Kathy Paul - Birth Doula

About Kathy

Hello! My name is Kathy Paul and I am a certified birth doula in the Bismarck/Mandan, ND area. I am also VBAC certified and a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator. I have also taken training in Spinning Babies, which greatly informs how I support clients in having more comfortable and faster birthing experiences. I have become extremely passionate about homebirth and birth choices for families. It is an honor to walk along-side these families and remind them of the choices they can make in their birthing journey!

Birth Doula packages and pricing

Birth doula support

Can be in person or virtual support, or a combination of both! From the time you sign my service agreement and your deposit is paid, you are my client! You have unlimited support via phone, text, email, or video chat up through your birthing time. One to two prenatal visits are included to discuss your birth preferences and identify how I can best support your during your birthing time. I am on call for your birth beginning at 39 weeks through 42 weeks. I will be present from the time you want support in your birthing experience and throughout your labor and delivery. After your little one’s arrival, I will stay for 1-2 hours to provide support and maybe take a few pictures of you and your new family. One to two postpartum visits are provided to process your birth and offer informal support regarding breastfeeding and newborn care.

$1,500 USD · Flat rate

Lamaze childbirth education group class

Lamaze is a comprehensive childbirth education class that is based upon the 6 Healthy Birth Practices are known to improve birth outcomes for families: 1. Let labor begin on its own. 2. Walk, move around and change positions throughout labor. 3. Bring a loved one, friend or doula for continuous support. 4. Avoid interventions that are not medically necessary. 5. Avoid giving birth on your back and follow your body's urges to push. 6. Keep mother and baby together — it's best for mother, baby and breastfeeding. Class will be in person, provided in a group format (limited size). Class will be relaxed and open for lots of discussion and questions. I want you to feel confident going into your birthing journey!

$350 USD · Flat rate

One on one coaching session

If you are interested in discussing any specific topics on an individual basis (excluding birth/Lamaze clients), this is the service for you! We can talk birth planning, cloth diapering, VBAC’s, past births, whatever you would like to learn more about. I can provide you with individualized feedback on your topic of choice and even provide handouts or links for further understanding. Our topic discussion can happen in person or virtually.

$60 USD · Per hour

What to expect

I offer birth doula support services, Lamaze childbirth education classes, birth planning, and topic discussion meetings.

Reviews for Kathy Paul

5.0 1 review

5.0

April 5, 2024

Kathy made my birth experience the second time around so much better! She helped me manage the pain, supported me through all my choices and advocated for me! I also loved how she helped make the room more comfy with twinkling Christmas lights! 100% recommend Kathy as a birth doula!!!

— Mandy J.

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Certifications, training, and specialties

Certification and training

Doulaing the Doula - Birth doula training (2020)
Lamaze certified childbirth educator training (2021)
Spinning Babies (2022)
BEST - birth and postpartum doula training (2023)
The VBAC Link (2023)

Education

Bachelor of Science - Psychology (2012)
Bachelor of Science - Addiction Counseling (2012)

Memberships and affiliations

Lamaze International
BEST doula
Bismarck Doula Community
VBAC Link

Languages

English

Credentials

BS CD (BEST) CPD LCCE

Specialties

Assertiveness Birth Doula Birth Support Birth Trauma Childbirth Education Evidence-Based Care Home Birth Labor Doula Natural Birth Natural Childbirth Postpartum Doula Care Telehealth Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) Water birth

Frequently asked questions

Do you only support “natural” births?

I serve all births; whether it be: unmedicated, induced, epidural, hospital, or home births! This is YOUR birthing experience and I want to support you in your preferences.

Can I still have a doula if I already have a partner or birth support that will be with me during the birth?

Yes! In fact, Doulas are there to support every person present in being as involved as they’d like with the birth. If someone needs to take a break to eat, drink, use the restroom, etc., I can jump in and support the birthing person so they don’t feel alone or experience an absence in comfort measures. In COVID-19 times, you will need to check with your provider regarding how many in-person supports can be present for your birth. Virtual supports do not count towards that number!

What is your training? Why do you get to call yourself a Doula?

I have taken the following trainings to support ability to provide comprehensive support in pregnancy and childbirth: Doulaing the Doula, BEST Doulas, The VBAC Link, and Spinning Babies. I have read countless books on pregnancy and birthing. I have also been a counselor for the last 11 years, so I have extensive experience in connecting with others in a meaningful way. The sum all of my training, reading, and passion for supporting families in their birthing journey makes me feel confident in calling myself a “Doula”.

Do you provide virtual support?

I do! I provide in-person, virtual, or a combination; whatever makes the most sense for you and your support team. If you are outside of the Bismarck-Mandan area, one way to reduce cost would be to engage in virtual prenatal/postpartum visits and I can attend your birth in person. My virtual support fee is the same as in person, as the quality of support and time invested in my clients remain the same!

What areas do you support?

I support the Bismarck-Mandan area primarily, and will work with families outside of this range on a case by case basis. My mileage rate is 67 cents per mile if I leave Bismarck-Mandan city limits for any prenatal/postpartum visits or birth.

Is a Doula a midwife or nurse?

A Doula is not a medical professional (such as: nurse, midwife, doctor, OB/GYN) and does not perform clinical procedures. We are professionally trained in providing physical, emotional, and informational support. Your nurse, midwife, or OB/GYN may be in and out during birth, as they have several patients they are working with at one time. You are my only client in that moment and you will receive CONTINUOUS support!