Services Provided
Labor Support
Once labor begins, I will be by your side until your baby is born.
Emotional Support
Doulas offer emotional support by providing a comforting presence, reassurance, and encouragement. They help create a positive and empowering atmosphere during labor and birth.
Informational Support
Doulas provide evidence-based information about various aspects of childbirth, such as labor positions, pain management options, and interventions. They help individuals make informed decisions that align with their birth preferences.
Physical Support
Doulas use comfort measures such as massage, counter-pressure, breathing techniques, and positioning to help manage pain and discomfort during labor. They can also assist with relaxation techniques and provide suggestions for laboring positions.
Advocacy
Doulas advocate for the birthing person’s wishes and preferences, helping to ensure their voice is heard and respected by healthcare providers. They facilitate communication between the birthing person and the medical team.
Continuous Presence
Doulas remain with the birthing person throughout labor, offering continuous support regardless of the length of the labor process. This continuous presence can help reduce anxiety and increase feelings of security.
Partner Support
Doulas also support the birthing person’s partner, offering guidance on how to best assist and comfort during labor. They can help partners feel more confident and involved in the birthing process.
Birth Plan Assistance
Doulas can assist in developing a birth plan or preferences document and help communicate these preferences to healthcare providers.
Pre-Delivery Body Preparation
Personalized sessions with you and a partner. I offer body movement exercises, as well as breathing and relaxation techniques.
Birth Preferences and Goals
- Discuss the birthing person’s desires and goals for labor and delivery.
- Explore preferences for pain management, birthing positions, and medical interventions.
- Review any specific birth plans or preferences the expectant parents have.
Birth Plan Development
- If the birthing person hasn’t created a birth plan, assist them in developing one.
- Discuss what should be included in the birth plan and help them articulate their wishes.
Medical Procedures and Interventions
- Explain common medical procedures and interventions that may occur during labor and birth.
- Provide information on the potential benefits and risks associated with these interventions.
Comfort Measures and Pain Management
- Discuss various comfort measures, such as breathing techniques, relaxation, massage, and positioning.
- Explain pain management options, including natural methods, epidurals, and other medications.
Coping Strategies
- Share coping strategies for managing pain, anxiety, and stress during labor.
- Discuss mindfulness techniques, visualization, and other relaxation methods.
Birth Environment
- Talk about creating a comfortable and soothing birth environment, whether at home or in a hospital or birth center.
- Discuss the use of music, aromatherapy, and other elements to enhance the birthing environment.
Other Services Offered
Other services I offer include: Prenatal Visits, Postpartum visits, and discreet labor and delivery photography
Prenatal Visits
If desired, I will attend a number of prenatal doctor visits.
Postpartum Visits
I will make a number of postpartum visits to check-in on you.
Postpartum Visits
Labor Photography
It gets pretty busy during the big event. I’ll work to doocument your delivery in photos so you and your partner can be in the moment.
Ultimately, my role is to empower the birthing person, ensuring they feel in control and confident in their choices while adapting to their changing needs during labor and postpartum. Whether they need reassurance, education, advocacy, or simply a calming presence, my focus is on providing whatever support is necessary to create a positive and fulfilling birthing experience.
How Do I Know if a birth doula is right for me?
Choosing whether or not to hire a birth doula is a personal decision, and it depends on your individual needs, preferences, and circumstances. Here are some factors to consider to help you determine if a birth doula is right for you.
Ultimately, the decision to hire a birth doula should align with your birth goals and your comfort level with the doula you choose. If you find a doula who understands and supports your needs and preferences, they can be a valuable addition to your birth team.
Birth Plan and Preferences?
If you have specific birth preferences or a birth plan that you want to follow, a doula can provide valuable support in advocating for your wishes and helping you navigate the healthcare system to the best of their ability.
Need for Information and Education?
If you are seeking information about the birthing process, pain management options, or interventions, a doula can provide evidence-based information to help you make informed decisions.
Partner Support?
If your partner or support person would like guidance on how to best support you during labor or if they would like some relief from the role of the primary support person, a doula can assist in this capacity.
Fear or Anxiety?
If you have fears or anxieties about childbirth, a doula can help alleviate some of these concerns by providing emotional support and offering coping strategies.
Previous Birth Experience?
Your past birth experiences may influence your decision. If you had a difficult or traumatic birth experience before, you might consider hiring a doula to help ensure a more positive experience this time.
Budget and Resources
Consider your budget and whether you can allocate funds for a doula. Some doulas offer sliding-scale fees or payment plans to accommodate different financial situations.
Personal Comfort?
It’s essential to feel comfortable with the doula you choose. You should be able to communicate openly and feel a sense of trust and connection with them.
Birth Setting
Whether you plan to give birth at home, in a birth center, or in a hospital, a doula can provide support in various birth settings.
Cultural and Language Considerations?
If you have specific cultural or language preferences, you may want to find a doula who understands and respects your cultural background and can communicate effectively with you.
Hospital Policies and Procedures
If you are concerned about navigating hospital policies and procedures during labor, a doula can help you understand and work within these guidelines while advocating for your preferences.