Integrating New Life
The journey into parenthood begins long before labor.
You may be just beginning to envision pregnancy or are deep in the experience. My passion is to help you prepare—not just for birth and postpartum, but for the transformation they bring.
Through intentional preparation, tailored hands-on support, holistic education and postpartum care, my goal is to help you build a lasting foundation of self-trust that honors the significance of birth and parenthood as time-honored rites of passage.
Birth Doula
What Is it?
Birth Doulas are part of your care team providing non-medical, emotional, physical, advocacy, and educational support – with you every step of the way beginning in pregnancy through the early weeks of your fourth trimester. We build a relationship together where you and your family feel seen and supported in your labor and birth experience.
Whether birthing in your home or hospital, you have the power to choose what you want for your birth. While labor is inherently unpredictable, you can prepare for the unknowns by learning about your options and choosing what feels right for you and your family.
Why It Matters
Maternal health in the United States is in a crisis.
Globally, the U.S. has the highest rates of maternal mortality and morbidity of any developed nation. As many as 80% of maternal deaths are preventable. Black and Indigenous mothers and birthing parents are at a disproportionately higher risk of pregnancy-related death and serious health complications compared to white parents because of the well-known and researched social and physical impacts of institutionalized racism and sexism.
Indigenous and Traditional Midwives were the primary birth attendants within communities up until the early 1900s when medical obstetrics began industrializing Birth. Midwifery was targeted and discredited as “unsafe” and systematically, Indigenous birth knowledge, skills, and wisdom were erased.
For as long as humans have existed, Birth happened in the home, and women were surrounded by and cared for by their community. Birth Doulas are not a modern concept – we are as ancient as Birth itself. Today, with national statistics reflecting a medical system that is not, in fact making birth safer, Birth Doulas are one part of the solution.
Why It Matters
Maternal health in the United States is in a crisis.
Globally, the U.S. has the highest rates of maternal mortality and morbidity of any developed nation. As many as 80% of maternal deaths are preventable. Black and Indigenous mothers and birthing parents are at a disproportionately higher risk of pregnancy-related death and serious health complications compared to white parents because of the well-known and researched social and physical impacts of institutionalized racism and sexism.
Indigenous and Traditional Midwives were the primary birth attendants within communities up until the early 1900s when medical obstetrics began industrializing Birth. Midwifery was targeted and discredited as “unsafe” and systematically, Indigenous birth knowledge, skills, and wisdom were erased.
For as long as humans have existed, Birth happened in the home, and women were surrounded by and cared for by their community. Birth Doulas are not a modern concept – we are as ancient as Birth itself. Today, with national statistics reflecting a medical system that is not, in fact making birth safer, Birth Doulas are one part of the solution.
For the past several decades, the impact of continuous labor support from a Birth Doula has been researched by national, local and international organizations – all returning the same outcomes for birthing people and infants:
- Lower incidence of cesarean intervention
- Lower use of pharmaceutical pain relief
- Shorter duration of labor
- Increased initiation of breast/chestfeeding
- Increased birth experience satisfaction
The evidence speaks for itself, but among lived experiences, the presence and care of a trusted birth attendant who is there solely for your holistic health and well-being, is immeasurably valuable.
Birth Doula Services
Choose which package is right for where you are on your journey
Flexible payment plans are available for all service packages
Building Trust in Birth
$700
What’s Included:
- Birthing person & partner questionnaires
- 2 prenatal consultation sessions
- Private childbirth education classes
- Digital Labor & Birth Toolkit (The Educated Birth)
- 1 postpartum integration session
- Custom birth preferences document
- Unlimited communication support ~ pregnancy through postpartum
* Available virtually or local in-person.
Foundational Care
$1,750
What’s Included:
Everything from Building Trust except private Childbirth Education classes.
- + 2 additional prenatal visits
- + Access to lending library
- + Hands-on continuous labor support
- + 1 additional postpartum visit
- + Homemade organic postpartum meal
* Available local in-person or out-of-state. Inquire about travel fees and availability.
