What do I offer?
Interview Process
During our initial interview we will discuss your desires for your pregnancy and birth. We will also discuss your personal situation and how you see a doula fitting into your vision. This is an excellent opportunity to see if I am a good fit for your needs and desires. There is no obligation to hire me at this time. This is your birth and your journey, so it is best to find a doula that feels right for you!
Prenatal Support
My services include 2 prenatal visits at your home (over a cup of tea) where we will work to develop your birth preferences, address any fears or concerns, and work on developing a trusting relationship. If you have a partner or additional support person they are encouraged to be present for these visits.
Prenatal Education
I strongly recommend couples to attend a childbirth education class as it will make it much easier for you to capture a lot of information at once and become a well informed decision maker about your birth.
In addition I offer free Positive Birth Movement meetings on Tuesdays from 10 am - 11 am. You can sign up for them here: @Nurspace
I also provide you access to my library of DVD’s and books, you may borrow as many as you like/need.
Phone Support
From the time that you hire me I am available to you for phone, email, and text support during daytime hours. If you have any questions, concerns, or needs you may contact me from 9am to 5pm every day of the week. From 37 weeks until birth I am on call for you 24 hours a day. I will be available for phone calls and ready for your impending birth regardless of the time of day. On call for you also means that I don’t travel and stay within 120 mins from you.
Early Labor
Many people prefer to spend early labor at home and with their loved ones. As your doula, I can join you whenever you feel like my support is needed. I can provide helpful ideas and a supportive voice by phone/text if you prefer during this phase of labor.
Active Labor and Birth
Once you have entered active labor and are at your birthing location I will be with you throughout the entire process regardless of the length of labor. Some birth their baby within a matter of hours and others labor for several days. It is my belief that having a constant calm and supportive presence during birth is something you are entitled to. I will provide you with emotional and physical support throughout the entirety of your labor. I can provide you with massage, help in positioning, emotional support, and a supportive and encouraging presence.
Immediately After Birth
After the birth I will typically stay with you for one – two hours. I will help you with the initial breast/chestfeeding if you choose to do so, making sure your new family is settled and comfortable, and will then leave you to bond with your newest addition.
Scheduled Cesarean Birth
If you are having a scheduled cesarean birth, a doula is still a wonderful asset to you! In the case of scheduled cesarean births I join you in the hospital and will not leave you until you are successfully nursing your baby. In the event that your baby is in the NICU, I will make sure that you have seen pictures and are settled in and resting comfortably. Babies born by cesarean sometimes face more difficulties with breast/chestfeeding. Having a doula to support you through those first nursing sessions is a tremendous help.
Postpartum
I will check in with you by phone in the first few days following the birth. Then at 3-4 days postpartum I will come to your home for the first of two postpartum visits. During these visits we can address any concerns you have regarding your birth, talk about my services and your level of satisfaction, and address any concerns about healing or breast/chestfeeding. If you need any referrals e.g. postpartum doula support, lactation consultant, cranio-sacral therapy I can also provide those.
Packages & Fees
Please contact me to book your free interview. Or if you would like to learn more about my birth doula packages, click here!