Ariana (Ari) is a Bitterroot Valley birth doula. She has a passion for sisterhood, education, and the radical transformation that is motherhood. She believes women and partners can have satisfying, positive births with proper planning and advocacy.
What’s a doula, anyhow?
A doula is an addition to your birthing team, with a specific role to care for, encourage, and address the physical and emotional needs of the woman in labor. Just as the doctor or midwife, nurses, and your partner have specific roles during childbirth – my role is specific and dedicated to you. I hold space for your feelings, needs, desires, and informed decision-making. I am your sounding board and reminder that you have sovereign power within you that will take you through labor land. I can encourage your partner to step into their role as #1 support, equipping them with the tools best suited to bolster you. Having a doula present can help you avoid unnecessary medical interventions and statically reduces your chances of cesarean sections and use of epidurals.
Together, we will focus on:
Education
discover the physiological, emotional, and neurological transformation you will experience
Empowerment
learn to ask the tough questions, plan your ideal birth scenario, and find birth satisfaction through informed decision-making
Engagement
encourage your partner to step into their role as #1 birth partner, practice together, and work through exercises to encourage communication and participation
FAQ
How can we connect?
Take a moment to request your complimentary consultation, which will give us an opportunity to connect in person or via Zoom.
You may also shoot me a text or call at (509) 202-0270, or email me at peashootdoula@pm.me. No question is off limits, so reach out and let’s chat!
What’s included in your base package?
The Starter Package includes 3 prenatal consultations where we will discuss physiological birth, review birth plan hopes & dreams and ensure feasibility, practice labor comfort techniques, and determine a list of questions for your practitioner. Also included – comprehensive labor and delivery support, with the option of meeting you at home during early labor and breastfeeding help after birth. We will check in about a week following birth to review the experience together and ensure mama is well. A second postpartum appointment will allow for me to support you in light housekeeping and/of infant care while we check-in on family wellness.
What can I do if I can’t afford your basic package?
One of the best ways to plan for the cost of a doula is to include doula services on your baby registry. Allow your friends & family to ensure you receive the supported birth you deserve!
Another option I love is trade! We live in the Bitterroot, after all, where craftsmanship is abundant. Let’s chat about skills and offerings and make a plan to trade.
What kinds of birth do you attend?
There isn’t a wrong way to birth your baby into this world when safety & love are in view. I attend both hospital and home births, as well as birthing centers. I’m happy to support you through medicated pain relief administered by healthcare providers, or intervention-free birth – and if you’re unsure of your options, shoot me a line! This is my favorite subject, and the more you know, the more empowered you are.
As your doula, it is my goal to provide space for you to experience a trauma-free, satisfying birth. We will discuss birthing plans, you will connect with your provider of choice (midwife, OB, family doctor, etc.), and if your plan changes – that’s okay! It is my opinion that good birth planning involves contingency plans, with informed consent and consideration.
Do doulas conduct any exams, medical care?
No, we cannot and will not. Doulas are not medical professionals and do not conduct any exams or give any clinical advice. When it comes to making decisions on your medical care, it will be up to you and the provider to discuss. I can offer reference back to your birthing plan or encourage further discussion, but I do not supplant or replace any medical professionals or advice.
My role is to support you, your desires, and your level of comfort – emotional & physical – throughout birth, to allow for you to feel safe and to have a positive experience welcoming your sweet one Earth-side.
Why the name Pea Shoot?
Pea shoots are my favorite greens, and the first time I had tasted their sweetness, I was in the Bitterroot Valley. They were locally grown by my sister-in-law/best friend, and our friendship reminds me of the importance of sisterhood – which I carry into every birth I attend.
Pea shoots are tiny and sweet, like the news of your pregnancy may be, and like the babes that come from it. Their seeds are small but shoot up from the ground, symbolizing life & the beginning of this new chapter for your family.
So, when you discover the transformational news of a baby pea shoot growing inside you, remember me. I will cultivate care and learning for a proper welcoming into the world.
Perfect Doula for our Twin Birth!!
Ari exceeded my expectations by providing impeccable support during my pregnancy & birth. She met with us leading up to the birth where she provided lessons to help us prepare for labor. She has a unique ability to convey information to help you feel prepared, but not overwhelmed. Ari is talented at listening + problem solving. She does it in a way that is so natural it seemed as though we were lifelong friends.As soon as Ari arrived to the hospital, my husband and I felt a sense of calm and relief. She was encouraging and knew what we needed before we realized it. She used her calming and encouraging personality and her previous birth experiences to guide us through labor. I had a complicated, twin pregnancy, which didn’t go according to plan, but Ari made sure I stayed informed with the doctors & worked hard to make sure my husband and I were emotionally taken care of during all the twists and turns.I cannot imagine anyone better to help bring new life into this world.
~D.S.
Ariana with Peashootdoula is THE BEST
We worked with Ariana for our second pregnancy because our first was very problematic and we wanted a positive experience, this pregnancy ended up also being complicated but we rolled with the punches and thanks to Ari we were able to have a very successful natural labor and birth. She was a great pillar of support, I truly never thought myself capable of having a fully natural birth but she helped me through every step of the way and was gracious and caring with every step. I would recommend and will recommend her to anyone who wants the best possible birth experience. She’s a beautiful soul and amazing at what she does.
~T. E.
As first time parents, we were nervous for pregnancy and birth. We decided to hire a doula to calm our nerves and become more educated so we could choose the best path for us. Having Ari there to support us and explain our options was incredible. She was so kind, patient, and checked in constantly to see that we were making it through. I cannot express how much stress was alleviated having her in our corner. She showed me how strong I really was, and thanks to her birth was better than I could have imagined. Thank you Ari!
~D.F.
Helping dad be something useful
You’ve heard the stories. Some useless husband fumbles around when the delivery starts and what’s the excuse?? “I didn’t know what to do!” That was not going to be me. My wife and I hired Ariana and I was really hoping to be a part of the process. I wanted to be useful during the pregnancy, delivery, and beyond.I cannot speak highly enough of Ariana and her ability to make me feel included as well as give me tools and resources to feel empowered as the father to be.
You have probably at some point experienced a healthcare worker who seemed to just be phoning it in, leaving you feeling like a google search would’ve felt more attentive or caring. You have also at some point been so well taken care of that you would never go to anyone else.
Ariana is the later. If we were to ever decide to try for another kiddo the ONLY number we would dial is Ariana. Thank you to Ariana for making me feel like I could be a great dad from day 1.
pea shoot doula & photography 