Molly is not currently taking on birth doula clients for 2024 but can refer you to others in the area. Contact Molly for recommendations. 

A doula is a compassionate, non-judgmental trained professional who accompanies women and people in labor to help ensure a calmer, safe, informed, and satisfying birth experience. A doula provides emotional support, physical comfort, and, as needed, communication with medical care providers to make sure that you have the information you need to make informed decisions as they arise in labor.  Doulas provide reassurance and perspective to you and your partner, make suggestions for labor progress, and offer physical support with relaxation, massage, positioning, and other comfort measures. Drawing on their vast experience with pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, doulas have eyes on many aspects of your experience that may not be visible to most. Your doula not only helps you plan your preferences for your labor and birth, but discusses options and encourages a support plan for pregnancy and postpartum periods as well. Your doula works for YOU, not your caregiver or the hospital.

Molly is particularly careful to inform and educate her clients prenatally so they feel equipped when labor occurs. If her client's partner is present, Molly's goal is to team up with the partner to provide the most comprehensive care possible. Her goal is never to take the place of a partner or make their role less significant, and in fact, she supports partners in feeling confident and maximizing their potential. Molly is also able to respond to unexpected needs in labor, such as a less-than-ideal position of baby and more. She carries with her a deep training of midwifery and is happy to apply birth knowledge and experience gained from it. 

 

Doula SERVICES PROVIDED

  • Two prenatal visits to discuss wellness in pregnancy, preparation for labor, education around childbirth, information on hospital procedures, desires for the birth, support needs, nutrition, breastfeeding, planning for the postpartum period, and more!

  • Emotional, physical, and extensive informational support during pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum

  • Postpartum and breastfeeding support for at least 1-2 hours following the birth

  • Nutrition recommendations, including supplements and herbs

  • Assistance in creating a birth preferences list (verbal and/or written)

  • Phone and email support, as needed, during the pregnancy, labor, and postpartum

  • One postpartum follow up visit following the birth (this day can be determined on a need basis)

  • Back-up doula services (during pregnancy and labor)

  • Contact information for the back up services

 

DURING YOUR LABOR

Molly loves tuning in during her clients’ labor, utilizing her intuition. Labor support includes emotional encouragement and advocacy, guided relaxations, physical comfort measures such as massage, suggestions to facilitate the birth process such as position changes, an objective viewpoint, assistance in accessing resources, and information necessary for informed decision-making. Molly constantly scans the room and situation to see how she can help promote relaxation and strength through the labor. She may offer you sips of water, calming words, warm compresses, essential oils, and more. Each person is unique in their needs during labor and the care from Molly is adapted and tailored to these specific needs, but no matter what Molly is always in your corner!


AFTER YOUR BIRTH

Molly will remain with you for a short while after your birth until you are comfortable and your family is ready for quiet time together.  She will also help with initial breastfeeding if desired, can take pictures with your camera, assist in getting food and drinks to you, help you get comfortable, and more. Molly will be in contact with you after the birth through phone and email communication as needed.

Molly will be in touch with you during the following days and weeks and will schedule a postpartum visit with you and your baby. This is a great time to get support and information around breastfeeding, postpartum healing, newborn needs and behaviors, nutrition, and helpful tips for navigating life with a newborn.

