The Heart of Birth Support in St. George, Utah: Why Local Families Choose Doulas

Bringing a new life into the world is one of the most meaningful experiences a family can have. In St. George, Utah, more families are discovering how the support of a professional doula can transform pregnancy, birth, and postpartum into a calmer, more confident journey.

What Is a Doula?

A doula is a trained birth professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to parents before, during, and after childbirth. Unlike doctors or nurses, doulas don’t perform medical tasks — instead, they focus on your comfort, advocacy, and peace of mind.

Many St. George families describe their doula as a trusted guide — someone who listens deeply, explains options clearly, and ensures your voice is heard throughout your birthing experience.

Why St. George Families Are Choosing Doulas

Southern Utah families are increasingly turning to doulas for several reasons:

• Personalized birth support: Hospitals and birth centers can be busy. A doula’s one-on-one care ensures you always have someone focused entirely on you.

• Reduced stress and anxiety: Continuous reassurance helps lower fear and tension, promoting smoother labor.

• Better birth outcomes: Research shows doula-supported births often result in fewer interventions, shorter labors, and more positive postpartum adjustment.

• Support for partners: Doulas also guide spouses or partners on how to help, creating a stronger, more connected team.

Serving the Growing Families of Washington County

Peaceful Birth Choices proudly serves expectant parents throughout St. George, Washington, Hurricane, Santa Clara, and Ivins, Utah. Whether you’re planning a hospital birth, home birth, or delivery at a local birth center, our doulas meet you where you are — emotionally and physically.

We work alongside local midwives, OB-GYNs, and birth teams at St. George Regional Hospital and nearby centers to provide seamless, respectful care for every mother and baby.

What to Expect From Your Doula

From your first prenatal meeting to postpartum recovery, your Peaceful Birth Choices doula will:

1. Prepare you for labor with evidence-based education and birth planning.

2. Stay by your side during labor — helping with breathing, movement, and comfort measures.

3. Advocate for your wishes in a calm, professional manner.

4. Provide postpartum support for feeding, recovery, and emotional wellbeing.

Our goal is to help you feel empowered, informed, and fully supported every step of the way.

Begin Your Peaceful Birth Journey

Every family deserves to feel cared for during birth. Whether this is your first baby or your eighth, having a doula can make all the difference.

Contact Peaceful Birth Choices today to schedule your free consultation and learn how a St. George doula can help you experience a more peaceful, confident birth.

FAQ About Doulas in St. George, Utah

1. What does a doula do during labor?
A doula offers physical comfort measures like massage, breathing techniques, and positioning suggestions. They also provide emotional reassurance and help communicate your preferences to the medical team so you can focus on birthing your baby calmly and confidently.

2. Do I still need a doula if I have a midwife or OB-GYN?
Yes! Doulas work alongside medical professionals, not in place of them. Your doula focuses solely on your comfort and emotional needs, while your provider manages clinical care — together creating a balanced birth team.

3. Can I hire a doula for a hospital birth in St. George?
Absolutely. Peaceful Birth Choices doulas attend births at St. George Regional Hospital and area birth centers, as well as home births. We coordinate with your provider to ensure everyone works as a team.

4. When should I hire a doula during pregnancy?
Most families reach out around 20–28 weeks of pregnancy, but earlier is even better so you can build rapport and prepare your birth plan together.

5. How much does a doula cost in St. George?
Doula packages in St. George typically range from $800–$1,500, depending on experience and included services. Peaceful Birth Choices offers personalized support packages to meet your family’s needs and budget.

6. Does insurance cover doula services?
Some insurance plans and HSA/FSA accounts do reimburse doula care. We can provide receipts and documentation to help you file for reimbursement.

7. What areas do Peaceful Birth Choices doulas serve?
We serve families across Washington County, including St. George, Hurricane, Santa Clara, Ivins, Washington, and nearby Southern Utah communities.

How Protein Supports a Healthy Pregnancy

The Power of Protein

Protein is one of the most important nutrients during pregnancy. It’s essential for your baby’s growth and development — and for keeping you strong and energized along the way.

Getting enough high-quality protein can help lower the risk of preterm birth, gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, low birth weight, and preeclampsia. In short, protein helps build a healthier foundation for both you and your baby.

How Much Protein Do You Need?

Research is mixed on exactly how much protein women need during pregnancy. Some studies suggest around 60 grams per day, while others recommend 100 grams or more.

Instead of focusing on hitting one “perfect” number, listen to what your body is telling you. Every woman — and every pregnancy — is different.

