Birth Doula Services

Initial consultation:  We may meet at a mutual public place such as a coffee shop or park to see if we fit together as a team and to decide if I am the doula for you.  There is no fee for this meeting.  If you decide to contract my services, I will be available by phone or e-mail between the hours of 9AM and 10PM for any concerns or questions you may have relating to your pregnancy or birth plan from then on.   Beginning two weeks before your estimated due date I will be on-call to you 24 hours a day.  Once you go into labor or believe that you may be in labor, I can come to your home to support you if you would like to spend some time laboring at home or, if you prefer, I can meet you at the hospital.

Birthing package:  ($600.00)

• Two in-home pre-natal visits
  • General first meeting: to help us get to know each other better and feel more comfortable with each other, for me to meet the birth partner, discuss the natural childbirth (what the process is, what you will feel, labor and birth positions, and how to minimize your chances of a C-Section), go over your birth plan, learn what is expected of me as your doula, what you desire in the birth of your baby, watch a couple of videos of natural childbirth, and answer any questions
  • Second meeting - At least two weeks before the estimated due date: overview of birth plan, check expectations of doula's role, check overnight bags for mom and baby, go over pain management methods, and discuss breastfeeding (any concerns & learn techniques)
• Assistance with writing a Birth Plan  
• Resources and Information about labor/birth and services in the community
• Identity what comfort measures you would liked used during labor/birth/ after birth recovery (Effective positioning to promote baby's passage, Massage techniques for comfort and pain relief, Breath work and relaxation techniques)
• Continuous, unobtrusive, and unlimited physical and reassuring emotional support beginning at home and continuing at hospital or maternity center
• Documentation of milestones that occur during birthing event (Written record of birth)
• Acts as an advocate for laboring mother and baby at birth place by explaining medical procedure to mom and partner, offer up possible options to help avoid any unnecessary interventions
• Assistance in creating a safe environment in which to labor
• Give father/coach tips on providing support for the laboring mother
• Breastfeeding assistance
• Aftercare for several hours with mom after the birth of the baby to support mom and baby in bonding, breastfeeding, and to ensure that mom settled and resting comfortably.
• Some semi-professional pictures taken at the birth (pictures to be given on CD)
• One 4 hour in-home postpartum visit - Which may include the following:  Mothering the new mother (nap and shower), Newborn care and instruction, Breastfeeding support, Light housekeeping and laundry, Grocery shopping and errands, Meal preparation, Sibling care.

Deposits:
A non-refundable retainer fee of $300 must be paid to schedule in and block out your EDD date on my calendar.  The balance is due by week 36 of your pregnancy. 

Natural Unmedicated Childbirth Classes  ($150 per couple)
Classes consist of 6 lasting around 2 hours each. I am not trained in any one type of child education field of thought.  I have studied different types of child birth methods and have chosen from them the skills I feel work well for laboring mothers.  I incorporate some of the Bradley Method and Active Birth method. Although they are differing processes, they can be used in conjunction by mom’s as they feel lead to during their birth experience. For a natural non-medicated birth, hospitals classes do not go into enough detail regarding comfort measures or birth positions.  If you would like this type of birth, even if you do not chose me to teach you the class, please get classes from another educator outside of the hospital setting. 

Child birth classes will go into detail on the following topics:

Developing Trust

• Exposing common fears and myths about childbirth in our culture
• PAIN:  How much is there in childbirth, what is the source, positive pain, and what you can do to overcome the fear of labor.

Labor and Birth

• What to expect from each stage of labor, learn key cues to look for at each stage, how to relieve some of the discomfort of each stage without drugs, and how to time contractions (handouts given of key cues)
• Discuss birthing positions and the advantages of each type
• Watch several DVDs of births (many are nonmedicated homebirth)

Relaxation and Comfort Techniques for Early and Active Labor

• Relaxation is the key factor to natural childbirth for lessening pain and progressing labor.  We will learn different techniques for early and active stages of labor for parents to practice throughout pregnancy.
• Take Comfort Quiz to learn your individual style of comfort
• Pregnancy and Birthing Exercises to practice throughout pregnancy

Birth Variations 

In the event of a difficult birth or a labor that is not going as planned -

How to handle the situation:

• Emotionally
• Physically
• With medical staff
• Different options available to you 
• Discuss how to reduce your chances of a Cesarean Section

Post Partum Care

Taking care of yourself and baby immediately after delivery to reduce pain and discomfort and maximize bonding with baby

Breastfeeding

• Discuss any misconceptions or concerns regarding breastfeeding
• Create a breastfeeding plan of action
• Learn latching-on and breastfeeding positioning
• Discuss common discomforts and troubles associated with breastfeeding

Develop a Comprehensive Birth Plan

• Start preparing a birth plan by discussing birth plan options in detail and what they involve
• Play “Lost Three” Game