Welcome to Open Heart & Hands

Your open heart and hands — during birth and beyond.

I offer you my open heart and hands during and after this momentous time.

Hi, I am Paula Carrasquillo

At Open Heart and Hands, I’m on a mission to help women unleash their inner birth warriors and conquer the wild adventure of childbirth with style, sass, and a sprinkle of magic. I believe that every woman has a superheroine within, ready to embrace the challenges of labor and emerge victorious.

How I Support You

Every family’s journey is different. My role is to support you with calm guidance, evidence-based education, and steady reassurance — before, during, and after birth.

Birth Doula Support

I provide continuous, compassionate support throughout your birth experience. From prenatal preparation to labor and delivery, I’m there to help you feel informed, confident, and supported — emotionally and physically.

This includes:

  • Prenatal meetings to discuss your goals and preferences
  • On-call support around your due date
  • Continuous labor and birth support
  • Comfort measures, encouragement, and advocacy

Postpartum Doula Support

The postpartum period is a time of adjustment, healing, and connection. I offer hands-on support to help you rest, recover, and settle into life with your new baby.

Postpartum support may include:

  • Emotional support and reassurance
  • Newborn care guidance
  • Light household help related to baby care
  • Support for feeding, rest, and recovery

Childbirth Education (Lamaze-Based)

As a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, I offer evidence-based education to help you understand your options and feel prepared for birth.

Education sessions focus on:

  • Understanding the birth process
  • Comfort techniques and coping strategies
  • Partner involvement and support
  • Informed decision-making

Why Choose Open Heart & Hands

Compassionate Support

Consistent, one-on-one care so you feel heard, supported, and respected throughout your journey.

Evidence-Based Guidance

Trusted, research-informed education to help you make confident, informed decisions.

Personalized Care

Support tailored to your unique needs, values, and birth preferences.

Calm Birth Presence

A steady, reassuring presence to help you feel grounded during labor and birth.

Ongoing Postpartum Support

Care continues after birth to support recovery, adjustment, and confidence at home.

Inclusive & Judgment-Free

Respectful, welcoming support for all families, without pressure or judgment.

Frequently Asked Questions

A doula is a trained support person who provides emotional, physical, and informational support before, during, and after birth. My role is to support you — not replace your medical provider.

Yes. I support families planning hospital births, home births, and birth center births, respecting your preferences and birth plan.

Many families reach out during the second trimester, but support is available at any stage of pregnancy, depending on availability.

Postpartum support may include emotional reassurance, newborn care guidance, help with feeding, and light baby-related household support to help you rest and recover.

Absolutely. I work alongside partners, offering guidance and reassurance so they feel confident and supported as well.

Yes. As a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, I offer evidence-based education to help you understand the birth process and feel prepared.

No. Doula support is helpful for first-time parents, experienced parents, and families seeking a different or more supported experience.

Doula services are typically private pay. Some families are able to seek reimbursement through insurance or employer benefits.

The best first step is to schedule a free call. This gives us a chance to connect, ask questions, and see if we’re a good fit.