A doula (or "a woman who serves") is a non-medical support person present at the birth or during the postpartum time of a new mother (not exclusive to first time moms). She offers educational, emotional, and physical support to the mother and her spouse before, during, and after childbirth. The support a doula provides is continuous: Meaning that she is present from the moment a mother calls until around two hours immediate postpartum. A doula does not perform medical tasks or replace the role of the mother's OBGYN, midwife, or spouse.

Through education, advocacy training, and hands-on support birth and postpartum doulas have a huge impact of birth and postpartum outcomes. Research on postpartum doulas is limited but expanding.

Women who have continuous labor support from a doula:

are 15% MORE likely to have a spontaneous vaginal delivery

are 31% less likely to be dissatisfied with their birth experience

are 50% less likely to deliver prematurely

are 39% less likely to have a c-section

are 31% less likely to use pitocin

are 12% less likely to have an epidural

are 36% less likely to have a low birthweight baby

have a 38% decrease in low 5-minute APGAR score

have a 57.5% lower risk of postpartum depression/anxiety

have a 41-minute average deduction in the length of labor

It's best to hire a doula as soon as you have some idea of birth location. The earlier the better, as this gives ample time for you and your doula to plan, bond, and exchange educational materials. Doula's schedules can quickly be filled for up to a year out. However, should you decide last minute that you'd benefit from a doula, Foreknown Birth Services will gladly take you on (schedule permitting).

No, my services are open to anyone who feels as if we would be a great match! Although my business and it's philosophies are based in Scripture and christian values it is not my goal to exclusively serve Christian clients. I'm happy to book a consultation with you and confirm that we would work well together! I'm glad to and completely comfortable working with families and individuals of different faith and religious backgrounds.

Additionally, if you are a Christian and hold different theological beliefs than those listed on my website that's okay! I believe we can still be a great match and I would (of course) be happy to support you through any of my services!

I am a bible scholar and amateur theologian by training (as I attended Moody Bible Institute for over three years). Good and clear theology and doctrine is something I deeply value in my personal life and consequently, in my business. Additionally, there is lots of apparent and hidden darkness in the "birth world". As a doula following Christ, I see my work as a ministry opportunity, one that has the potential to be a beacon of light amidst so much heartache and evil. Being transparent in my theology gives clients insight into my "why" behind being a doula, photographer, and childbirth educator; I'm not here just to build a career but to hopefully make an eternal impact in my community and in my client's lives.