Integrated Birth Preparation
$2,000
What’s Included:
Everything from Foundational Care.
- + Private Childbirth Education classes
* Available local in-person or out-of-state. Inquire about travel fees and availability.
Birth is not only a physiological event — it is a profound life transition.
My work is to help you move through it with clarity, support, and deep trust in yourself.
“We decided to have a doula for the birth of our second daughter and I am so happy we decided to choose Emily. She was so hands on and present from the start. Asking about my pregnancy, helping me through a few rough patches, sending information I needed to refresh up on and always letting me know how empowered I was! We did end up having to get an induction scheduled but she gave me all the pointers and things to do to try and get this baby out before hand. The day of our induction she showed up with us and was by our side with a few questions we had. I am not always the best at voicing my opinion or advocating for myself to doctors or hospital staff. She made me feel very confident and in control the whole time. We wouldn’t have been as comfortable with our decisions if Emily wasn’t helping us with the confidence we knew we always had. The amount of help and knowledge she provided my husband and I was so unbelievably helpful. She helped walk my husband through moves and motions to help me through the birthing process and was right by my side to see baby girl arrive! Emily was just a joy to have in this season of our life!”
Sarah & Alex
Reno, NV
Building Trust in Birth
$700
No matter if you are planning a home, birth center, or hospital birth — knowing what you want and how to ask for it puts the power of choice in your hands, where it belongs.
This service begins with a comprehensive questionnaire for you and your partner to discover how your histories, identities, and values inform your choices for birth. From there, we will meet for in-person or virtual prenatal consultation sessions to process any blocks, clarify your preferences, ground into your support systems, and prepare you to confidently advocate for yourself within your chosen birth setting.
From our work together, I will organize your choices and create your personalized Birth Preferences document to keep and share with your chosen care provider when labor begins. This service does not include hands-on continuous labor support.
You and your partner will also receive access to my private Childbirth Education series, designed to deepen your understanding of how ancient birth wisdom intersects with modern birthing practices.
Ultimately, you are building a deep trust in yourself, your baby, and the unfolding process of birth.
What’s Included
- Birthing Person & Partner Questionnaires
- 2 Prenatal Consultation Sessions
- Private Childbirth Education Classes
- Digital Labor & Birth Toolkit (The Educated Birth)
- 1 Postpartum Integration Session
- Custom Birth Preferences Document
- Unlimited Communication Support ~ Pregnancy through Postpartum
“Working with Emily was one of the best decisions we made when preparing for the birth of our second child. Going into this pregnancy, we knew we needed to do something different—something that would allow us to feel educated, supported, and confident in advocating not only for ourselves, but for our baby.
From our very first phone call, we felt an immediate connection with Emily and knew she was the right fit. Through many in-person visits leading up to the birth, both my husband and I were able to build a deep level of trust with her. She created a safe space for us to openly work through past birth trauma, fears, expectations, and preferences. Nothing was ever off the table, and we always felt heard, respected, and supported.
When labor began, I felt calm, prepared, and empowered knowing Emily was by my side. Because of her guidance, support, and presence, I was able to have a peaceful and beautiful birth experience—something I did not have with my first child. This experience gave me the space to heal and truly recognize my strength and ability to advocate for myself and my baby.
All of this was possible because of Emily and the intentional work we did together. I am forever grateful for her support and would recommend her to anyone seeking a compassionate, knowledgeable, and truly supportive doula.”
Megan & Jesse
Reno, NV
Foundational Care
$1,750
For families who want continuous support through pregnancy, labor, and the early days of postpartum, this package expands our work together into a foundational Birth Doula relationship.
Building on the work of clarifying your values and preferences for birth, we continue preparing for labor and birth during in-depth prenatal visits together, where we uncover the emotional, physical, spiritual, and practical dimensions of your birth. We will also practice using decision-making tools, skills for comfort measures in labor, and prepare your partner or support person for their role in the birthing space.
