Eryn Davidson is a birth doula based in Central Texas.
She is certified through Carriage House Birth.
Emotional, physical and educational support through the prenatal, labor, birth and immediate postpartum period.
What is a doula?
“A doula is a professional who supports people through major life changes. At Carriage House Birth, our affiliated doulas focus on labor, loss and the postpartum experience. They are experts trained to provide emotional, physical, psychological, and/or educational support to families during the perinatal process.”
– Carriage House Birth
“The presence of a doula has been shown to shorten labor by 25%, reduce C-section rate by 45%, lower use of Pitocin by 40%, and reduce pain medication use by 30%. Breastfeeding and overall self-confidence has also been higher in doula groups compared to controls. ”
What does a doula do?
Recognizes birth and the postpartum as key experiences that the birthing family will remember all their lives
Understands the physiology of birth and the postpartum experience and the emotional needs of a family crossing the threshold.
Assists their clients in preparing for and carrying out their plans for birth and setting up realistic postpartum goals
Maintains connection with their clients throughout their perinatal experience
Provides emotional and tactical support, physical comfort measures, and an objective viewpoint
Helps their clients get the information they need to make informed decisions
Facilitates communication between their clients and their clinical care as needed
But how much does a doula cost?
Birth doulas in Texas generally charge anywhere between $600-$3000 for their services. This rate is typically based on location, amount of experience, certification, and what kind of care they provide in their “package.” Based on my experience of four years, 40+ births and all different kinds of birth settings, I currently charge $1000. However, this rate is flexible, and I encourage families who might be unable to afford a doula to reach out regardless. Thanks to the support of my clients who are able to pay full price, I am able to take 2-3 pay-what-you-can clients a year.
Feeling too overstretched financially to save up for a doula? Totally understandable. Add a fund to your registry! Or have a “For Our Doula” cash/check jar at your shower and blessings! People love contributing to unique funds like this, and we can take fun pics during your prenatals or after your birth for your thank you cards. :)
“Although the popularly desired outcome is ‘healthy mother, healthy baby’, I think there is room in that equation for happy, non-traumatized, empowered and elated mother and baby.”
Ashley Booth Young, Midwifery Today, Winter 2008