Tune In to Your Body’s Cues

Try keeping a food diary for 3–5 days to track your protein intake and notice how you feel. There are many great tracking apps available, or you can simply use a notebook and pen.

As you track, pay attention to:

• How your energy feels throughout the day

• Whether you feel satisfied between meals

• Any strong food cravings

• How often you crave sweets

These signals can give you valuable insight into whether you’re getting enough protein — or if your body may need a bit more.

Protein-Rich Foods to Support a Healthy Pregnancy

Here are some simple, nourishing options to help you reach your daily protein goals:

Animal-Based Sources:

• Eggs (especially boiled or scrambled for quick meals)

• Chicken breast, turkey, or lean beef

• Salmon, tuna, and other fatty fish (look for low mercury fish)

• Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and milk

• Shrimp and other low-mercury seafood

Plant-Based Sources:

• Lentils, chickpeas, and black beans

• Quinoa, buckwheat, and other high-protein grains

• Nuts and seeds (almonds, chia, pumpkin, hemp)

• Nut butters paired with fruit or whole-grain toast

Easy Add-Ons:

• Add protein powder (animal, plant, or collagen) to smoothies or oatmeal

• Snack on hard-boiled eggs or trail mix

• Mix beans or lentils into soups and salads

Tip: Aim for a source of protein with every meal and snack. This helps keep your energy steady, supports muscle growth, and nourishes your growing baby.

Your Protein Needs Will Change

Your protein requirements may vary depending on your body size, activity level, and how far along you are in your pregnancy. What you need early in pregnancy might look different later on, as your baby (and your body) continues to grow.

A Final Thought

Pregnancy is a time to nourish yourself with care and intuition. Let your body guide you — it knows what it needs. And when in doubt, talk with your healthcare provider or a prenatal nutrition specialist to make sure your protein intake supports both you and your baby.

You’ve got this, mama.

Childbirth Education Training

Here is an excerpt from my interview with Canvas Rebel Magazine.

The mission of Peaceful Birth Choices is to prepare families to give birth through quality education and support. I want families to have access to unbiased, up-to-date, evidence-based information, to help them make informed decisions for their births.

I train birth professionals on how to teach childbirth classes. Good childbirth educators are vital to every community. Childbirth education should be evidence-based and judgment-free, meaning educators should not be telling women how they should give birth. The best teachers provide their students with accurate, up-to-date information so that families can make informed decisions for themselves. This is the backbone of any quality education. Every woman comes from a different background and her life experiences lead her to make decisions based on her unique situation. Ultimately, there is no one way to birth and we need to be supporting women in their desires.

As a childbirth education trainer, I provide my certified instructors with quality education, beautiful teaching materials, educational resources, and support as they serve families in their communities.

A Joyous Time—The 4th Trimester

Barbara Katz Rothman said, “Birth is not only about making babies. Birth is about making mothers-strong, competent, capable mothers who trust themselves and know their inner strength.” When women come to their births prepared and educated, they are empowered to make the best decisions for themselves and their babies. Your preparation for birth will help your transition into motherhood to be easier. There are several things you have already done to prepare yourself for this transition. These things can help you feel good about your birth, make recovery easier and faster, and facilitate bonding with your partner and baby.

 ·  Educate yourself in all of your choices for birth, by taking a childbirth class and reading about birth.

·   Hire a care-provider who is on board with your birth plan.

·   Hire a doula to support you and your partner in the birth you envision.

Your life is about to change in amazing and beautiful ways. Carl Sandburg said, “A baby is God's opinion that the world should go on.” The world becomes more beautiful and we live life with greater gratitude and purpose with the arrival of a new baby. Babies also take up a lot of time and it's helpful to anticipate our needs so we can better care for our babies. Here are some tips to make the postpartum period, also known as the "4th trimester" easier and more joyous.

 ·   Breastfeed your baby.

Breast milk is the perfect food for your baby. It also promotes healing in you and helps you bond with your baby. Learn as much as you can about breastfeeding prenatally, take a breastfeeding class, and continue to learn after your baby is born.

·   Consider placentophagia.

Though it may sound unconventional, there is growing research in the field of placentophagia—consuming ones placenta. Many women claim it helps in the postpartum period by assisting your milk supply, aiding your uterus in returning back to pre-pregnant size, reducing a woman's risk of postpartum blues and depression, reducing fatigue, increasing energy, easing the hormonal shift.  

·   Get support. This can come from your birth partner, family members, and other women.

Support comes in many forms. Emotional—listening ear. Physical—help with chores, baby care, etc. Spiritual—understanding what you may want or need to feel connected to your higher power and finding time for spiritual activities. 

·   Eating regular nutritious meals and snacks.

