Labor doula

 

Please contact me for more information or to book an appointment.

 

As your labor doula, my service to you includes:

 

• two prenatal visits

• unlimited email and phone support

• on call for the birth

• one post partum visit. 

• I also offer a second post partum visit at an additional cost.

 

What I include in each visit and at the birth is detailed below.

 

First Prenatal Visit
On our first visit together, we will get to know each other. This visit is very important because how well we know each other affects how we work together.

 

During this first visit we will cover the financial agreement and payment arrangement options. 

 

I will discuss with you your desires and interests for your upcoming birth, as well as any concerns or fears you may have. I will work with you to discover within yourself what your heart knows about birth. Each woman is unique, and each birth is different; this heart knowledge is what will guide you through the birthing process. This is also a first step toward creating a good birth plan.

 

Unlimited Phone and Email Support
You will get unlimited phone and email support 24/7 during our time that we work together. 

 

Second Prenatal Visit
Our second visit will ideally be about a month before the estimated due date of your baby. At this visit, we will go over your birth plan in detail, making sure that it fits you as best it can, and is also welcoming and pleasant for the hospital staff to work with.

 

I will work with you to be prepared with comfort measures that fit you for labor. Some of this may be simple knowledge and awareness, while some may also be deciding what you may want to bring with you to the hospital.  

 

During this visit, I will also provide you with local resources for your needs after the baby is born. I will help you set up a good post partum support network, a very important part of smoothing the transition with the new baby.

 

Birth
The Big Day!

 

I am on call for you for two weeks before the estimated due date of your baby, until your baby arrives. I will not be on vacation during this time, and my cell phone will be with me at all times. You will be provided with my cell number in addition to any other contact numbers that may be necessary to reach me. 

 

When your labor begins, I can come to your home, be with you during early labor at home, and move with you to the hospital when you are ready.  This helps you to keep calm during the first parts of labor, begins to set a rhythm for you and your partner and I to begin to work together, and eases the stress of hospital admittance. 

 

Should you decide instead, I can meet you at the hospital after you have been admitted. 

 

Once in the hospital, I will help you to keep your space for laboring. This may include filtering guests, creating the atmosphere you desire, or helping you remind the hospital staff of your desires. 

 

I will also work together with your partner to provide the physical support that is necessary and to implement whatever comfort measures are helpful to you.

 

I will work with you emotionally during your labor to help you process emotionally what is happening physically.

 

I can help you receive information regarding choices, options, procedures, and protocols. I can help you understand the risks and benefits of each. I cannot, however, make decisions for you. I can relay to the staff what your decisions are, but they will need to hear it from you. Your word is the only one they will take. 

 

After the birth, I will stay with you until you and the baby are safely united and bonding. 

 

First Post Partum Visit
I will come to your home on the first day that you are home from the hospital. At this visit, I will help you settle in with your newborn. I will help with breastfeeding support. I will help with establishing a post partum support network, and will offer measures that will ease the bonding and recovery process. In addition, I will answer any questions or concerns you may have at this time.

 

Second Post Partum Visit, Optional at additional cost
About a week after you have been home with your baby, I will again offer any needed breastfeeding support, answer any questions, and work with you to continue your post partum support network.

 

I will review with you your birth experience. This is a good time to ask questions, express how you felt about it, and begin to heal emotionally from disappointments or unexpected outcomes. If you desire, I can help you write your birth story.

 

Finally, I will provide you with any resources that you may want or need as your life changes with the new baby. I can help you find mom & support groups, health care, ongoing breastfeeding support, housekeeping, or other needs any new mom has.