Labor & Birth Support
Standard Birth Doula Services Include:
- An initial "meet and greet" free of charge and with no obligation to commit. This gives us the opportunity to meet in person and to ensure it will be a good fit before making a commitment.
- Personal birth-prep care kit including your own copy to keep of Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn: the complete guide, 5th Edition. By Penny Skimkin, PT, Janet Whalley, RN, IBCLC, Ann Keppler, RN, MN, Janelle Durham, MSW, ICCE, LCCE, and April Bolding, PT, DPT, CD, CCE
- 2-3 prenatal visits. We discuss your birthing preferences, any concerns you have about childbirth and parenting issues, and practice comfort techniques to be used in labor, with additional support provided via the phone or email as needed. (Personalized classes are also available based on an hourly rate)
- Unlimited labor support. Starting approximately 2 weeks before your estimated due date, I will be on-call for you, responding to your needs in labor when you are ready for me to join you at your preferred location. I stay through the labor and for about an hour after the birth, but it may be shorter or longer depending on your needs and circumstances.
- Postpartum support (following the birth). The first hour is important time for the parents to bond with their baby, which I honor and respect. If the family wishes for me to stay, I may help families through the first feed, capture the special moments by photo or video, help with clean-up at a homebirth or move personal items to the postpartum room at the hospital, and otherwise assist as needed. I return at least once or twice for postpartum visits to share insights and reflections about your birth experience, check in on how you and your new baby are settling in and feeding, answer questions about newborn care, and provide referrals if additional help is needed. Postpartum doula services also available starting at $30/hr.
- Birth photography & timeline record. Using your camera or mine, when opportunities present themselves, I am happy to capture the fleeting moments of this unique transition into parenthood. Similarly, during labor and birth, I take an unofficial record of the timeline from when I am called until I leave. I transcribe these notes for your personal reflections and memory albums.
- Access to lending library. My clients have access to an assortment of books, videos/DVD's, and CD's/audio tracks useful for labor preparations, breastfeeding, postpartum self-care, sibling prep, and newborn care.
- Optional: Support for HypnoBirthing® method, a process that includes special breathing, relaxation, visualization, meditative practice, attention to nutrition and positive body toning. Most importantly it fosters an air of mutual respect for the birthing family, as well as the health-care provider in a variety of care settings that are contemporary, traditional, or alternative.
- DISCONTINUED - Optional: Use of inflatable labor tub* The use of water in labor has been shown to increase relaxation, reduce the sensation of pain and may improve outcomes in some situations. Inflatable labor tubs are naturally padded on all sides, and deep enough to fully immerse a pregnant belly, making them more comfortable for most people than standard bathtubs or Jacuzzi tubs. Temperature of the water will need to be kept at 95-100 degrees F when in use during pregnancy and for labor. *You may be responsible for supplying some of the non-reusable accessory items.
Investment
There is no charge for an initial "meet and greet" consultation to help you decide if my services are right for your needs and preferences.
Payment plans, sliding scale or in-kind trades are options to make my services more accessible to all families and individuals. In-person and remote support options available.
Additional services also available (packaged or individually available). Along with being a doula/childbirth & lactation educator, I am an artist and can provide artistic services, such as belly casts, photography services, illustrated portraits, henna painting, decorated foot/hand prints of your baby, or commission your own unique project to help capture and celebrate this special time in your life.
Have Questions?
Contact me for specific details.
I believe that every family deserves extra support before, during, and after childbirth, regardless of their ability to pay. If you are in financial need, please ask how to apply for alternative payment options, reduced fees, or payment-in-kind trades.
I welcome all families of all walks of life; those planning hospital or home births, medicated or unmedicated births. This journey is your unique journey. I aim to support what you need and your decision process.
There is no charge for an initial "meet and greet" consultation to help you decide if my services are right for your needs and preferences.
Payment plans, sliding scale or in-kind trades are options to make my services more accessible to all families and individuals. In-person and remote support options available.
Additional services also available (packaged or individually available). Along with being a doula/childbirth & lactation educator, I am an artist and can provide artistic services, such as belly casts, photography services, illustrated portraits, henna painting, decorated foot/hand prints of your baby, or commission your own unique project to help capture and celebrate this special time in your life.
Have Questions?
Contact me for specific details.
I believe that every family deserves extra support before, during, and after childbirth, regardless of their ability to pay. If you are in financial need, please ask how to apply for alternative payment options, reduced fees, or payment-in-kind trades.
I welcome all families of all walks of life; those planning hospital or home births, medicated or unmedicated births. This journey is your unique journey. I aim to support what you need and your decision process.
