Birth Doula Support That Works With Your Body
Supporting families across Northeast PA, the Poconos, and the Lehigh Valley through pregnancy, labor, and the early postpartum period.
I support families using Medicaid, including GHP, AmeriHealth Caritas, Highmark Wholecare, and UPMC, as well as private pay.
Serving families in Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, Honesdale, Hazleton, Bloomsburg, Stroudsburg, Bethlehem, and surrounding areas
How I Support You Through Pregnancy and Birth
Support looks different for everyone, and it shifts as your body changes, your baby moves, and your birth unfolds.
During pregnancy, we spend time getting to know each other.
We talk through your options, what you are thinking about, and how you want to move through your birth.
As your birth doula, I help you understand what to expect, how to navigate conversations with your provider, and how to make decisions that feel right for you and your baby.
We also pay attention to how your body is feeling along the way.
If something does not feel quite right, whether it is more tension, more discomfort, or things just feel off, we do not ignore it.
We work with it through small adjustments, positioning, and hands on support so your body can feel more at ease as you get closer to birth.
How We Prepare for Birth
Preparation starts during pregnancy.
In our first visit, we begin creating your birth vision.
We talk through your birth preferences, what to expect, and how to move through conversations with your provider so you feel more clear and confident going into birth.
As you get closer, we meet again in your home with your partner.
This visit is more hands-on.
I guide your partner so they feel confident in knowing what to say and what to do during labor, whether that is supporting you physically, helping you change positions, or simply being present.
Working With Your Body
We pay attention to how your body is functioning, not just how it feels.
I am looking at how you are holding tension, how your ribs and pelvis are moving, how your breath is working, and how your body responds to pressure.
From there, I use hands on techniques to address what is actually limiting space or movement, not just where you feel discomfort.
That might look like releasing tight areas, helping your pelvis move differently, or changing how you are using your breath so your body is not constantly bracing.
We then layer in simple movements and positioning based on what your body needs, not a one size fits all approach.
You will also have specific things to practice at home so your body stays responsive between visits.
This is part of how I prepare your body for birth.
Not by doing more, but by helping your body respond better to what is already happening.
Between Visits
You are not on your own between visits.
I am available to talk through what comes up along the way.
Questions after an appointment.
Something your provider mentioned.
A shift in how your body is feeling.
Or uncertainty around a decision.
I break things down so you understand your options and how they apply to you.
You do not have to guess or piece things together on your own.
Closer to Birth
As your appointments become more frequent, especially around 36 weeks and beyond, things can feel more overwhelming.
This is where we slow it down.
We talk through what you are hearing and how to move through those conversations with clarity and confidence.
So when labor begins, you are not trying to figure everything out in the moment.
You already understand your options, your body, and how you want to move through your birth.
As Labor Begins
Birth Induction Support
If induction becomes part of your birth experience, you’re still supported every step of the way. Many families walk into the hospital without a clear plan. A cervical exam is done, options are presented, and decisions are expected in the moment. That can feel like a lot to take in. Sometimes induction is scheduled ahead of time without much explanation. Other times, it’s introduced quickly as things progress. Either way, it can leave you feeling unsure of what your options are or why certain steps are being suggested. You’re not meant to figure that out on your own..
Understanding Your Options before Induction
For some, induction is already part of the conversation from the beginning, especially if there has been a prior experience or specific considerations in this pregnancy.
We talk through what induction can look like so you understand your options and can decide what feels right for you.
As you move into the third trimester and the conversation becomes more real, we go through what induction can look like, how it typically unfolds, and the different options your provider may offer, so you feel more prepared walking into the experience.
Preparing Your Body
We can also begin preparing your body ahead of time.
If induction is expected or being discussed, we can use induction prep sessions to help release tension, support your pelvis, and encourage your body to respond more efficiently when labor begins.
These sessions may include movement, positioning, and hands on techniques, including massage when needed, based on what your body is asking for.
You can learn more about induction prep sessions here Induction Massage –
You Still Have Options
Many parents feel like once they agree to an induction, they lose control, like they no longer have options.
It can start to feel like everything they prepared for shifts, and they begin to question if their original birth preferences are still possible.
That is not the case.
You still have choices in how your induction unfolds.
Your birth vision is still very much possible.
The preparation you have done, both mentally and physically, still matters.
Your mindset, your breath, and how your body is supported all continue to play a role in how your labor progresses, even within an induction.
Support During an Induction
Inductions can take time.
In the early stages, things often move slowly as the body begins to make cervical change.
Because of this, we stay closely connected from the beginning.
I guide you through what is happening, help you understand each step, and support you in settling into the process.
As your body begins to respond and labor becomes more active, I join you in person to provide continuous, hands on support.
As things progress, we continue to adjust.
We move with intention, using positioning, movement, and hands on techniques to support your body, release tension through the muscles and fascia, and create more space through your pelvis.
This is not about rushing labor.
It is about understanding what is happening, staying grounded, and moving through your induction in a way that feels supported.
Why Families Choose
The Happy Mama Place
One-on-One Personalized Support
No two births are the same. Every visit is tailored to your body, your baby, and your birth goals
Bodywork + Birth Support Together
As a licensed massage therapist and birth doula, I help create space in your body before and during labor, not just provide emotional support
Partner Included Every Step
Your partner is never left wondering what to do. I guide and support them so you work together as a team.
Experienced with High-Risk Pregnancies
Certified High-Risk Doula with experience supporting inductions, VBACs, gestational diabetes, and medically complex pregnancies.
Medicaid & Private Pay Welcome
Supporting families with GHP, AmeriHealth Caritas, Highmark Wholecare, UPMC, and private-pay services
Support Beyond Birth
From pregnancy through postpartum, you’re not navigating this along
What Working Together Feels Like
You’re supported throughout your pregnancy, not just during scheduled visits.
When we meet, we talk through what’s coming up, what you’re hearing from your provider, and what your options actually look like so you can make decisions that feel right for you.
Your partner is included every step of the way, so they understand how to support you and feel more confident stepping into their role.
Between visits, you’re not left wondering what to do next.
If something comes up, you have space to reach out and talk it through.
As birth gets closer, you’ll feel calmer, more prepared, and more confident navigating each decision as it comes.
Support Throughout Labor
When labor begins, you don’t have to second guess what you’re feeling or when to reach out.
I like to hear from you early, even if you’re unsure.
If something feels like it might be starting, call me and we can talk through what’s happening and what your body is doing.
From there, we take it one step at a time, whether that means resting, moving, or just giving your body space to continue.
When things pick up, I join you and stay with you through labor, offering hands-on support and helping you find positions that feel more comfortable as your body works.
Your partner is part of this too, so they feel more at ease stepping in and supporting you.
After your baby arrives, I stay with you while you settle in.
After Birth, You’re Still Supported
After your baby arrives, I stay with you for a little while so you’re not left alone in those first moments.
This is time to settle in, begin feeding if you’d like support, and ease into that initial transition before I leave.
Once you’re home, I check in with you during those early days.
You’re not left wondering if what you’re feeling is normal.
If something comes up, or you just need to talk something through, I’m there.
We also plan a postpartum visit within the first week, where we check in on how you’re feeling, how your body is healing, and how feeding is going if you’d like support.
If you’re expecting and want to feel more supported, more prepared, and more at ease as birth approaches, you’re in the right place.
Pricing
Flexible Payment Plans Are Available
Doula Support
Flexible payment plans are available
Get In Touch!
Contact The Happy Mama Place today with any questions, concerns, or to book an appointment!
