Meet your doula, Bri.

Hi! My name is Bri, and I am locked in on Perinatal Mental Health and Wellbeing.

With so much information being pushed at you during pregnancy, it can be tough for expecting parents to pinpoint what information matters most and how to use that info in their family planning journey. This can leave parents feeling overwhelmed, isolated and maybe even doubtful of their role as a parent.

As a doula, I’m here to meet you where you’re at and bridge the gap between your vision for your family and the information you need to get there.

So, what does this have to do with perinatal mental health?

The unfolding of your birth story can have a profound impact on your family for years to come, potentially even effecting future generations (Ryder, 2022). Things like expectations from society, cultural norms, comments from relatives, and even moments from your past may influence your perceptions on what you believe the ideal birth and parenting experience looks like. But when pregnancy, birth and postpartum actually happen, they rarely look exactly like what we pictured. That can bring on a wave of all kinds of emotions and feelings.

My job is not to guarantee a certain birth outcome or to list off stats and expert opinions to influence your choices.

My job is to protect your energy through it all. Because a regulated nervous system means less panic and more calm. Less anxiety and more confidence. Less fear, and more triumph.

So, how do I work with my clients to ensure peak nervous system regulation?

Pregnancy:

• I coach the pregnant person and their support person on how to labor together. While mom is doing all the heavy lifting, there are many things her support person can do, and I’m here to help you both define what’s actually helpful for you, and leave out the rest. That way, you can stay locked in once labor starts.

• I assist in making sure the home is ready to support a smooth transition into postpartum. Specifically one that fits your family’s unique needs.

Labor & Delivery:

• I focus on keeping the oxytocin flowing. Oxytocin is a key player in the progression of labor. I assist in making sure your birth space encourages oxytocin production.

• Your support person also has the power to boost your oxytocin, and I’m there to help you both keep it flowing.

• I’m also there to help you understand your options in the event that interventions are offered/needed.

Postpartum:

• Feeding baby doesn’t always feel intuitive. I’m there to make sure you have all the support you need to be successful. And to remind you that sometimes it’s hard af to achieve your feeding goals when the system presents so many obstacles. With the right kind of support, you can make it happen.

• Newborn care can seem so intimidating. I’m there to help you build confidence in your parenting skills.

• Family and partner dynamics may change, and adjusting to those changes can seem impossible when you’re all sleep deprived. I’m there to guide you to the best resources when things feel overwhelming.

• Catching red flags. Red flags in pregnancy and postpartum are not always obvious. I’m there to help you recognize the signs that things are not okay, physically or mentally, and who to turn to for help.

Ready to talk about adding me to your support team?

Your birth story is yours to write.