Question 1

What's the difference between a doula and a birth keeper?

Accepted Answer

My role as a Doula in a Midwife-Assisted Home Birth is that of a supportive companion—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I do not provide any clinical care. Instead, I focus on holding space, protecting your birth atmosphere, offering comfort measures (like counter-pressure, massage, movement suggestions), and encouraging you and your partner through each stage of labor. Your midwife takes full responsibility for monitoring you and your baby, so my focus stays entirely on your experience, your needs, and your oxytocin flow. I remain within the bounds of non-clinical support.

As a Birth Keeper in an Unassisted Birth my role expands only a little. I am not acting as a midwife or care provider, and I still do not perform clinical/medical tasks or take responsibility for any birth outcome—but I do walk more closely beside you in preparation and presence. This includes more thorough prenatal visits to prepare you physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually;  I supply a birth bin which will include things such as a birth pool, CUB stool, some herbs and tinctures, and more (you are responsible for purchasing your own sterile and one-time use items like gloves, pads, and a birth pool liner, which usually runs about $50.); I still act as a doula (offering emotional and physical support). I hold space for your intuition to lead.

My presence for both is non-clinical, but deeply intentional. I trust you to birth in your God-given power and autonomy, and I am there to uphold your choices with love, steadiness, and unwavering respect for His holy design.

Question 2

Do you attend hospital births?

Accepted Answer

While my focus is home birth, I will never leave you high and dry during a hospital transfer. I also take on planned hospital birth clients on a case-by-case basis, where a relationship has been formed or will be formed (such as a student in the Birth By Design Course) and provided our birth philosophies align.

I have set this boundary for my offerings due to some unethical and harmful practices of medicalized birth professionals so as to avoid being complicit in birth trauma frequently caused by unnecessary intervention to unwitting mothers.

However, if you are a mother seeking an undisturbed, physiologic hospital birth, I am your birth servant!

Question 3

When will you arrive for the birth?

Accepted Answer

As your birth support, I'm there as soon as you need me! I only arrive when I am asked—so remember this as you keep me posted on your labor progress. I do not wish to disturb the birth space, so I only head your way if I get a clear go-ahead to do so. Meaning, if you say something like, "you can come if you want," or "we're good either way," I will not enter your birth space unless I have been wholly invited into it.

As just your photographer, I like to get there by the time active labor begins. I may pop in and out during early labor as well, depending on your labor progression. Capturing the beautiful memories of labor is equally as important as the delivery!

Question 4

Where are you located/How far will you travel?

Accepted Answer

My home base is in Elizabeth City, NC.   While I like to stay within 80 miles of Elizabeth City, I may travel further depending on the individual circumstances.  Areas I travel to include Moyock, NC; Edenton, NC; the Outer Banks, NC; Virginia Beach, VA; Hampton Roads, VA; Chesapeake, VA; and everywhere in between.

Question 5

Do you offer payment plans?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! I require a $360 non-refundable retainer to secure your date range. For birth support packages, this fee covers the mandatory Childbirth Education Classes included in your care. After that, I will work with you to create your personalized payment schedule. Final payment must be made by 37 weeks gestation for birth services once I become on call for your birth.

Question 6

Will you post my birth images?

Accepted Answer

I will always respect the privacy of my clients and I ONLY share images and videos approved by you. Even if you indicate that all images are safe to be shared, I always double or triple check prior to posting any images online whether it is on my website, social media, or in blog posts. You also always retain the right to revoke any model release permissions granted to me, so if there ever comes a time you wish for your images to be removed from my website or social media—just shoot me a text or an email and I will promptly remove them, no questions asked!

Question 7

What are your credentials?

Accepted Answer

While I am a firm believer that "credentials" and "certifications" truly are no indication of if a birth servant is "qualified" to support a woman in her perinatal journey, I do understand this is important to some mothers/families.

I am certified through A Woman Who Serves as a birth doula and postpartum lactation specialist, and I am always actively pursuing additional and continuing education. Currently, I am a student of the Hearthmother Journey by SisterBirth and Rooted In Eden. You can read more about this program at https://www.rootedineden.org/hearthmother-journey (Last updated September 2025)

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