba - The Honest Company founder and actress embraced a natural childbirth approach, utilizing HypnoBirthing techniques that emphasize relaxation, visualization, and breathwork. She described her labor experience as meditative, stating that even during her intense second delivery, she never screamed, highlighting the calming effect of her preparation.
Kate Hudson - The A-lister worked with celebrity doula Lori Bregman during her pregnancies and has praised the support she received. She described having Lori there as “beautiful” and shared how comforting it was to have a nurturing and knowledgeable presence in the room on the big day.
Kristen Bell - The actress also worked with doula Lori Bregman during her pregnancies. She appreciated the grounded, practical support Lori offered—right down to hospital bag must-haves like essential oils and cozy socks. Kristen has shared that having a doula made her feel more prepared and at ease through the entire process.
No matter your background or birth plan—ALL women deserve this same level of care.
-
The sooner the better. Many families choose to hire a doula in the first or second trimester of pregnancy, which allows time to build a strong connection, prepare for birth, and plan for the postpartum period. Whether you’re seeking support for labor, postpartum, or both—I welcome clients at any stage.
That said, my calendar can fill quickly, so hiring early is the best way to ensure availability for your desired services. Some families reach out months in advance, while others find me later in their journey—and both are welcome. What matters most is that you feel supported, informed, and nurtured—whenever we begin.
-
To provide intentional, present, and fully supportive care, I limit the number of clients I work with each month. I typically support up to three labor doula clients per month, with a minimum 10-day buffer between due dates to ensure each family receives the on-call support and undivided attention they deserve.
I also accept one to two postpartum clients per month, depending on the level of support needed. Services like placenta encapsulation, childbirth education, belly casting, and curated nesting parties are scheduled around births and postpartum visits, allowing me to offer these without compromising the quality of care.
This structure allows me to serve each family with the presence, energy, and intention they truly deserve—so your experience always feels personal, supported, and held.
-
I do not bill insurance directly, but I’m committed to making doula support accessible and flexible for every family.
Payment Options:
Square Invoicing: I use secure invoicing through Square.
Payment Plans: To avoid high transaction fees associated with third-party financing, I prefer to set up personalized, interest-free payment plans directly with you.
Afterpay (BNPL): If preferred, you can select Afterpay through Square when paying your invoice.
HSA/FSA Accounts: Many clients can use their Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for doula services. I can provide the necessary documentation to assist with reimbursement or direct payment—just confirm with your plan that doula care is eligible.
Insurance & Benefits:
Carrot Fertility: If your employer offers Carrot Fertility benefits, doula services may be reimbursable. Clients typically pay upfront and submit documentation for reimbursement. Check with your benefits manager or Carrot representative for details.
I'm here to support you in navigating these options and can provide any necessary documentation to assist with reimbursement!
-
Yes, some Florida Medicaid plans do cover doula services. However, coverage varies depending on your specific plan and its benefits.
Key Points:
• Florida Medicaid Managed Care plans have the option to offer doula services as an expanded benefit.
• Coverage details, including the number of visits and reimbursement rates, can differ between plans.
• To determine if your plan covers doula services, contact your Medicaid provider directly.
I can offer guidance on the reimbursement process and provide the necessary documentation to support your claim.
-
I proudly serve families throughout the Tampa Bay Florida area, with a focus on Pinellas County.
My service area includes Palm Harbor, Tarpon Springs, Dunedin, Clearwater, Safety Harbor, East Lake, Oldsmar, Trinity, Keystone, Indian Rocks Beach, Largo, Seminole, Odessa, New Port Richey, St. Petersburg, and Tampa. I typically travel as far north as Port Richey, as far east as Tampa, and as far south as St. Pete. I also offer virtual support options!
If you're unsure whether you're within my service range, feel free to reach out—I’m happy to chat and see what’s possible.
-
Not at all! A doula doesn’t replace your partner—we support both of you. My role is to help guide and ground the birth experience, offering physical comfort, emotional reassurance, and knowledge along the way.
For your partner, that means feeling more confident, involved, and connected—rather than overwhelmed or unsure. I help them support you in meaningful ways, while also making space for them to rest, breathe, and be fully present.
As a certified doula through Tampa General Hospital, I’m recognized as part of the professional care team—not just a visitor. This means I’m able to support you without having to replace someone else in your support team or family.
Together, we create a calm, connected, and supportive birth environment—each of us playing a unique role in welcoming your baby into the world.
-
Yes. Because I’m certified through Tampa General Hospital’s hospital-based doula program, I am recognized as part of the clinical care team—not a visitor. This allows me to accompany you into the operating room during a planned or unplanned cesarean birth, when permitted by the surgical team.
My role in the OR is to offer calm, steady support—holding your hand, helping you breathe, and making sure your partner is grounded and informed. I remain with you through the procedure and into the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) for immediate recovery whenever hospital policy allows.
Even in a surgical birth, you deserve to feel supported, safe, and deeply cared for. I’ll be there to help make that experience as sacred and connected as possible.
-
While I do everything in my power to be there for every birth I commit to, life can be unpredictable. In the rare event of a true emergency or unexpected circumstance that prevents me from attending your birth, I will make every effort to provide you with a trusted, qualified backup doula.
I work closely with a small network of experienced professionals who share my values and approach to support, so you’ll never be left without care. You’ll also be informed ahead of time about who that backup is, and we can schedule a virtual or in-person introduction if you'd like.
Even if I’m not physically present, I’ll continue to support you and your partner however I can—through phone, text, or video—until your backup doula arrives. Your safety, comfort, and birth experience will always be my priority.
-
A postpartum doula supports the whole family, not just the baby. While a baby nurse or nanny primarily focuses on caring for the infant, a postpartum doula tends to the emotional, physical, and practical needs of the birthing person and the household as a whole.
My role includes newborn care and education, but also extends to nurturing your recovery, preparing nourishing meals, supporting infant feeding (breast or bottle), organizing your space, and helping you feel emotionally grounded as you adjust to life with your baby. I’m there to help you rest, feel seen, and move gently through this sacred transition.
Unlike a baby nurse or night nanny, I do not provide clinical care or medical support—and I don’t take over. Instead, I walk alongside you, empowering you to grow into your own rhythm with your baby, while making sure you are cared for, too.
-
Yes. As your doula, I offer gentle, non-clinical support with both breastfeeding and bottle feeding—helping you find comfort, rhythm, and confidence as you nourish your baby. I can assist with positioning, latch basics, paced feeding techniques, and understanding what’s normal in the early days.
I’m currently working toward my Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) credential to deepen my ability to support families with feeding. In the meantime, if a concern falls outside my scope, I’ll connect you with trusted lactation professionals like IBCLC’s in the area.
Whether you’re nursing, pumping, formula feeding, or somewhere in between—my role is to support your feeding choices with compassion, flexibility, and zero judgment.
-
Yes! I offer virtual support for families who are outside my local service area or simply prefer care from the comfort of home. These sessions are available throughout your perinatal journey and are a beautiful way to receive guidance, reassurance, and personalized support—no matter where you are.
You can book individual virtual sessions for birth planning, postpartum guidance, or emotional support, or opt for my three-session virtual support package, which can be used anytime during pregnancy, postpartum, or beyond. These calls are nurturing, intentional spaces for you to ask questions, process your experience, and feel held through your transition into parenthood.
Whether you're preparing for birth, adjusting to life with your baby, or navigating postpartum healing, virtual care is a flexible and accessible way to feel deeply supported—wherever you are.
Contact us
Interested in the services at Ground & Grow Birth Co? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!