What is a doula?
A doula is a labor companion who provides continuous support to pregnant people and their birth partner.
As a doula I do:
Offer comfort measures and pain management techniques, working alongside your birth partner to ensure you are as comfortable as possible.
Offer words of comfort and affirmation, and assist with “translating” your options so that you best understand what your next best step is as you journey.
Take time to get to know you and your birth partner during our prenatal visits together, seeking to understand your life and family, your hopes and goals, your fears and blocks. I’ll offer suggestions on how we can work together to make your birth as satisfying an experience as possible.
Work for you, not for your care provider or place of birth.
As a doula I do not:
Perform clinical tasks of any sort.
Make decisions on your behalf.
Speak to medical staff on your behalf.
Remove discomfort entirely, but rather help minimize your discomfort.
When is a good time to hire a doula?
At any stage of pregnancy. Some families like to begin searching for a doula as soon as they find out they’re pregnant. Others aren’t in a rush. Either is fine! However, to optimize our chances of being able to work together and to give us a chance to get to know one another, it is helpful if you reach out to me at least 1 month prior to your estimated due date.
What does having a doula mean for my partner?
Only good things! While my main focus is on providing physical and emotional support to the mother, I also work with partners to make sure they feel prepared for the huge life change ahead, and to support the birthing person through it. When the mother is in labor, the partner often becomes my main point of contact. Together we are her birth team, and we ensure she has all she needs to birth confidently and heal comfortably.
Will you support me in a hospital setting? A birth center? How about at home?
I support births in any and all locations!
In a hospital setting, I maintain a positive relationship with the medical staff, and we work together to make sure the birthing person is well cared for. Clients often find it helpful to have a doula in a hospital setting so as to have a trusted advocate present as they make informed decisions. I do not make decisions on behalf of my clients.
How much do you charge?
Please see the Services page to learn more about my rates.
What’s included in your fee?
Please see the Services page to learn more about my support offerings.
How do I hire you?
I would be honored to stand by your side while you give birth. Let’s start with a meeting* to get to know one another a little, make sure I’ll be available when you need me, and see that we feel like a good mutual fit. To schedule an initial meeting, you can call or text me at 412-874-7187, or email me at folklore.doula@gmail.com. Initial meetings usually last about 1 hour, and are free of charge.
*I am currently conducting initial meetings virtually as a safety precaution due to COVID-19.
Are you the same person as Christen Russo the writer?
Yes! I am also a freelance writer. If info about my poetry or copywriting is what you were looking for, you can visit me at christenrusso.com.