Birth is one of the most important experiences in a woman’s life.
Having knowledgeable and experienced support beside you can help you feel calmer, more confident and better prepared for what is happening.
I have worked as a birth doula for 8 years and have attended more than 400 births.
My role is to provide physical comfort, emotional support, practical guidance and reliable information throughout labor.
I do not decide how your birth should look.
I help you understand what is happening, communicate with your healthcare team and make informed decisions about your own birth.
Continuous Support During Labor
When I join you during labor, my attention is focused on you.
Every labor is different, so my support changes depending on what you need at each stage.
This may include breathing techniques, movement, positioning, massage, relaxation and other comfort measures.
Sometimes you need physical support. Sometimes you need information. Sometimes you simply need a calm and experienced person beside you.
My role is to respond to your needs as labor unfolds.
Supporting the Birth You Want
Many of my clients hope for a physiological birth and want to minimize unnecessary interventions.
For these families, we use preparation, movement, positioning, breathing, relaxation and other tools to support the physiological process of labor.
At the same time, there are no guarantees about how birth will unfold.
My role is to support the birth you hope for while remaining flexible and responsive if circumstances change.
Support for Different Birth Experiences
You do not need to want an unmedicated birth to have a doula.
I support physiological birth, induction, birth with epidural anesthesia and cesarean birth.
If your plans change during labor, my support does not disappear.
There is no single birth experience that is right for every woman.
My job is to support you, your needs and your informed choices.
Helping You Stay Informed
Birth can involve medical terminology, recommendations and decisions that may feel overwhelming during labor.
I can help you understand what is being discussed and think about questions you may want to ask your healthcare team.
I do not diagnose, provide medical treatment or make medical decisions.
Your medical team is responsible for your clinical care.
My role is to help you remain informed, involved and supported.
Support for Your Partner
A doula does not replace your partner.
I help your partner participate with greater confidence by suggesting ways to support you, helping with positions or massage, explaining what may be happening and allowing your partner to rest when needed.
Together, we create a stronger support team around you.
8 Years and More Than 400 Births
Birth is unpredictable.
Some labors progress quickly. Others take many hours. Some follow the original plan closely. Others change direction.
Experience does not mean controlling birth.
It means being able to remain calm, attentive and supportive when circumstances change.
After more than 400 births, I still approach every woman individually because no two births are the same.
Service Area
I currently provide in-person birth doula services throughout the greater Sacramento area, including Sacramento, Roseville, Rocklin, Folsom, El Dorado Hills, Davis, Natomas, Rancho Cordova and surrounding communities.
OLENA DUDA
Doula and certified prenatal course instructor.
Every woman deserves respect and care. This need is especially evident during this tender period of carrying and giving birth to a child. Memories of how your childbirth went will stay with you forever. You don’t have to do this alone. Seek out information and support.
