Birth Doula Services
“A woman, as long as she lives, will remember how she was made to feel at her birth.” - Anna Verwaal
A birth doula is a trained and experienced professional who provides physical, emotional, and informational support to individuals and couples before, during, and shortly after childbirth. The term "doula" comes from ancient Greek, meaning "a woman who serves.”
The role of a birth doula involves:
Emotional Support: Doulas offer continuous emotional encouragement and comfort to birthing individuals and their partners. They help create a positive and reassuring environment, helping the parents-to-be feel more relaxed and empowered.
Physical Support: Doulas utilize various comfort measures such as massage, positioning suggestions, breathing techniques, and other methods to help manage pain and discomfort during labor. They do not provide medical interventions but rather help with comfort and relaxation.
Informational Support: Doulas provide evidence-based information about pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum experiences. They help individuals make informed decisions about their care by explaining options and procedures without advocating for any specific choice.
Advocacy: Doulas help the birthing person advocate for themselves the preferences and wishes within the medical setting. They help ensure that the individual's birth plan is communicated effectively to healthcare providers and respected to the extent possible.
Continuous Presence: Doulas are present throughout labor, providing continuous support. This distinguishes them from medical staff who may have shifts and other responsibilities.
It's important to note that birth doulas are not medical professionals and do not perform medical tasks. They work in collaboration with the medical team, which may include doctors, nurses, midwives, and others, to provide holistic support during childbirth. The aim is to enhance the overall birthing experience, promote a sense of empowerment, and potentially contribute to a smoother labor process.
In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the benefits of having a doula present during childbirth, including potentially reduced rates of medical interventions, shorter labor duration, and improved emotional well-being for birthing individuals.
What is a Birth Doula?
What your investment includes…
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On-call text and phone support from the time of signing a contract
2 prenatal visits to talk about your desires for birth and provide education on your options during birth. Process any fears or concerns about labor and birth, and prepare for the big day!
Customized birth information binder
Referrals to any needed services
Education on labor prep exercises to prepare your body for a smoother labor.
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Uninterrupted labor and birth support starting at the time that you request my presence
Emotional and Physical support throughout the entirety of your birth
Use of my TENS unit machine to help with pain relief
Stay 1-2 hours after baby is here to help you settle in and get your first latch if you plan to breastfeed
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1-2 Postpartum Visits to process birth, address any feeding or sleep issues, and teach newborn care skills
Continued on-call support until our final visit
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$2000 for birth doula services
$1600 for birth doula services for repeat clients
“We have a secret in our culture, and it’s not that birth is painful. It’s that women are strong.”
