Text Box: Text Box: Text Box: How We Work We are a group of experienced, certified birth doulas working together to provide expectant families with birth doula services. We were formerly the Holy Cross Birth Doulas, providing doula services as staff members at Holy Cross Hospital. In June of 2009, we became By Your Side Birth Services, LLC and still work primarily with women birthing at Holy Cross. However, we are happy to say, we are now providing our services to families birthing at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital, Sibley Memorial Hospital, and George Washington University Hospital. When you sign up for By Your Side Birth Services, LLC, you are enrolling in our group doula program. There are two open house meetings per month, where you can come and meet the doulas in the program. Please feel free to attend our open houses to help you make your decision about enrolling. We suggest that you enroll before about the 34th week in your pregnancy, so that you may take full advantage of our other prenatal services. In addition to our open houses, we offer telephone and e-mail support throughout your pregnancy and the early months of parenthood. When you think you are in labor, or find out you are scheduled for an induction or cesarean birth, contact the on-call doula. She will help you sort out your next steps. If you are in labor, she will meet you at the hospital, or if you choose, will help you through early labor via phone, before meeting you at the hospital for your birth. Our doulas provide continuous, one-to-one support with comfort measures, position changes and informational and emotional support. Your doula will stay with you throughout your birthing experience until a few hours after your baby is born. During that initial post-partum time, she will gladly assist you with initial breastfeeding, if you desire. Please know that the doulas of By Your Side Birth Services, LLC welcome all those whom you choose to participate in your birth experience. We strive to make sure they are included and well-supported. These services are available for a fee of $700. It will be our honor to attend your birth, and help you celebrate this important time with your family.

To my doula— “Thank you for being a calm voice of support. Having you with us during labor and delivery was such a comfort and an indescribable help. I can’t imagine doing it without you. It was a magical, amazing experience. You are all part of our family!”

—James, Leah, and Alexandra Kocsis

Kind words from our clients

To my doula— “The support you provided during my birth experience was invaluable. I believe your presence made this labor have such a positive and beautiful energy.”

My doula “was wonderful. She was knowledgeable about everything, and helped us make good decisions. Despite not having my ‘dream birth’, we had a perfect birth experience because of her.”

—Erica White

My doula “was fabulous. Her energy and knowledge were so appreciated during the birth of our first son. She was especially helpful in normalizing the situation. My husband certainly appreciated being able to eat and take breaks. I cannot imagine a birth without a doula!”

My doulas “were immeasurably helpful during our birth. We felt completely supported and comfortable. They knew so many tricks to ease the pain and were an essential go-between for us and the doctor and nurses. They were wonderfully accepting of our same-sex relationship. Without hesitation, we’d recommend the By Your Side Birth Services doulas. Our little girl was blessed to come into the world with the help of women such as these. Thank you!”