Birth Doula Services
As a doula…
I accompany women in labor to help ensure a safe and satisfying birth experience. I draw on my education and experience of labor in order to provide assistance. I provide emotional support, physical comfort, and, as needed, communication with the staff to make sure that you have the information you need to make informed decisions in labor. I can provide reassurance and perspective to you and your partner, make suggestions for labor progress, help with relaxation, massage, positioning, and other techniques for comfort. I am independent and self-employed. I am working for you, not your caregiver or hospital.
Once labor begins…
I prefer that you call me when you think you are in labor, even if you do not need me yet. I can answer questions and make suggestions over the phone. We will decide if I should come right away or wait for further changes. (I usually need one hour to get to you from the time you ask me to come.) We will also decide where to meet – At your home or the hospital. Except for extraordinary circumstances, I or my backup will remain with you throughout the labor and birth.
After you greet your new family member…
I usually remain with you for one or two hours after birth until you and your family are comfortable and your family is ready for quiet time together. I can also help with initial breastfeeding (if applicable). During the postpartum period, I am available for phone contact to answer questions about the birth or your baby. Within a week or two, we will meet to see how you are doing, to review the birth, to admire your baby, and to get feedback from you about my role.
Contact me for a customized plan
Birth Doula Services
• Assistance with the completion of a written birth plan
• Prenatal visit(s)
• Car seat safety inspections
• 24-hour on-call availability before the due date until two weeks after the birth
• Back-up arrangements in the event that I am unavailable.
• Support in early labor as needed in the home or hospital
• Continuity of care once active labor has begun
• Assistance and support during labor, birth, and 1-2 hours after baby is born
• Assistance in unexpected circumstances with compassion and knowledge of resources
• 24-hour on-call postpartum and breastfeeding support for the first two weeks
• Sibling support
• Postpartum visit(s)