DouLa, BeLa
Doing for and Being with You
Birth is both a timeless, universal experience and a deeply personal, transformative journey. While birth is the most everyday of experiences, each birth is unique, precious, and powerful.
I see my role as a doula in doing for you and being with you, supporting you (your partner, your family) through this profound moment. I believe in centering your voice, supporting your intuition, and helping you to fully explore and understand your options. Whether you're preparing for a home birth, a hospital birth, or anything in between, my goal is to help you feel informed, empowered, and deeply supported every step of the way.
About me
Arielle Desmond
Training: DONA Birth Doula (2023)
Location: Seattle area
Locations Served: Most area hospitals, all area birth centers and home births
Why I am a doula: Ever since I was a young girl, I have had a passionate interest in pregnancy, birth, and newborns. When I became pregnant with my first child 25 years ago, this passion crystallized as I delved into learning about the wonder I was experiencing. My learning led me to understand the importance of care that truly prioritizes the total well-being of the mother and the baby, respects the natural processes at work, and centers the voice of the mother.
Throughout my pregnancies, births, and postpartum experiences with my five children, I was fortunate to be attended by midwives who gave my family the invaluable gift of their presence, listening, and empathetic guidance. Each pregnancy and birth had its own unique story—filled with both high points and challenging moments—but what I carry with me most is the deep awe and joy I felt through these experiences.
The nurturing care I received during my pregnancies and births has inspired me to give that same gift to others. Supporting people on their journey to and through birth is my highest calling, and I feel deeply honored to walk alongside others during such a transformative and sacred time.
Quick Sketch:
Mom to 5 amazing kids ranging from 24 to 14
Wife/partner for 30 years
Born in and lived all over California – with a short stint in NYC – before making the dream of living in the PNW real 9 years ago
Literature Major who landed in High Tech career for the past 30 years
Mountain lover!
Dendrophile
Mobile maker
Lives in a 3 cat household
Sometimes inspired cook
Known to make even tiny babies giggle.
I would love to discuss how I can support you during your pregnancy, birth and postpartum experience.
A doula is an impactful addition to your birth team!
A doula offers non-judgmental support, guidance, evidence-based education and practical hands-on support during childbirth including comfort measures.
Emotional Support
Continuous Presence: Doulas provide emotional support, offering reassurance and calm during labor. This can help create a more relaxed, positive environment.
Empowerment: By helping you understand your options and supporting your decisions, doulas help you feel more in control of your birth experience, which can lead to a sense of empowerment.
Stress Reduction: Knowing you have someone dedicated to your well-being can reduce stress and increase your overall sense of security.
Physical Support
Pain Management: Doulas offer various pain-relief techniques, including breathing exercises, massage, position changes, and comfort measures.
Positioning: Doulas can suggest positions that help with labor progress and alleviate discomfort, making the experience more manageable.
Support for Partner: A doula also supports the birthing person’s partner by providing guidance on how they can assist and offering breaks when needed, helping both partners stay engaged and relaxed.
Information and Advocacy
Informed Choices: Doulas help you understand different options for your care, from birth plans to medical interventions. This enables you to make informed decisions that align with your values and preferences.
Advocacy: While doulas do not make medical decisions, they can help facilitate communication between the birthing person and medical providers, ensuring that your wishes are amplified and respected during labor.
Postpartum Support
Doulas provide postpartum support as well, offering guidance with breastfeeding, newborn care, and emotional recovery after birth. This can be especially helpful in those early days when parents are adjusting to their new role.
Working with me
Initial free meet & greet: I am happy to meet in person or virtually. This is a free 30-45min opportunity to meet and discuss what you are looking for and see if I might be the doula for you.
Prenatal connection: Two prenatal get togethers - typically around 32 and 36 weeks – to talk about your hopes and concerns, help you craft a birth plan if you’d like, discuss anything and everything about labor, birth and beyond. These meets are typically 1.5 – 2 hours at your home or another place of your choosing.
On call support: As soon as your contract is signed, I will be on call for you. I have backup support, if the need arises.
Continuous presence for your labor & birth & afterward: Text/phone/email support from the moment you think things are happening. Help in-home and with making the decision to move towards (if applicable) the birthing location. Support for you and in cooperation with your birth team throughout your labor. With you after birth to ensure that everyone is settling in comfortably.
Postpartum support: Two postpartum visits, generally at around 4 days after the birth and then 2 -3 weeks later – to make sure you, baby, and others around you are transitioning into the new normal with support and care.
Fees: $1500. Half is collected when you decide to work with me/sign the contract and the balance at the first prenatal visit. Payment can be made via Zelle, Venmo, check or cash. Receipts happily provided for potential insurance reimbursement or HSA/FSA spending accounts.
I currently accept clients in the Seattle, WA area.
Arielle Desmond - Doula, Bela
Email: ariellejkd@gmail.com
Phone: (619) 701-4392