When you eat well, you feel well. Stock up on healthy granola bars, yogurt, cheese sticks, and nuts. Buy a pre-cut veggie tray from the grocery store and use it for easy meals and snacks during the week. Fruit is almost always an easy snack—apples, bananas, oranges, grapes, etc. Larger fruits can be cut up by a support person over the weekend and then mom can have quick and easy go-to snacks during the week. Pre-cooked chickens from the grocery store, instant oatmeal packets (without added sugar), and canned soups can be quick, easy, and nutritious options. 

·   Be okay with the mess.

It can wait—it will still be there next week or even the week after. Your baby needs you now. Take this precious time to enjoy and bond with your baby. If a mom is bothered by the clutter, ask a family member or friend to come help tidy up. Hire a teenager to play with older siblings or help with basic chores. Or consider hiring a postpartum doula. She will be happy to help with household chores such as cleaning, laundry, cooking, and even caring for older children while the new mom catches a nap. If finances are an issue—consider just 3 or 4 hours a week—it can make a huge difference and many find it well worth the cost. 

·   Get plenty of sleep.

A good rule of thumb to follow is—sleep when your baby sleeps. This means, take a nap no matter what time it is. You will be glad you did. A well rested mom is a much happier mom. You may want to consider safe cosleeping, baby sleeping in the same room as mom and dad, or not. Try different things and figure out what you are comfortable with and what works best for YOUR family.           

·   Wear your baby.

Your baby has been carried around, by you, for 9 months. Most babies still enjoy being close to their mothers (and fathers) after birth. Some babies refuse anything but being in the arms of their mom or dad and that's okay. They may just need more time adjusting to life outside the womb than others. When you respond to your baby's cries by holding, rocking, and nursing your baby, you are teaching your baby how to communicate and that your baby can trust you. Your loving response teaches your baby that he or she is important and valued. This will help your baby to grow up to become a confident, loveable, independent individual. Listen to your instincts—hold your baby, snuggle your baby, and respond to your baby's cries—and notice that it just feels right. Do this with confidence knowing you are giving your baby a wonderful foundation in life by responding to your baby's needs. A baby cannot be spoiled—only loved.

Baby wearing can reduce crying, improve breastfeeding, bonding and attachment—all which can be helpful in reducing stress as a new parent. It is a wonderful way for partners to participate in the care and bonding. It also frees up the wearer’s hands to do other things such as eat, do simple chores, and care of older children.

·   Seek out other women that share similar philosophies in mothering.

Join a mothering group (or start your own) where you feel you get support in your role as a woman and mother and one that encourages you to listen to YOUR motherly instincts.

·   Be Good To Yourself.

Some mothers can experience burn out. To prevent this, or if it occurs—to bounce back quickly, it is important to take care of your needs and listen to your instincts. If a mother starts to feel overwhelmed it can be a sign for her to take some time for herself. Get a massage, schedule lunch with friends, take a yoga class, go for a run, take a bubble bath, or a long nap. Do something for yourself that helps you to feel refreshed and rejuvenated and excited about being a woman, partner, and mother.

You are about to embark on a beautiful, exciting journey called motherhood. Where you will grow lots, and love much. As Dr. Seuss would say, "You are off to Great Places! … So be sure when you step, step with care and great tact. And remember that life's a great balancing act. And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed!"

 Kelly Colvin, HCHI, HCHD

PeacefulBirthChoices.com

Thanks to LindsaySharifiPhotography for sharing her talents.

Birthy Thoughts

This painting by Brian Kerishisnik is one of my favorites. It's called "Nativity." As I sit here writing my 6 week old baby’s birth story, I am thinking of all the angels, seen and unseen, in attendance at his birth. Their presence was definitely felt.

How interesting it is how Joseph, Mary and the midwives in this painting are unaware of ALL the angels surrounding them and how only the dog in the far right corner can sense them. I wonder how very often I am unaware of the angels surrounding me. I recall a birth I attended, as a doula a few years back. There wasn't anything out of the ordinary about the birth, but after the baby was born I could suddenly sense that there were angels in the room and it was as if they were standing in reverence and awe of the beautiful event that just took place and the sacrifice of this mother to bring life into the world. The room was full of hospital staff rushing around with the tasks of birth, but I felt like this dog, sensing these unseen spirits and just wanting to stand in awe and reverence too.

Birth is such a sacred event and I believe that angels always attend the births of God's children. I image they are often our ancestors or close friends that have passed onto the otherside of the veil, lovingly guiding these spirits into our arms and through this journey of mortality we call life.

Kelly Colvin, HCHI, HCHD