The time to prepare for that kind of experience is now, during your pregnancy. You have the space to explore all your questions and uncertainties, and a doula gives you the attention and guidance to do that well.
Start with a FREE 45-minute consultation and see where it takes us. My services range from one-on-one 90-minute consultations to comprehensive packages that support you from pregnancy through postpartum.
A birth doula is a new spin on an old tradition. In the “old days” (when all births happened at home), a birthing person would be cared for by friends, relatives, and the local midwife if there was one. The birthing person would know everyone in the room, and everyone in the room would know what to do to help.
Even today, almost everyone wants someone they know and trust to help them through labor, birth, and postpartum. But our friends and relatives may not know much about birth and babies, or how to help.
If that sounds like what you want, the next question is… am I the doula for you?
I understand the birth process, so I know how to support it.
I will take the time to learn your specific preferences.
I won’t judge how you choose to birth, I will honor it.
I am certified as a birth doula by PALS and INEPES.
These visits are held in your home, or a coffee shop, or other comfortable location. These visits are casual, engaging, and super helpful. We discuss all sorts of things: your preferences for your birth, what you think will be helpful to you in labor, what everyone present at your birth can do to help you. We can practice positions and movements if you like, write a birth plan, make helpful lists, and share resources. Some clients ask me to attend one of their doctor/midwife visits with them — to meet their care provider, help remember questions to ask, and debrief after — so if that would be helpful for you, one of your prenatal visits can be used in that way.
I join you at your home or birth place when you feel like you need my support. I offer ideas for comfort and coping, provide hands-on support, and bring helpful tools in my birth bag. I show you various positions, and do them with you if you like. I encourage you, and provide information and advocacy when you need it. I stay close by (physically or energetically) for as long as it takes, and coordinate with your support people to get breaks, food, and rest.
POSTPARTUM VISITS I visit you at home a few days after your baby is born. You don’t have to get out of bed or drive anywhere! I’ll check in on your recovery and adjustment to life with your baby. I’ll answer any questions you have and provide tips and resources. I’ll fold your laundry while we talk, make you a snack, and offer a foot rub, a kind ear, and a hug. What I won’t do? Offer unwanted advice or opinions.
Please call me or fill out my contact form and I will tell you if I am available for your due date. I limit the number of births I attend to 3 per month, and most people contact me when they are 4-6 months pregnant, but feel free to contact me at any point in your pregnancy.
As early as you feel working with me will be helpful to you. We can start to meet and get to know each other, explore your ideas and questions, make plans, and prepare for birth and postpartum whenever you are ready. For most people, that’s around 6-7 months into their pregnancy.
I support you before, during, and after your birth wherever or however it occurs. Due to hospital policies, there are some things I might not be allowed to do. For example, I may not be allowed into the operating room with you. But here’s what I can control: I will be at the hospital with you before your birth to support you as you get ready to meet your baby. If I’m not allowed in the OR with you, I will wait for you in your labor room, or the waiting room, and then join you after your baby is born to help you get settled postpartum. I will visit you at home after you leave the hospital. My services and fee are the same for all types of birth, but we can negotiate if you have special circumstances.
I support you before, during, and after your birth wherever or however it occurs. Due to hospital policies, there are some things I might not be allowed to do. For example, I may not be allowed into the operating room with you. But here’s what I can control: I will be at the hospital with you before your birth to support you as you get ready to meet your baby. If I’m not allowed in the OR with you, I will wait for you in your labor room, or the waiting room, and then join you after your baby is born to help you get settled postpartum. I will visit you at home after you leave the hospital. My services and fee are the same for all types of birth, but we can negotiate if you have special circumstances.
