WHAT IS A
D
O
U
L
A
?
The Greek word doula means caregiver.
Today, the term refers to a trained and experienced labor companion who provides continuous emotional support, physical comfort, and assistance in obtaining information before, during, and just after childbirth.
shorter labor
Why choose a birth doula?
fewer
C-sections
more likely to have vaginal birth
less
epidurals
better pain management means less use of pitocin
"BIRTH IS ONE MOMENT IN YOUR LIFE WHERE YOU FIND BEAUTY AT YOUR CORE."
-MONET MOUTRIE
higher apgar scores for baby
less use of interventions and instruments
higher birth satisfaction
From Madison
Kennesaw 1st time mom
My husband and I could not have imagined someone better to walk along side us through the birth process, especially for our first child.
Christie is deeply knowledgeable and an incredible leader. Me nor my husband had any issues getting questions or concerns answered with a vast amount of information, care, and prayer. Throughout my pregnancy, she gave me the knowledge and instilled the confidence to trust my body that it would do what it is created to do. If we have more children, Christie is certainly the person we will be calling! I had a precipitous birth, which Christie handled masterfully. We had a beautiful birth plan drawn up and everyone knew their roles. However, when push came to shove (no pun intended) Christie was able to quickly, professionally, and compassionately help us throw our plans to the side and was a wonderful advocate for me in the hospital when I was unable to advocate for myself.
Though it was quick, because of Christie, I knew exactly what was happening through each stage of labor which kept me from being fearful. She was the thread of calm in the chaos of such a fast labor and made what could have been a rather traumatic experience a beautiful one.
Services Provided
Prenatal
- Two visits in your home to:
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understand your ideal birth experience
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help formulate your birth plan for your birthing team
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discuss preparations for birth and postpartum needs
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review nutritional and positional choices that can help keep you low risk and help baby be in an optimal birthing position
Labor Support
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Physical, mental, emotional, and informational support
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By phone during early labor and in person upon arrival at your home or the hospital/birthing center during active labor
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Video and/or photography using client's equipment if desired per hospital policy
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Initial breastfeeding support immediately after birth
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1-2 hours postpartum support during recovery period and "the golden hour"
Postpartum
- One Postpartum visit in your home for:
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labor and birth debriefing
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breastfeeding assistance/ referrals if needed
Included for each client:
A free Motherboard app login. This allows you access to a plethora of evidence based birth information to help you make the birth plan that's right for you.
Christie Williams was honestly the best support I could have asked for during my pregnancy and birth. She was there with me every step of the way, answering all my questions (even the silly ones!) and making me feel so comfortable and confident. When it came time for labor, she was a total rock—calm, caring, and just knew exactly what I needed when I needed it.
Having Christie around felt like having a really knowledgeable best friend who just *gets* it. Even after the baby arrived, she stayed in touch, checked in, and gave me advice that made those first days so much easier. I’m so grateful for her support and would recommend her to anyone looking for a doula who truly cares.
Ece, Woodstock 1st time mom
From Shannon
Atlanta 1st time mom
When I first learned of my pregnancy with my first child, it became clear to me that having Christie by my side was essential. With her background in nursing, I found reassurance in her ability to navigate and guide me through aspects I was unfamiliar with. Even early on, her unwavering support and calming presence were instrumental, especially during the moments of uncertainty and when my baby was in a breech position.
However, what truly sets Christie apart is the depth of her spirit, her exceptional character, and her profound connection with God. She emanates a tranquility that brings comfort, assurance, and a nurturing presence that is unparalleled. Her strength, both physically and emotionally, was evident as she skillfully applied counter pressure, providing remarkable relief.
Having also attended classes led by Christie, I was struck by her exceptional ability to convey complex concepts with clarity and precision. Her profound knowledge in the pursuit of living abundantly resonates deeply.
I am forever grateful for the profound impact Christie has had on my journey into motherhood. Without reservation, I wholeheartedly recommend Christie in any capacity, be it as a doula, childbirth educator, or guide in holistic wellness. She has touched our lives in ways beyond measure, and I am confident she will do the same for yours.
The acceptance of doulas in perinatal care is growing rapidly with the recognition of their important contribution to the improved physical outcomes and emotional well-being of pregnant, birthing, and postpartum women and their infants.
-Doulas of North America (DONA)
The most recent and largest systemic review of continuous labor support summarizes the experiences of over 15,000 people in 21 randomized controlled trials.
The authors concluded that all moms should have support throughout labor and birth.
The clinical trials show that women who labor with support are:
01
Epidural & Pain medications
are more likely to birth without an epidural, other "regional" analgesia to manage pain, or to use any other pain medication including narcotics.
03
Cesarean Section
are 28-56% less likely to give birth by cesarean section.
05
Baby outcomes
are more likely to have a baby with a high Apgar score of well-being 5 minutes after birth and have a 14% decreased risk of being sent to NICU
​
07
Breastfeeding
are more likely to have successful breastfeeding initiation immediately after birth and more likely to continue breastfeeding.
02
Induction and Augmentation
are 31% less likely to use synthetic oxytocin (Pitocin) to speed up labor.
04
Interventions
are less likely to give birth with forceps or vacuum extraction.
​
06
Shortened Labor
are more likely to have a shortened labor, of on average by 40 minutes!
08
Experience
are less likely to be dissatisfied with or negatively rate their birth experience.
From Ashley
Kennesaw 1st time mom
Christie was an absolute lifesaver (literally). She had the knowledge to help us troubleshoot where we were and how to progress in labor and the confidence to help ground less knowledgeable members of the birthing team. All of this brought great comfort to me and my husband. I cannot recommend Christie enough!
From Meredith
Gainsville 1st time mom
My birth experience was positive even though it did not go as planned because we had a such an amazing doula. From beginning to end, I will always hire Christie and recommend her to anyone expecting a baby.
Roots of Abundance donates $50 of every doula package to Rehema House through Mercy House Global, an organization who seeks to empower vulnerable families in Jesus name by creating opportunities that provide hope. Mercy House works with teen moms, indentured teens, child brides, underage laborers, and violated minors who have survived unthinkable situations in Kenya. I believe this is a beautiful opportunity to be a blessing to another young mom in need of kindness for her own life and children. You can learn more here
Roots of Abundance Services
Join a childbirth education series! Through this same series, my husband and I gained the education and confidence we needed to make decisions that were right for our growing family.
Don't want to look like the culture looks? You need to do something different than what the culture is doing!
Looking to kick the chemicals from under the sink and learn how to live from a place of proactive healthcare? Come learn alongside others on the same journey.
Looking for continuous emotional support and physical comfort during labor? As a doula, I provide assistance in obtaining information before, during, and just after childbirth.