Posted on March 17, 2019
Doula Services
Birth Doula
A birth doula is like an incredibly knowledgeable and connected best friend who helps you prepare for the birth of your baby by exploring your options, preferences, and desires. A birth doula supports you emotionally, physically, and with evidence-based information throughout your pregnancy, labor, and early postpartum periods. They act as a sounding board for your anxieties and concerns and help you get the answers from your providers that you need to make informed choices about your care. They are there for you from the moment you decide to work together to help you have the most informed and joyous experience possible.
During your pregnancy: Home visits
I’ll meet with you (and partner, if applicable) at your home. We’ll discuss how you are feeling physically and emotionally, how your pregnancy is going, and discuss the options you will have in labor and the early postpartum period, and what your preferences are around those options. We’ll talk through any questions, concerns, or fears you might have. If you plan to make a “birth plan,” we can work through the things you may want on there. We will also devise a postpartum plan and talk about what to expect in the days/weeks postpartum. By the time of your labor, your support team should feel like a seamless support network of people.
On your birth day: Continuous birth doula support
Occasionally, everything goes exactly according to plan; however, frequently, hiccups and challenges pop up along the way. If you are planning to give birth at a birth center or hospital, your nurses, midwives, and/or OBs will work in shifts. I, on the other hand, would be there continuously, drawing on my knowledge and experience to help you have the most joyful and informed childbirth experience possible. When you feel the time is right, I will meet you and your partner at either your home or the hospital/birth center.
After your baby is born I will help with skin-to-skin and breastfeeding/chestfeeding, if you are planning to do so. If desired, I will also step back and take the first photos of your new family so your partner can enjoy the first moments and not feel pressured into taking pictures.
After your birth: Postpartum care
In the days following your birth, I will be readily available to answer questions, give recommendations on area resources, and to support you in any way that I can. Sometime, typically between 1-3 weeks following your birth, I’ll visit you at your home to see how you are doing and how you are all adjusting to life with your little one. We can rehash your birth, if you like, and I can support you directly or provide area resources for support to help make your transition into a new or larger family as smooth and joyous as it can be.
Full Birth Doula Package
The ideal package for first-time parents, with the comprehensive support you need to have the best possible transition as a new family.
- Two prenatal home visits
- Unlimited email, text, and phone support
- Continuous support during labor and birth
- One postpartum home visit
- 24/7 on-call availability from 38 weeks**
- Back-up doula
FULL BIRTH DOULA PACKAGE – $1500
Basic Birth Doula Package
Designed for parents having another baby, this package offers more streamlined support for families who are already experienced in birth and baby care.
- One, brief prenatal home visit
- Unlimited email, text, and phone support
- Continuous support during labor and birth
- Virtual postpartum support
- 24/7 on-call availability from 38 weeks**
- Back-up doula
BASIC PACKAGE – $900
POSTPARTUM DOULA SUPPORT
What does a postpartum doula do?
If I was your birth doula, I’m happy to provide you with postpartum doula services to help you have a smooth transition into life with your new baby. As of November, 2018, postpartum services will no longer be offered to non-birth clients, as managing this side of my business is a full-time job.
The tasks the postpartum doula will provide will depend on your needs that day but may include:
Baby care
I can answer questions about cloth diapering, baby wearing, baby bathing, trimming those little baby razor claws and walk you through all of the steps as you gain proficiency in these things and much, much more. Maybe your goal for the day is to take a much needed nap, in which case you can rest assured that your baby is in safe and loving arms in just the other room.
Breastfeeding/ chestfeeding support
Learning to get the proper latch and how to hold, latch, and feed your baby all at the same time can be frustrating in the beginning. It is a steep learning curve for both baby and you. I can help troubleshoot and, when necessary, refer you to a lactation consultant.
Emotional support
The lack of sleep, regulation of hormones, and new routines can make adjusting to life with a new baby challenging. Additionally, many new parents experience varying degrees postpartum depression and anxiety. I can listen and refer you to additional community resources, if needed.
Light housework or meal prep
The last thing that you want to think about when you are bonding with your new baby is the laundry that needs to get done or the dishes in the sink or the vegetables that need to be chopped. I’ll tackle it for you while you snuggle up with your baby.
Postpartum Doula services $40/hr weekdays, $50/hr nights and weekends.