Birth Doula Services Include

• One (1) – two (2) prenatal visit(s)
• Guidance in writing your birth wishes
• Education on labor, birth and postpartum
• Phone support and consultations: 8 am – 8 pm, if you are not yet in labor, anytime if you are in labor
• 24 hours/7 days a week on-call service for 2 weeks prior and 2 weeks following your estimated date of delivery
• Continuous labor support until after the birth
• Photography or DVD recording during the birth if desired and as permitted by facility/provider
• One (1) one-hour postpartum visit
• Back-up coverage provided
• References and resource referrals
• Breastfeeding education and guidance

 

BEFORE LABOR:
Before birth, my main job is to get to know you and your desires for your birth.  We will meet one to two times, depending on your needs, to get acquainted and to define your hopes and preferences for your birth.  While I do not give medical advice, I can let you know your options, both holistic and medical, for the discomforts of pregnancy and labor.  Building trust within your own body and with me is important and valuable during this time.
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I believe that the more you know prenatally about possible choices you may encounter during labor, the better you will be able to decide if confronted with those issues.  We can discuss the pros and cons of possible interventions and I will support the decisions you make.   

I always work with a partner doula for back up; you may meet her prenatally if you would like.  In addition, I can accompany you on a prenatal visit to your healthcare provider, if you wish.
  
When you go into labor, please call me anytime, night or day.  3:00 am or 3:00 pm, I am at your service.

DURING LABOR:
During early labor, we will be in frequent contact on the phone.  When you feel you need me to be there, you will let me know and I commit to being there within two hours, but generally can get to you within one hour.  I can work with you in your home before transferring to the hospital; I can meet you at the hospital or participate in a midwife-assisted home birth.

I will be with you continuously throughout your labor and birth and will use my knowledge and experience to provide you with physical comfort and emotional support.   Your needs will be my single focus while you labor and give birth.  You can have what you need, when you need it, and you should not feel guilty about asking.

The inclusion of family members, especially a woman’s partner, can have a powerful impact on the birth experience.  I believe in supporting your partner, while they support you, and not taking over their position. Their support may be as simple as looking you in the eye or holding your hand.  I will work with you and your partner at whatever level of involvement they want to provide.

There is a special bond between a mom and those supporting her during the birth of her child.  I will respect your relationships and do what I can to help those involved have a memorable experience.
 
I will help you have the birth you envision, honoring your choices, while also being mindful of the inherent necessity of flexibility during birth.  I will hold space for you, and I will support you and your partner by offering reassurances, assistance, suggestions, and information as needed.

POSTPARTUM:
After your baby is born, I will stay until you are comfortable and your family seems ready for quiet time together.  I will help with the initial breastfeeding as necessary.  Generally, I will be with you for about one to two hours following delivery. 

Within the week after your birth, I will contact you so we can schedule our postpartum meeting.  At that visit, I can answer questions, check on your well-being and enjoy your baby.  We will also talk about your labor and birth and your feelings about your experience, I can help to clarify events that took place and receive feedback from you about my role as your doula.