What is a doula?

A doula is a support person that helps during or sometimes after birth. A doula is usually trained (I am) and can offer a variety of comfort techniques as well as being a calm, good communicator during what some people feel is a stressful time.

Doulas help people giving birth through massage, movement, guidance, and information. Doulas help partners during birth by being a second set of hands, suggesting comfort measures, letting the partner take a break if needed, making sure everyone is fed and hydrated, etc.

Doulas have been proven to reduce interventions and cesarean births in research studies.

Service Questions

What if I want to get to know you before I hire you? You are a stranger.

That's very reasonable. Our first meeting is no charge, and we can decide from there if it is a good fit! No hard feelings if it doesn't work out-- I may even have someone I think you would like.

Where are you located?

I work in and around St. Paul, Minnesota. My coverage area includes roughly a 20 mile radius around St. Paul- including but not limited to: West Metro- Minneapolis, Golden Valley, St. Louis Park, Hopkins, Edina, Richfield, and Bloomington. East Metro- St. Paul, North St. Paul, Woodbury, Maplewood, Oakdale, South St. Paul, West St. Paul, Mendota Heights, and Eagan.

I am open to other locations in the north and south Metro area occasionally. Contact me for more information.

What if you can't make it to my labor/birth?

I always work with other doulas that I trust to make sure there is an "emergency" doula to provide coverage, and do not take clients if there is a pre-planned scheduling conflict.

Are you a nurse?

Nope! A doula's scope of practice includes NO medical advice or support. Doulas offer emotional support, physical support (like hugs or back rubbing), experience with birth, and a clear head during an emotional time.

Why Nisse? What does it mean?

In Scandinavian mythology, a Nisse is a little fairy creatures that help you around the house— as long as you are good to them in return! I’m proud of my Scandinavian ancestry and love fairy tales, so the name seemed like a good fit!