Doula Support
I was driven to the maternal health field out of a desire to support people along their journey towards parenthood. Regardless of where or how you give birth, you deserve to be heard, respected, and hopefully empowered. Learning how to be your own advocate and empowering your birth team to support your birth can make such a difference in how you feel about your experience.
Prenatal visits allow us time to get to know each other. We’ll discuss comfort measures, positions, and what you can do to help prepare your mind and body for labor. We will also take the time to discuss postpartum expectations.
During our postpartum visits we will check in, go over the birth as well any postpartum questions or concerns you may have. I can also provide you with community resources and/or point you in the direction of folks available to provide in person postpartum support.
prenatal/$500
3 Comprehensive Prenatal Visits to discuss your hopes and visions for this birth, your coping mechanisms, and formulate a list of birth preferences, & postpartum planning (Topics include but are not limited to: formulating your birth preferences, comfort techniques, when to go to the birth center/hospital, birth affirmations, postpartum and how to prepare for life with new baby, and feeding your baby).
*Educational resource binder
*Support via phone and/or email throughout your pregnancy to answer any questions or concerns.
*Affirmations banner kit
Everything but the Birth/$900
3 Comprehensive Prenatal Visits to discuss your hopes and visions for this birth, your coping mechanisms, and formulate a list of birth preferences, & postpartum planning (Topics include but are not limited to: formulating your birth preferences, comfort techniques, when to go to the birth center/hospital, birth affirmations, postpartum and how to prepare for life with new baby, and feeding your baby).
*Educational resource binder
*Support via phone and/or email throughout your pregnancy to answer any questions or concerns.
*Affirmations banner kit
*2 postpartum follow up visits following the birth. One within the first week and one at a month.
*Infant feeding support
All visits are currently being offered virtually
FAQ
What is a doula?
A doula is a trained professional who seeks to help pregnant folks feel like active participants in their pregnancy/birth journey. Doulas do this by providing continuous physical, emotional and informational support for pregnant persons before, during and shortly after childbirth. A doula can also support folks only wanting prenatal and postpartum support.
What’s the difference between a doula and a midwife? Do I need a doula if I have a midwife?
Midwives are licensed medical professional who specialize in low-risk pregnancies and low intervention births. Midwives can be found in and out of hospital settings. Some can care for you in all the ways an OB/GYN can (other than surgery) which makes them a great alternative. They’re the ones performing tests, prescribing, checking dilation, etc. Some midwives will be present and hands on during your entire birth if they don’t have other clients but typically come and go during labor.
Doulas does not perform any medical tasks. We are not medical professionals. We do not replace the need for a care provider. We focus on education and physical and emotional support during pregnancy, childbirth, and immediate postpartum. This means that we are talking about options and preferences, addressing any worries/fears, discussing labor expectations, and teaching you how to cope with the sensations of labor. We help to empower you to be your own advocate and your birth team to advocate for you if necessary. We are happy to provide you with resources and answer any questions that pop up along your journey but will direct you to your care providers for actual medical concerns/advice.
Can you help me decide between an obstetrician (OB) and a midwife?
The decision of who should provide care during pregnancy and birth is very personal. I am happy to help you decide which model of care feels like best fit for you.
How can talking with a doula help if I’m planning to get an epidural?
This is such a great question and one I am often asked. When I was supporting a client in labor, I never walked into a birth with any agenda other than to do my best to help you achieve your goals. Epidurals can be a great option for managing the sensations of labor for folks who want one. I think it’s important to remember that there is still work that has to be done prior to having it placed and so comfort techniques are still important for working through labor until you get to a point where it won’t slow things down. Even when an epidural is placed, position changes are still important, so I often help partners learn how to help with that. These techniques can still be helpful during pushing and in the immediate postpartum.