BIRTH DOULA SUPPORT SERVICES

Because of the intimate nature of this work I request all partners be a part of this introductory meeting, so that we can make sure it's a great fit for everyone.

• Birth Support Package*

  • 4 pre-recorded prenatal educational videos as well as monthly centering group virtual meetings to discuss educational materials, build community, and prepare for birth.

  • Unlimited 30 minute (virtual) client check-ins to prepare you for birth, discuss your birth philosophy and preferences, labor support techniques, newborn feeding and care plan, postpartum preparation, and more.

  • Phone/Text/Email support from the time of hiring, including unlimited virtual client check-in meetings Informational support to ensure your care providers, birth plan, and preparation provide the best birth experience.

  • On-call 24/7 from 38 weeks until baby arrives. (Earlier on-call time frame can be arranged for high risk families expecting to deliver earlier.)

  • Continuous support throughout the duration of your labor- from the time you need me through delivery- as well as support for your partner, if applicable.

  • Up to two (2) hours of immediate postpartum support at place of birth.

  • Lactation support for first latch and early postpartum (if applicable). Newborn feeding support for those choosing not to bodyfeed.

  • One postpartum visit (1-2 hours) in your home within ten days of baby’s birth.

  • One month unlimited virtual lactation support for postpartum (text, phone, client check-ins)

  • 1-2 In-Person office hours per month as a community building opportunity, and for those who wish to meet in person before their birth. (Subject to change/cancellation based on CDC quarantine recommendations.)

  • Seasonal Postpartum Support Circle (6 weeks per session).

  • Comprehensive Resource guide, reading list, and registry of useful items for for perinatal education and preparation.

    Sliding scale is available for families from marginalized communities, queer and home birthing families.
    

    I am fully vaccinated/boosted against Covid-19, and practicing all CDC recommended precautions to protect my family and the families I serve from spreading Covid-19.

Not sure about your provider or birth location?

$100/1 hour virtual coaching session + Follow Up Resources

In my experience as a birth doula, Childbirth Educator and Lactation professional I find that who you choose to birth with and where you choose to give birth are the biggest factors in determining not only your medical outcomes, but also definitively impact your lactation experience, physical recovery, emotional state, and how you ultimately will feel about your birth​. If you’d like to find out more about whether or not your birth location/provider are supportive of your birthing priorities, you can schedule a private coaching session to discuss what you’re hoping for from your care team, birth experience, and where you are choosing to give birth. We will also discuss what your options are. I support all birthing choices without judgment. You have a right to birth however you feel is safest and most ideal for yourself, your baby, and your family.

For Information about Postpartum Nourishment Support click here.

WHY HIRE A DOULA?

There are many studies that have show doula support leads to a more satisfying birth experience with less interventions. A doula is at your birth specifically to care for your emotional and mental wellbeing, and your partner’s. We do not play a medical role, and thus are able to offer support that is non-medical, including during early labor and continuously at times when a nurse, doctor or midwife may not be present. Many people are surprised to discover how little time they will actually spend with their care providers during their labor. A doula will offer continuous support to ensure that you are comfortable, as well as emotionally and mentally cared for. For partners, this can mean being able to take a rest, grab some food or much needed nap. A doula can also protect the space of a couple who wants privacy. We are an extra set of hands, a calming presence, and an empathic and knowledgeable guide through the phases of labor. For the birthing person it means someone will always be there to fully support you, asses your needs and do everything in their power to make this experience joyous and deeply empowering.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) joint statement says this about the effect of labor support:

“Published data indicate that one of the most effective tools to improve labor and delivery outcomes is the continuous presence of support personnel, such as a doula.”

“…the presence of continuous one-on-one support during labor and delivery was associated with improved patient satisfaction and a statistically significant reduction in the rate of cesarean delivery.”

“Evidence suggests that, in addition to regular nursing care, continuous one-to-one emotional support provided by support personnel, such as a doula, is associated with improved outcomes for women in labor. Benefits described in randomized trials include shortened labor, decreased need for analgesia, fewer operative deliveries, and fewer reports of dissatisfaction with the experience of labor (1, 17). As summarized in a Cochrane evidence review, a woman who received continuous support was less likely to have a cesarean birth (RR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.64–0.88) or a newborn with a low 5-minute Apgar score.”

Evidence Based Birth states: “Importantly, the doula’s role and agenda are tied solely to the birthing person’s agenda. This is also known as primacy of interest. In other words, a doula’s primary responsibility is to the birthing person—not to a hospital administrator, nurse, midwife, or doctor….Physical support is important because it helps the birthing person maintain a sense of control, comfort, and confidence….Emotional support helps the birthing person feel cared for and feel a sense of pride and empowerment after birth. One of the doula’s primary goals is to care for the mother’s emotional health and enhance her ability to have positive birth memories (Gilland, 2010b)” -

“ … Doula mothers reported a great increase in satisfaction with their partner since the birth of the baby and a much greater percentage of mothers reported their relationship was better right after the birth-more than double the percentage of that in the non doula group.” *

Satisfied with partner since baby was born: with doula 85%, without doula: 49%

Relationship better right after birth: with doula 71%, without doula : 30%

*(statistics as reported in The Doula Book)