When labor begins, I join you to provide continuous hands-on support – offering comfort techniques, grounded guidance through the changing phases of labor, and a steady presence as you and your support person navigate the intensity and unpredictability of birth. I remain with you in the immediate hours after birth to support initial recovery, bonding, and feeding while your family settles into this first threshold of postpartum life.
Care continues after you return home with a nourishing postpartum meal and follow-up visits to process the birth experience, answer early infant care questions, and offer practical and emotional support as your family begins to find its rhythm.
In order to offer this level of continuity and presence, I intentionally limit the number of births I attend each year. The families that choose to work with me can move toward their birthing time knowing that the Doula they have been building a relationship with will also be the one who stands alongside them when labor begins.
What’s Included
- Birthing Person & Partner Questionnaires
- 4 Prenatal Visits
- Access to Lending Library
- Labor & Birth Toolkit Printed Booklet (The Educated Birth)
- Custom Birth Preferences Document
- Continuous On-Call Support Beginning at 38 Weeks
- Hands-on Continuous Labor Support
- 2 Postpartum Visits
- Unlimited Communication Support ~ Pregnancy through Postpartum
- Homemade Organic Postpartum Meal
“There’s no one else I would have trusted with our birth experience. Emily was so calm yet assertive when she needed to step in to defend my wants/needs. Her connection with my partner put me at ease to be able to fully let go and be in the experience and allow my partner to help guide me through. The thoughtfulness Emily had when it came to setting up the room once we moved to the hospital – down to coming over and making food, cleaning the house, and just lending an ear during postpartum was extraordinary. She’s worth every penny and more.”
Megan & James
Santa Cruz, CA
Integrated Birth Preparation
$2,000
This package includes everything offered within the Foundational Care package, with the added benefit of childbirth education classes taught privately to you and your partner and woven into your preparation for birth.
Rather than learning in a group setting, our education takes place within the context of our existing Doula relationship, allowing us to move at a pace that supports your learning styles, explore questions in greater depth, and tailor discussions to your unique circumstances, preferences, and care setting.
These classes expand on the foundations of physiological birth, common medical interventions, decision-making tools, partner support techniques, and practical preparation for the postpartum transition.
For families who value a more personalized and immersive approach to birth preparation, this option allows your education and Doula support to unfold as one integrated experience.
What’s Included
- Birthing Person & Partner Questionnaire
- 4 Prenatal Visits
- Private Childbirth Education Classes
- Access to Lending Library
- Labor & Birth Toolkit Printed Booklet (The Educated Birth)
- Custom Birth Preferences Document
- Continuous On-Call Support Beginning at 38 Weeks
- Hands-on Continuous Labor Support
- 2 Postpartum Visits
- Unlimited Communication Support ~ Pregnancy through Postpartum
- Homemade Organic Postpartum Meal
Choosing the Right Level of Support
Every family approaches birth with different needs and levels of desired support.
Some are primarily looking for guidance as they clarify their values and prepare to advocate for themselves among their care providers. Others feel most supported knowing a trusted Doula will be present throughout pregnancy, labor, and the early postpartum transition.
If you’re unsure which option is the best fit, we can explore that together during a free consultation. The most important thing is that you feel informed, supported, and confident as you approach the birth of your baby.
Insurance & Accessibility
Medicaid/Insurance
Nevada Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) offer Birth Doula services as a free covered benefit for all Medicaid recipients. Care includes 4 pre or postnatal visits and continuous hands-on Doula support throughout labor and birth.
I am currently able to accept Northern Nevada clients with Molina Medicaid.
Medicaid MCOs in progress:
- CareSource
- Anthem Medicaid
- TriCare West
Private Insurance in progress:
- Carrot Fertility (Birth and Postpartum Services)
Community Care Fund
Accessibility is a core value of my practice. Specialized care-centered workers, like Doulas, are not yet available as a commercial insurance benefit in most states.
