Get to Know Us
Suncoast Doula is made up of two DONA-certified doulas, Ashley Glass and Sarai Williams. We met through our mutual doula while we were pregnant, and ended up giving birth 5 days from each other. We've been close since.
We feel the best way to succeed in parenthood, is by having a support system around you that encourages you, advocates for your needs, and allows true vulnerability. Parenthood is hard, especially at the beginning. Even before your child arrives, there's fears of labor, confusion with medical providers, and a desire to do what's best for your and your baby's health. Then, the baby comes and people assume they'll naturally know how to soothe them, feed them, or find time for sleep. But, most of the time that's not the case. Instead, they're left with sore bodies, mixed emotions, and a sense of loneliness.
As your Bradenton and Sarasota doulas, we would absolutely love to be your support system in this beautiful but often trying time. We enjoy sharing our mutual passion for helping mothers and babies with you and your family.
What Does a Doula Do?
A birth doula accompanies women in labor to help a family pursue a safe and satisfying birth experience. Drawing on our knowledge and experience to provide emotional support, physical comfort, and as needed, communication with the staff to make sure that you have the information you need to make informed decisions in labor. We can provide reassurance and perspective to you and your partner, make suggestions for labor progress and help with relaxation, massage, positioning, and other techniques for comfort. With your approval, we can also educate and guide your partner to participate in your birth experience. As your Bradenton and Sarasota doula, we are working for you, not your caregiver or hospital.
A postpartum doula helps support and nurture the whole family through the transition of having a newborn at home. We can provide newborn education, breastfeeding support, emotional support through childbirth trauma or postpartum lows, and physical help through light housework, laundry, preparing meals, watching the baby, running errands... to keep your house running while you take the time you need to heal and bond with your baby. Typically a postpartum doula is used from 0-3m, but we do accept emergency needs through the first year.
At Suncoast Doula, we are both birth and postpartum doulas!
We service both Sarasota and Manatee counties.
