What do I do as a Doula?
My formal definition:
As a doula, I bring a wealth of knowledge to my clients' prenatal visits and birth space- the physiology of birth and various interventions, labor positioning, comfort measures, and advocacy prep. I take time and care to develop a personal relationship with my clients and their partners during pregnancy, so that they have someone they wholeheartedly trust and know in their birth space.
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My "lived experience" definition:
- We talk through your birth plan until I know it like the back of my hand and reassure you that communicating your wishes does not make you mean
- We text about all the details of the mucous plug you lost
- We drink ice tea and laugh at how funny it is to practice "shaking the apples" (Spinning Babies)
- I lock eyes with you and tell you that "you were made to do this and you're doing it right now" when you're in the throes of transition
- I catch your puke (or don't) but no one really cares because this is labor, and you are strong and made for this moment
- I apply counterpressure to your hips and get to hear "that feels so much more amazing than I expected it to"
- I watch your stoic husband shed some tears seeing his baby for the first
- I hold your baby while you eat (breastfeeding hunger is CRAZY) and we laugh and cry because postpartum can be hard and that's okay
- I get to be your doula, and that's one of the highest honors I can have​​
Maranatha
"The Lord is coming"
"For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies."
-Romans 8:22-23
As a Christian, I see birth as a beautiful, redemptive experience that increases our joy for the return of our Lord Jesus.
During the early Christian church, "maranatha" was a common saying believers welcomed one another with, replacing the previous greeting of "shalom".
This name is a reminder to me that in everything, but most poignantly in birth, Jesus is building a beautiful kingdom, in the midst of groaning and longing, where he will be our Lord and we will be His people forever.
I am love working with families of all faith backgrounds, and am super blessed when I get to incorporate aspects of the Christian faith (prayer, worship music, Scripture) with families who specifically want that to be a part of their birth.
My Story
Hi! I'm Emma, wife and mama to two little girls. I have my bachelor's degree in applied math and statistics from the Colorado School of Mines and worked as a data scientist for several years.
I became certified as a birth doula with Childbirth International after the birth of my first daughter in 2022. My labor was 76 hours long, and my own doula did the absolute most to help me achieve the peaceful waterbirth I had hoped for. After that, I started attending births in a part-time capacity, teaching impromptu childbirth education, and learning as much as I could.
With the birth of my second daughter, I thought I might have an "easy" birth, being a doula myself, but I relied on my own doula just as much, if not more than my first. After she was born, I decided to make my passion my career and turned what I was already doing into a profession. My cup could not be more filled by seeing families transformed by having empowered, beautiful births.
I hope I can give as much of myself to you as has been given to me.
My Doula Partner-
Emma Swank
Hi Friends! My name is Emma Swank. I am a birth doula, wife and mama. During my own pregnancy and birth journey, I experienced firsthand the power of knowledge combined with compassionate, hands-on support. While my childbirth education was invaluable, it was my doula who truly made the difference—reminding me how to implement my knowledge, offering unwavering encouragement, and providing physical comfort measures that helped me achieve my dream of a natural water birth. This transformative experience deepened my passion for supporting expectant mothers, and I am committed to equipping them with the education, preparation, and hands-on support they need to feel empowered in their birth choices. My faith is of utmost importance to me and it is an honor to incorporate worship and prayer into my clients birth setting, if they so desire.
Our birth experience was amazing and we owe so much of that to Emma! We had another doula planned but she was going to be out of town and she put us in contact with Emma - I am so happy we found her when we did! She checked in on me consistently in the last 4 weeks of my pregnancy, she was waiting at the hospital for us before we arrived, and provided so much support during labor and delivery. She coached my husband through providing counter pressure, helped us advocate when we needed it, and was able to snap our first pictures as a family of 3. She was such an amazing encouragement and thanks to her, I had the birth I had prepped 9 months for! Not only is she incredibly knowledgable and able to help you have the birth you want, but she truly has the heart and compassion for what she does! You will not be sorry if you work with Emma. She's simply amazing!
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-Kylanne H
