Birth Doula Services

My Services:

My doula services begin with a complimentary face to face interview. If you decide to hire me as your doula, I will provide unlimited support by phone or email, access to all of my resources, a 24 hour on-call commitment and pre arranged back-up in case of emergency.

I like to schedule two prenatal visits to get to know you, your history and experience of birth. Your preferences and concerns for your pregnancy, labor and postpartum, as well as your hopes and dreams for the birth of your child. I use this time to learn how I can support you in having your best experience.

I prefer that you call when you you think you are in labor, so I can provide support over the phone and we can decide together when it is time to join you. During labor I will join you where you are, when you are ready.  I will stay with you continuously during labor, providing emotional and physical support. I will provide massage, assistance with pain-coping techniques, relaxation, perspective and reassurance, suggestions for labor progress and positioning. I have a TENS unit for your use in labor, and I am trained in the traditional use of a rebozo. I will stay until the whole family is settled in after the birth. I provide breastfeeding support tailored to the needs of you and your baby. I will work confidently and respectfully beside your clinical caregivers, creating an environment that supports you and your family.

I will continue providing lactation support as needed during our postpartum relationship. I will call you within two days of your birth and we will schedule two postpartum meetings in your home. The first will be within a few days of birth so I can check in about your recovery and the support you are receiving from your community. The second meeting, within a month of birth will be time to reflect on your experience, provide any needed referrals, coo over your delicious baby and to gather feedback about the support I provided.

A note about partners:

I believe that birth is a deeply transforming event for partners, as well as mothers and babies. Partners are really mothers best support, it is the partner that knows and loves her best. Partners need to be free to experience their own unfolding into parenthood. A doula’s presence at birth honors the partners role in childbirth. An experienced and reassuring presence gives the partner the space to really connect with the mother and experience the miracle of transformation. I love to work closely with partners, and believe one of my roles as a doula is to make sure partners are equally included and empowered through the experience of welcoming their child to the world.

What is a doula?

Scope and Limitations of Practice.

As a doula I provide physical and emotional support to a woman during labor. I support a woman’s partner in his or her experience as needed. I provide reassurance and perspective, make suggestions for labor progress, assist with pain management techniques, massage, relaxation and positioning. I provide resources, information, advocacy and support in pregnancy and the early postpartum period, including lactation support. Labor support varies from birth to birth. I tailor my care to fit you and your birth.

Doulas do not:

1. Perform clinical tasks, such as blood pressure, temperature, fetal heart checks, vaginal exams, etc.

2. Makes decisions for you. I will facilitate informed decision making, and remind you of a deviation from your birth plan.

3. Speak for you or on your behalf. I will facilitate discussions with clinical staff and care givers as needed or suggest options, but you will communicate directly with your caregivers.

Why would I want a doula at the birth of my child?

Throughout recorded time we have seen evidence of women supporting women through childbirth. The caring, knowledgeable touch of another woman is essential to a woman feeling safe and supported through her experience of birth. Doulas provide a deeply valuable service to laboring women that compliments medical care and midwifery beautifully.

The following is an excerpt from DONA International‘s information regarding the role of the doula:

Numerous clinical studies have found that a doula’s presence at birth

  • tends to result in shorter labors with fewer complications
  • reduces negative feelings about one’s childbirth experience
  • reduces the need for pitocin (a labor-inducing drug), forceps or vacuum extraction and cesareans
  • reduces the mother’s request for pain medication and/or epidurals

Research shows parents who receive support can:

  • Feel more secure and cared for
  • Are more successful in adapting to new family dynamics
  • Have greater success with breastfeeding
  • Have greater self-confidence
  • Have less postpartum depression
  • Have lower incidence of abuse