Doula Services

​"Doulas create an emotional holding environment for the mother, encouraging her to allow her own body to tell her what may be best at various times during labor..."   


Christiane Northrup, M.D 

What is a Doula?

The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek language meaning "woman servant." A doula is a woman specifically trained to give compassionate and emotional support to women in labor by being highly sensitive and responsive to the laboring woman and aware of her needs, moods, changes, and unspoken feelings. A doula serves as a nonjudgmental advocate, facilitating communication between medical staff and the laboring family. She educates with objective viewpoints and informational alternatives (risk vs. benefit).  She assists in creating a safe, supportive environment, as well as giving encouragement and reassurance.

In 2008 I completed a thorough doula training certification course with Cornerstone Doula School in Oakland, CA.  I am excited to offer my doula services to my community and always look forward to the honor of serving families in this sacred way.  I come with a full medicine bag to provide the best birth experience possible.  I incorporate massage therapy, nutrition counseling, yoga, meditation, visualization, and breathwork into my work with pregnant and birthing women.  I also help women articulate their fears around birth and work with what they might need from me, their primary care physician, whether a doctor or midwife, and their partner and/or family members.

I offer my support for homebirths, at birth centers, and at hospitals. We can talk in person or via phone to find out if we are a good fit.
Your birth is one of the most transformative experiences of your life.  May you walk with grace into the doorway of becoming a parent again or for the first time.  I believe that families are not only birthing their babies, but their new Self as well.

​See below for what's included in my doula package including the cost.

  • M.S.

    "I initially met Elizabeth because she was recommended for prenatal massage. I was nervous about having someone new touch my body while I was pregnant. During my first massage with her she welcomed me with understanding, and a soft and gentle touch. Her massages helped to keep my body relaxed and pretty much pain free throughout my pregnancy.  I also looked forward to her prenatal yoga class each week throughout my pregnancy - which I always left feeling peaceful and more connected to my body and baby. Elizabeth was by my side throughout my labor and delivery. I trust her deeply. She has a pure and wise presence and was able to easily flow into the room with my husband and parents and welcome my daughter into the world with love. 
    Elizabeth has continued to be in our lives postpartum. My daughter smiled at two weeks old when she gave her a foot massage. I have been bringing my daughter with me to her outside yoga class - which we both love! I continue to get massages from her, and now my husband does as well! She is a gift for our whole family!"

  • J.B. Fairfax

    "I consider myself very fortunate to have found Elizabeth. She is an amazing massage therapist and wonderful doula. I can't emphasize enough how much her lovely calm energy and strong intuitive hands helped me throughout the whole process from pregnancy to birth. My beautiful baby girl was born at home 12/23/13. Thank you Elizabeth! I will always be grateful for you! "

  • S.N. Santa Cruz

    "Elizabeth, you have so much beauty, insight, compassion, and care to offer to the world.  You are the best prenatal massage therapist and doula EVER!  My birth would not have been the same without you. Love,love,love, Sidney and baby Tenaya" (Tenaya was born 2/4/09)

  • S.S. Fairfax ​

    "Elizabeth went the extra mile for my birth. She came early and stayed with me through many long hours of labor. During that time, she supported me in so many ways from massage to hugs to helping my husband hold me up when it came time to push. I truly couldn't have done it without her. Any baby entering this world would be blessed to have their mama supported by Elizabeth and to have her presence in the room as they come through." ( home birth 5/12/13 )

Birth Doula Package


~ Massage 
When you purchase my doula package, you will receive $25 off your first 75 minute prenatal or postpartum massage at my private Marin office.

~ Education
I offer advice regarding prenatal yoga and exercise to help ease the discomforts of pregnancy as well as prep your body for birth.  I can assess your daily ergonomics and make suggestions i.e. how to correctly  sit in your car as you drive or while at work.
I am also well versed in prenatal nutrition and herbal supplements that can help boost your minerals and iron levels.
I will give you the information packets that I offer at my Prenatal Partners birth prep class.

~ Prenatal visits
2 prenatal visits are included in my doula package. We will review your health history and your overall labor and birth vision. We will also discuss your preferences for pain management ( natural methods as well as medical options ), and clarify  how you envision being supported emotionally and physically during labor and birth. We will go over ways to stay connected to your partner during labor, talk about labor and birth positions and ways to keep labor progressing ( i.e. visualizations, words of encouragement, conscious breathing, movement, and acupressure ), and discuss after birth care for baby, etc.

~ Labor and birth support
 This includes being on call beginning 2 weeks before your baby's expected due date and 2 weeks after.

~  Backup doula
Should we need an extra layer of support if the birth goes longer than expected or I am unable to be there due to an emergency, I always hire a dependable backup doula.  You can interview this doula as well to make sure it's a good fit should she be called in.

~ Postpartum visit
In my doula package, I offer one postpartum home visit.  This is where your birth team ( me, partner, and mama ) come together to recount your birth "story".  I can also answer most questions about breastfeeding, baby care, healing of stitches, etc.

~ Referral list
As my client, you will have access to my referral list which includes accumulated resources from 11 years in the birth field.  This list includes the Bay Area's best lactation consultants, postpartum doulas, cranio sacral therapists for baby and mama, osteopaths, pelvic floor specialists, postpartum psychotherapists, etc.

​I have a more detailed doula contract that we sign once we decide to work together.  This talks about how to contact me when I'm on call, the legal scope of my work, etc.
Please reach out directly for my current doula package fees or with any other questions. Thank you!
​eshelhart@gmail.com

View my free list of resources.