Madison Birth Doula services
You may be wondering if a doula is right for you...
You may be wondering if a doula is right for you...
Can a birth doula really help you feel more confident during birth?
Will they take over, push an agenda, or make things awkward? And honestly—won’t my partner, friend, or family member be enough support? (Also... do I really want one more person seeing me at my most exposed?)
These are super common questions—and totally valid ones! As a Madison birth doula, I am there to support your choices, not make them for you. I am trained and skilled at offering calm, knowledgeable guidance without taking the spotlight from your partner or loved ones. Think of me as your birth sidekick: there when you need me, respectful of your space, and 100% on your team—whatever your birth plan looks like (or even if you don’t have one).
As for the whole “exposed” thing—trust me, I have seen it all, and nothing phases me. My focus is on your comfort, not your wardrobe - or lack thereof!
I think a birth doula can be helpful to anyone having a baby. It doesn’t matter where you are having your baby, or what your ideal birth looks like.
You deserve the support of someone who “gets” you, believes in you, and supports your choices.
Most people don't know what to expect from their birth experience.
Most people imagine birth will go something like this: the same nurse the whole time, a partner who remembers every detail from childbirth class, a perfectly timed epidural that works like magic, and their doctor or midwife by their side from start to finish. But then real birth happens—and surprise! Things don’t always go exactly as planned. Suddenly, you're asking, “Wait... what just happened?”
That’s where a doula shines. Birth is full of twists and turns, but you don’t have to navigate it solo. A doula is your calm in the chaos, your guide through the unknown, and your biggest cheerleader no matter how it all unfolds.
Even if everything goes beautifully, a doula can help make it feel even better.
Birth is unpredictable—plans rarely go off without a hitch. But that’s where a doula comes in. We’re there to help you navigate the twists and turns, and provide support no matter what surprises pop up along the way.
You deserve to feel prepared and supported, and even if everything goes according to plan, a doula can still make things smoother (and with fewer “what just happened?” moments).
What is a badass birth? Different than you might imagine!
It might be ... fast, in the hospital, long, in the car (!), vaginal, by cesarean, at home, overwhelming, gentle, by forceps, medicated, magical, induced, spiritual, unmedicated, powerful ... and more!
Think of a doula as your personal ‘familiar’. A ‘familiar’ is a friendly entity, an ally that aids and assists you. A familiar knows you, and you know them.
When you are in labor, you will need someone who knows what you want and understands the birth process and the medical system. For most folks, those are unfamiliar arenas and hard to navigate when you are busy having a baby, or are a tired and stressed out partner.
As your Madison birth doula, I will be by your side helping you be more relaxed knowing all your needs will be taken care of, and your trusted doula is going to guide you each step of the way.
"Anya helped us have the most empowering and beautiful water birth at Meriter hospital alongside the UW Midwives. Anya was the best investment my family made for our safe, healthy, and happy birth experience!!"
- Andi
"My wife was so comfortable and supported by her birth team. Anya’s presence was a perfect balance of cracking jokes when appropriate, keeping quiet, and soaking in the more intimate moments and gentle encouragement as we decided whether to break my wife’s water leading into the final stage of the birthing process."
— Nathalie and Nicholaus
“Anya has a comforting, reassuring presence. She is an expert at reading the energy of the space and matching it, or bringing what is needed.”
— Jen B, labor and delivery nurse, birth photography client
“Anya kept a peaceful atmosphere in our home, she was patient and kind. She even named our son because we couldn’t come up with a name.”
— Diana J, midwife client x 2 births
“Anya is a lovely witness to the raw and wonderful birthing process who captures it with photography and video, which is an invaluable gift.”
— Leslie S, CNM
badass Madison doula support in pregnancy, birth & postpartum
doula prenatal visits
These visits are held in your Madison area home, or a coffee shop, or other comfortable location. Our time together is fun, casual, and super helpful. We discuss all sorts of things: your vision for your birth, what you think will be helpful to you in labor, your partner’s (or others who will be at your birth) role.
We can practice positions and movements if you like, write a birth plan, make helpful lists, and share resources. Some clients ask me to attend one of their doctor/midwife visits with them - so their doula can meet their care provider, help them remember questions to ask, and debrief after.
labor & birth support
I join you at your Madison area home or place of birth when you feel like you are ready for birth doula support. I offer suggestions, hands-on comfort, and helpful tools from my birth bag. I support you in various positions, or do them with you. I help you with encouragement or rest, information and advocacy. I’m right by your side (physically or energetically).
I stay with you for as long as it takes and help your partner or other support people pace themselves. After your baby is born, I stay for an hour or two to help you get comfortable, feed your baby and yourself, and get settled in for your postpartum stay.
doula postpartum visits
I visit you at your Madison area home a few days or weeks (depending on need) after your baby is born. This postpartum doula visit is like an old friend (who knows a lot about postpartum and feeding a newborn, but isn’t full of opinions and unwanted advice) stopping by to check in on you. You don’t have to get out of bed, I’ll fold your laundry.
And I’ll give you tips, resources, a kind ear, and a hug. Along with anything else you need as you blossom into a brand-new parent.
Now the question is... am I the birth doula for you?
Now the question is... am I the birth doula for you?
There are three things I offer as a Madison area birth doula that, when combined together, make me your badass doula, your ‘familiar’:
What I won’t do is tell you how to do you. I won’t save you from complicated relationships, or make you have a perfect birth. Birth is the great unknown, and I am not a future-seer, so I can’t tell you what is going to happen.
You’re a badass, remember, so my job is to amplify that, not weaken you by being some sort of misguided savior.