For clients and community members with the means to contribute, I offer a Community Care Fund, which allows families who are not eligible for Medicaid nor in a financial position to access self-pay care rates the chance to receive Birth and Postpartum Doula care at a discounted rate or cost-free.
Reach out to me if you are interested in sponsoring a family’s care or in need of community care. My ability to offer services at a discounted rate is subject to change depending on availability of funds.
“We’ve known and worked with Emily for nearly five years and would highly recommend her as a doula. Emily is extremely supportive, knowledgeable, and has our entire family’s well-being in mind. She has a calm and caring demeanor that can truly help families at such a vulnerable time.
Emily first supported our family as a night doula. She was there starting the first week that our son was born and helped us until he was about 3 months old. She helped me navigate baby feedings, sleep, schedules and so much more. I felt 100% confident and comfortable with Emily caring for my son and his needs and safety. Those early, overwhelming and exhausting days at home with our baby were so much more manageable with Emily’s help, and we can’t thank her enough.
With our next child, we worked with Emily as a birth doula. She helped make my birth and hospital experience as comfortable and seamless as possible. She helped me navigate contraction pain, shared new techniques for pain management and birth, liaised with the nurses and doctors, asked questions, and made sure I had what I needed throughout the whole process. And she did all of this while listening to and prioritizing me and my birth plans. Her calm presence, experience and preparedness contributed to a very positive birthing experience with my third child.”
Elizabeth T.
Carson City, NV
Postpartum Doula
What Is it?
At the core, Postpartum Doulas provide grounded emotional, practical, and educational support to new parents primarily during the first three months of a baby’s life.
The support of professional postpartum care in the early days, weeks and months of a new family’s life gives parents time, energy, and rest back to focus on their needs and experience. Our goal is to care for you until you feel confident and well-supported in navigating what the next phases of your postpartum journey and parenting will bring.
Care is completely customized to you and your family’s unique needs. But you will always receive a non-judgemental, compassionate companion through one of life’s most impactful journeys. Someone to remind you that you’re not alone, encourage the development of your natural instincts, and reflect who you are becoming.
Why It Matters...
Across the globe, the first three months after birth or the “fourth trimester” is often considered a sacred time to bond with your new baby and learn who you are as a parent.
But modern culture in the U.S. is not built for parents to thrive. It has been normalized for mothers and parents to pour from an empty cup, which is damaging to mental, physical and holistic health for the family and even their larger community.
The emotional, spiritual, physical, mental, and relational shifts that span the first 2-3 years of a new family’s life can’t be overstated. With this holistic and interconnected adjustment taking place for new parents – more acutely for the birthing parent, the support and care of a Postpartum Doula can be the difference-maker in the short and long term health of a family.
Postpartum Doulas are known to reduce stress, feelings of isolation, and severe mental health risks, especially for mothers and birthing parents. It’s all too easy to put yourself last in a society that celebrates martyrdom and is deprived of communal caretaking. But consider that caring for yourself is the most vital way you can care for your baby and family.
“Emily was an absolute dream. We had a tough experience navigating postpartum care due to the coronavirus pandemic and, based on the recommendations of our doctors, had zero in person help until our son Rocky was 10 weeks old and Emily came to live with us. She was extremely attentive to the needs of each of us and also provided space when we wanted time alone as a family. I have high standards when it comes to the details of my home and everything Emily did to help around the house was done impeccably. Her support for Rocky was a godsend. He took to her immediately (it would be hard not to) and watching their bond gave us ease to trust her with him to do whatever he needed. She did it all, even the nasty diaper changes, with laughter and joy. Our overall physical and mental health as a family skyrocketed while having Emily’s care and she left us with tools we continue to use throughout the challenging stages of parenthood. She’s forever the Auntie to Rocky and a new family member we will cherish.”
Maggie
Reno, NV
Postpartum Doula Services
Choose a combination or type of care best suited to your needs.
* Travel fees apply for services provided outside a one hour driving radius.
