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Doula Services

Fertility, Birth, Bereavement, Postpartum

parents holding newborn's feet

The word doula comes from the ancient Greek word meaning “a woman who serves” and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced non-medical professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the birthing person before, during, and just after birth; or who provides emotional and physical support during the postpartum period.

 

It is important to understand that I will not replace your partner/support person, but rather assist your partner/support person in supporting you. When I am present, it allows your partner to participate at his/her comfort level. I can help your partner by guiding them at how to best support you emotionally, physically, and informatively. I will also be able facilitate communication between you, your partner, and the birthing staff, as well. Remember, I am here for you and your family. My goal is to help you advocate for the exact birth you want.

 

 I will ultimately help you gain the confidence to take charge of your birth. We will do this by practicing various comfort measures during your prenatal, discussing everything you are concerned or confused about, and we will walk through what labor and birth look like via vaginal and surgical birthing methods.

 

Your consultation is always free and it is a great way to see if I would be a good fit for you and your family during this intimate time. This consultation is also a great time to ask questions and talk about the birth you want! We can meet in the comfort of your home or at a mutually agreed upon coffee shop or library. Consultations generally last around 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Why should you consider having a doula support you during your birthing experience? 

 

 

Evidence, published from the Cochrane Review, has shown that birthing people who receive continuous support from a doula, experience a:

 

  • 31% decrease in the use of pitocin

  • 28% decrease in the risk of cesarean delivery

  • 12% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth

  • 9% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief

  • 14% decrease in the risk of newborns being admitted to a special care nursery

  • 34% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience

 

Research:

To learn more about the evidence on doulas, click here.

*To read the Cochrane Review, click here.

 

Services

Fertility

As a fertility doula, I want you to experience a positive pregnancy after infertility. I am there to support you on your journey both physically and emotionally by being a consistent resource for you. I will help you figure out the right decisions for you and most importantly, allow space for your truths. Do you feel different than other pregnant people? Do you feel worried or guilty? Are you obsessing? I am here to help you navigate through these feelings and thoughts. I provide phone/email support, in person support,  and attend appointments as necessary. As a fertility doula, I will:

 

  • Accompany you to appointments as needed.

  • Review fertility/doc appointments with you to be sure you understand what was discussed.

  • Give unbiased information regarding various procedures and discuss your options.

  • I provide you with local resources regarding fertility, whether it be a therapist, doctor, or support group.

  • I also meet regularly with you throughout pregnancy to:

    • be a constant presence through the journey.

    • be an emotional support.

    • encourage you to process their emotions.

    • we work together to create a "balanced statement" regarding thoughts and feelings.

    • Ultimately, provide support throughout the entire pregnancy, with an end goal of a positive birthing outcome.

Labor | Birth

As a labor/birth doula, my mission is to provide you with continuous emotional, physical, and informational support. We talk about and practice physical comfort measures as well as help you get the information you need to make informed decisions. I understand that this intimate time in your life is one which will leave a lasting impact on you and your partner. My role in your birth is to make that as positive and memorable as possible, by supporting you throughout the entire process, helping you carry out your birth plan, facilitating communication between you and your birthing team and providing emotional and comfort measures when needed.   As a labor/birth doula, I will:

 

  • Accompany you to appointments as needed.

  • Provide information for various topics regarding wellness and health of your baby.

  • Provide information regarding various procedures and processes related to pregnancy, birth, and postpartum/baby.

  • I provide you with local resources related to all things pregnancy and baby.

  • I also meet twice with you throughout pregnancy to:

    • be a constant presence throughout your journey.

    • be an emotional support.

    • create a birth plan.

    • practice various comfort measures.

    • answer any and all questions or concerns you may have.

    • Ultimately, provide support throughout the entire pregnancy, with an end goal of a positive birthing outcome.

  • I meet with you one time postpartum to go over any questions or concerns and to process the birth experience with you.

Postpartum

As a postpartum doula, my mission is to offer education, companionship and nonjudgmental support during the postpartum fourth trimester or "baby moon." I assist with newborn care, family adjustment, meal preparation and light household tidying, like folding laundry and washing dishes. I also provide evidence-based information on infant feeding, infant wellness and health topics, emotional and physical recovery from birth, infant soothing and coping skills for new parents and I make appropriate referrals when necessary. As a postpartum doula, I will:

 

  • Care for your baby as needed, during the day or overnight.

  • Provide information for various topics regarding wellness and health of your baby.

  • Help with light housework such as folding laundry, washing dishes, and preparing light meals for you.

  • I provide you with local resources, as needed, regarding breastfeeding support, postpartum depression support, playdates, etc.

  • I assist you as much or as little as you need/want.

  • Provide overnight support and care when you need a full nights rest.

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