Testimonials

Molly was my doula during my 2018 pregnancy and during my labor/delivery Feb 2019. During Pregnancy:  I was impressed by Molly’s organization and knowledge. She provided structured templates with answers to common pregnancy questions and references to local and vetted prenatal providers. The nutrition assessment she administered was spot-on. The in person  sessions we had at my home were informative and in alignment with the information I received in my childbirth education course.  At the Hospital: Despite some  curve balls during labor, Molly provided sound advice and ensured the environment was calm and supportive. She was a sounding board to reason through each decision. Birth never goes exactly as planned, but I felt like I had the team with me to do everything I could to ensure my wishes were known and respected. Molly also took beautiful photos of our daughter right after delivery with my phone that I am so glad I have. Immediately after the birth, Molly stayed with us to ensure we had a successful  breastfeeding experience; and the baby latched on both sides! That initial support was foundational to the success I am still having breastfeeding. My daughter is thriving. Postpartum Appointment: I was grateful to have Molly visit for our final session as part of the overall doula arrangement. I was full of adrenaline and still healing. The visit felt like a combination doctors appointment/good friend reunion/and therapy session. After our meeting, I had guidance about how to take better care of myself during the first few weeks at home as well as direction  for longer-term healing.  Molly continues to check in periodically and stay connected. If you are looking for a whole health, informed, experienced, and kind doula I recommend Molly highly.
— Morgan K.
As a first time Mother-to-be, I was sure that I wanted a labor and birth experience that contained as few medical interventions as possible. I knew this would be challenging and decided that having a doula to support and advocate for me would be hugely beneficial. From the first time I met Molly, I knew she could be that person for me. Her calm demeanor and passion for her profession exude from her! Her energy emanates love, but she is also very knowledgeable about all aspects of pregnancy, labor and delivery. She visited me several times during the course of my pregnancy to answer any questions I had, and also for us to form a bond that would carry us through the difficult process to come of bringing my baby girl into the world. My labor was long a painful (who’s isn’t??) lasting 36 hours, and Molly was by my side the entire time, offering support and encouragement during contractions, and companionship for the times in between. The mid wives at one point told me my daughter’s head was mis-aligned, and this could be why my labor was stalling. Molly suggested trying a technique called rebozo, which can help to shift the baby inside the womb. After 25 hours of labor I was exhausted, and decided to get an epidural. Molly gave no judgement and supported me in my decision. I realized that a good doula is not simply an advocate for a ‘natural’ birth, but instead an advocate for whatever is best and works for Mama. Molly’s faith in me never wavered, and this gave me so much strength. About two weeks after my healthy baby girl was born, Molly provided a post-natal visit to follow up on any questions I might have, and again offer support during that critical time when I was still healing and getting to know my little one. I definitely recommend Molly for anyone looking for a fantastic doula!
— Melissa G.
Molly was instrumental in making myself and my husband as comfortable as possible throughout my birth and was the reason I was able to have a nonmedicated birth. As a recent medical school graduate, I felt that I had enough knowledge in medicine to get by with delivery, but I also knew that I wanted a more natural childbirth. The primary role of the medical team is just that, medicine, not necessarily comfort. They are most worried about you and your babies health and what could possibly kill you. They are concerned but not primarily focusing on your comfort. This is where Molly steps in. Though my husband wanted to be involved, I knew that he would struggle with figuring out how to help me and I would be incapable of expressing what I needed when I would need it the most. Molly is a great communicator and followed our progress all the way until we felt like we needed her with us. She was on the spot immediately upon being called, arrived promptly to the hospital and without questions or introduction- she immediately went to work to making me comfortable. She knew exactly what I needed when I needed it, even when I couldn’t express it. She is the one who made childbirth a beautiful experience for both myself and my husband. She is adaptable and dedicated, and hardworking. I will be hiring her again for any future births I may have.
— Holly Y.
My husband and I worked with Molly throughout the pregnancy and delivery of our third child. While we had worked with other doulas before, we found Molly to be the most present, knowledgeable and thoughtful. Whether I was trying to understand the stages of labor or needed support in relieving back pain, Molly was incredibly responsive and enthusiastic with ideas and visuals to answer my questions and prepare me for labor. Throughout the labor itself, Molly was calm and resourceful making sure I had everything I needed from the hospital. She was creative in talking me through contractions by helping me to breathe, coaching my husband to compress my lower back, and icing my neck when I was over heated. I had exactly the labor I imagined for myself and my baby, and I thank Molly for empowering me throughout the process.
— Marisa S.
We can’t begin to express how much we came to appreciate having Molly as our doula - her passion for caring for mothers and babies shows in her professional dedication and compassionate, open-minded emotional and physical support, not just at the birth but in the weeks prenatal and postpartum. Between meeting in person a few times and texting back and forth before our due date, she made an effort to get to know us as we got to know her, and by the time our due date rolled around, we felt very comfortable with her, her quiet warmth and practical demeanor. She didn’t mind being peppered with lots of questions that also drew on her midwifery knowledge, and she pointed us to useful online resources as well. (We also had a chance to meet her backup in case she unexpectedly could not be there. However, we were very glad she was!) While still in early labor at home, she supported us over the phone with effective advice about how to breathe with contractions and reminders to stay hydrated. When we finally headed to the hospital she met us there, and her calm presence throughout was incredibly reassuring for both of us. Her hands-on massage and hip pressure helped mama-to-be not to tense up as much with each contraction, and her suggestions for changing positions helped turn the baby inside from facing sunny-side up to an easier position for birth. Having Molly with us for the journey was a blessing - thank you, Molly!
— Annie W.
Molly was an incredible resource throughout the end of my pregnancy and the beginning of our journey into parenthood. During our sessions with her prior to the birth, Molly helped us think of questions and form our own opinions about the birthing process. When I had questions regarding the interaction of a medication and breastfeeding, Molly did extensive research and provided me with tons of information so that I could make an informed decision. She offered to do a tour of the nursery and pointed out ways we could make things more efficient, as well as any concerns that might be safety hazards for the baby (or us, during our sleep-deprived wanderings in there at night!). When I learned I would need to have a C-Section, Molly continued to be a source of support throughout the preparation of the procedure and immediately post-partum. She assisted with things like getting me a cool cloth to help me relax; helping with our first introduction to breast feeding (including trying different positions). The little things that made me more comfortable during and after the procedure were invaluable; I never would have thought to ask for those little touches that made the experience enjoyable rather than stressful.
— Laura L.