Rising Tide is kind of a weird name for a doula business; what's the story?

We chose to name our business Rising Tide because we truly believe that a rising tide lifts all boats; when one of us rises, we all rise.  Whole Life Wellness because our long-term vision is to expand our services to not only birthing families but women and femmes of all ages, to support young folks as they grow into amazing, fierce leaders and to support mature women as they grown into our wise leaders.  We are building a multigenerational sisterhood. #SisterUp #RisingTideWomen

What is 'holding space'?

Firstly, holding space doesn't solely pertain to birth or the postpartum period.  It is for everyone.  It is to provide stability and neutrality for someone working out a situation.  It is the ability to let someone just "be" without casting judgment or interference.  Your heart is open, feelings will not be hurt, and you give 100% of your attention to the situation at hand..

Do you offer gift certificates?

You bet we do!  We think birth and postpartum support makes the perfect baby shower or new baby gift.  They can be used towards prenatal classes, birth or postpartum doula care, or lactation support.  It's a wonderful way to show support to the new family. 

Does a doula interfere with the partner's role?

In a word, no.  A doula supports both parents as they transition into parenthood, and can help a partner or a dad to be more involved in helpful ways.  You can read more here.  

What exactly does a labor or postpartum doula DO?

In short, a doula does whatever you need her to do.  You can read more about the role of a birth doula here, and about the role of a postpartum doula here.  

I want an epidural/medication for my birth.  Can a doula still help me?

Of course!  Doulas offer information and nonjudgmental support no matter what kind of birth you plan or experience.   Read more here.  

I noticed you include lactation care in your doula package, but I don't plan to breastfeed.  Why is that useful to me?

You will still benefit enormously from having an in-home lactation visit.   I can promise every single person that we work with that we will never judge your choice.  We will answer your questions with evidence-based information and help you make the best informed decision for you, whatever that might be.  And then we'll support you through it.  Because, the thing is: your body doesn't know you're not going to breastfeed. After you give birth, there is already colostrum, or the 'first milk' waiting.  If you're more than halfway through your pregnancy, it's already there, just waiting for your baby to be born.  And once the baby and the placenta come out, your body gets ready to change over to mature milk.  Around the third day after your baby is born, your breasts will start making mature milk, whether you breastfeed or not.  And either way, it can get uncomfortable.  If you don't want to breastfeed, there is a lot of bad advice out there about how to manage that fullness and swelling of the breasts, and I've seen folks have a lot of unnecessary pain and complications from not knowing how to dry up their milk as comfortably as possible.  And let's be honest: bottle feeding families also have lots of questions about how to feed their baby safely, lovingly, and appropriately.  They deserve good information and support.  

How can I help grow the sisterhood?

Step one: Be kind and supportive to other women!  Step two: sign up for our email list below to stay in the know and join our facebook group, where we hang out together and share support.  Step three: Come to one of our get-togethers and meet us in person! Step four: if you have an idea, let us know; we always want to learn more about how to support each other!