Indy Doula Associates

Indy Doula Associates (IDA) was founded in 2014 by Patti Crawford, CD(DONA). As the first doula agency serving Indianapolis and surrounding areas, Indy Doula Associates (IDA) has grown into the most sought-after labor and postpartum support service in the area. With twenty years of birth and lactation experience combined, IDA provides a customized, boutique-style experience tailored to your birth goals. Empower yourself as skilled professionals encourage and educate you throughout the pre- and post-natal journey. When you hire IDA, you are hiring the best of the best, and it is our honor to help you discover your best birth experience.

The doulas at Indy Doula Associates are unique in what we offer. Our doulas are certified by either Childbirth International (CBI) or DONA International, two of the leading certifying agencies around due to their in-depth training, strong codes of ethics, and high standards of practice. In addition, we can also boast:

Experience. Every doula is personally mentored by Patti Crawford, an advanced doula who has served at over 500 births, making her one of the region’s most experienced sought-after professional doulas.

Training in Hypnobabies. Even if you don’t plan to use the Hypnobabies birth method at your birth, all of our doulas are trained in the method and can incorporate elements into your birth to increase your focus or encourage labor progress.

Training in Placenta Encapsulation. The human placenta contains a variety of maternal health-supporting nutrients and hormones for new mothers. If any of our clients wish to practice placentophagy, our doulas are trained to safely prepare placental tissue for easy, capsule-form consumption.

Offering Clinical Aromatherapy. We are the only Indianapolis doula agency with doulas thoroughly trained under the first and only evidenced-based OB aromatherapy course in the United States. Through this training, we have the right to practice under the American Holistic Nurses Association in the safe use of essential oils for comfort during labor and birth.

Individualized Care. Our doulas don’t force their vision for a “perfect birth” – we are focused on your voice and your needs. We'll serve as a knowledgeable, caring resource to you as you determine exactly what's best for you and your baby.

Personalized Care. Our doulas don't share call time; unless something very unexpected comes up, your doula will be the person at your birth! Building those connected, one-on-one relationships is really important to us. Should illness or a surprise birth create a conflict for your doula, you'll have access to another Indy Associates doula with a similar philosophy and training to help you through your birth. In addition, this “back-up doula” will come equipped with the most cutting edge technology for sharing client information with your original doula. However, these instances are very rare; our goal is always that your doula will be the one at your birth.