Daytime Care
$35/hour | 4 hour minimum locally
These services are offered as scheduled visits within your home. You can choose morning, afternoon and/or evening times to receive an extra set of hands trained to offer relief from the many demands of daily care for yourself, a household and newborn. During shifts, parents are present in the home so Doulas can support their adjustment by creating space to listen and process their birth experience, share technical knowledge, lived experience, local networks, resources, and a grounded emotional companion.
Overnight Care
$40/hour | 8 hour minimum locally
On top of all of the adjustments new parents experience during postpartum, prolonged interrupted and inadequate sleep makes what feels hard, even harder. Overnight Postpartum Doula care allows new parents to rest during night feeding and infant soothing, while protecting a lactation relationship. Ultimately this kind of support can develop the parent’s knowledge of safe newborn sleep and feeding practices that build sustainable, healthy habits for the entire family.
Postpartum Doula care typically includes…
- Education on practical and emotional adjustments to newborn sleep and feeding patterns
- Sharing knowledge about infant cues, behaviors, and soothing techniques
- General breast/chestfeeding support, including common challenges and appropriate referrals to lactation specialists
- Education on babywearing, newborn safety, and typical skin concerns
- Light household support, including dishes, folding baby laundry, and nursery organization
- Meal preparation for parents
- Referrals and connections to community resources and professional providers
- Guidance in developing sustainable self-care practices and family routines
“Emily was everything we hoped for in a postpartum doula – and much more! Emily looked after our baby Lily overnight for her first four months. She was terrific with the baby – soothing her and calming her and helping set the foundation for Lily’s healthy relationship with sleep. Emily was also very attentive to me. She was gentle, intuitive to both of our needs and brought great compassion to caring for both of us. Emily was warm and fun with our older two kids when she would see them in the mornings on her way out. Emily became a wonderful addition to our mornings – bringing her natural curiosity and wisdom to our family conversations! In addition to her excellent skills as a doula, Emily is reliable, trustworthy, communicative, adaptive and attentive to detail. We could not have asked for a better addition to our family during Lily’s first few months.”
Julia & Alex
Incline, NV
Looking to Support Someone You Love Postpartum?
Who do you know that deserves to feel supported in their upcoming parenthood transition? Give them the gift of care that lasts. Purchasing Postpartum Doula hours for a friend, relative, or co-worker is a way to share your love for them that goes beyond just buying a gift from their registry. Connect with me to learn more.
“Emily has a true talent for providing postpartum doula care. She has a broad base of knowledge in this area and genuinely loves what she does. All of this translates directly over to the care she provided for me (the mother), my newborn, and my partner. She made our transition into parenthood so much smoother. Emily even suggested systems for us to employ to make our day-to-day work as parents so much easier; and we are still using these systems today! I would highly recommend a postpartum doula, particularly Emily, to any new parents.”
Genevieve + Justin
Truckee, CA
Private Classes
Come with questions, leave with confidence.
Remember that poster from Elementary School that said “Knowledge is Power?” It’s true! Typically, we fear what we don’t know or understand. This is especially true in the world of birth. And while I don’t believe there is any one class that can fully prepare someone for all that childbirth or postpartum can bring, going into these experiences with some grounded information and tools can shift trauma into triumph.
Being with Birth
Childbirth Education Series $250
This class is designed as a two day series taking place in the comfort of your home. The series will bring birthing people and their support partners together to strengthen and connect as a team, not just for birth, but the journey of parenting that lies ahead.
You will begin by learning about the history of birth and all the layers of context it contains when looking at it through a modern lens. You will learn about the anatomy and physiology of labor and birth, work with your fears, investigate your definition of pain, and cultivate your personal birth vision. Then, we will practice hands-on skills for comfort measures in labor and positions to support your baby’s journey through your pelvis. Total time commitment is 7 hours.
Receive a 10% discount on your class series with a Doula services booking (applies to Foundational Care package and Postpartum Doula Services).
Prefer to learn alongside other new and expecting parents?
Check out my Community Events calendar for the next community class series. Community classes are offered at a reduced rate.
