What is a Doula?  The word "Doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves" and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth. Doulas are sometimes referred to as birthing assistants or coaches. They also provide emotional and practical support during the postpartum period. Studies have shown that when Doulas attend a birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily.

 

As your birth doula our role is to provide evidence based unbiased information, non-judgemental emotional and physical support to you through your pregnancy, birth and early postpartum period. 

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As your Birth Doula I will provide the following services:

•  2-3 prenatal visits

• ​Non Urgent and Urgent support provided 24 hours a day 7 days a week  (Please always call 911 or your medical provider first for all medical emergencies)

• Guidance in creating a custom birth plan

• Begin "on call" time to attend your birth starting at 38 weeks of gestation

• ​Support over the phone or at home in early labor, if desired and appropriate (I will arrive within two hours of your request to have me present for in person support) 

• ​Support through the labor and birth and approximately 1-3 hours after the birth to support the early bonding time and initial breastfeeding

• ​Support and preparation for breast or bottle feeding both prior and after the birth

• ​A postpartum visit in your home during the first two weeks after your birth which includes:

A review of the birth

A thumb drive of any photos taken at the birth

Support for self care, newborn care and assessment of postpartum depression or any other concerns         

Instruction in swaddling and evidence based infant calming/soothing techniques                                  

Phone consultations as needed up to six weeks postpartum  

Access to my list of resources

 

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