What I Offer..
Birth Doula Package
A birth doula is a member of the pregnancy support team as well as an advocate and educator for both mama and partner. Birth doulas provide emotional, physical, and in my case spiritual support during both the antepartum, labor/birth, as well as immediate postpartum, as well as provide further resources. A birth doula can be expected to support a client in many different ways. The Birth Doula Package includes:
At least two prenatal meetings (depending on time allotted)
One postpartum session and another can be arranged for an additional fee
Individualized partner support
Birth plan discussion and design
Educational materials and referrals
24/7 call/text/email support
Continuous in person doula support starting from active labor or when support is requested
Postpartum and breastfeeding support for up to three hours immediately following the birth
Creation and preservation of a personal, positive, and/or peaceful birthing environment
Use of non-medical support techniques (massage, counter-pressure, hot/cold, birthing positions, etc…)
A written record of significant events and milestones throughout labor
Postpartum Doula Care
A postpartum doula, much like a birth doula, can provide a variety of services and support to families as they enter a new season of having a new little one in the house (whether it be their first or fourth)! The primary focus of a postpartum doula is based in and around the first 8 weeks of their families new baby's life, and the new changes and adjustments that come during that time. A postpartum doula can provide support at any hour of the day and responsibilities/hours are generally determined in a prenatal shortly before the birth. I chose to be a postpartum doula for the sake of continuation of care but am equally as overjoyed to join a family after their baby enters the world! The Postpartum Doula Package includes:
Providing support for the emotional adjustment to parenthood
Assistance with chosen feeding technique (breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, formula, combination feeding
Information about pumping and hand expression
Offering support in mother’s physical recovery after childbirth
Demonstration and education on newborn care (diapering, bathing, and swaddling, amongst others)
Helping identify reasons for a fussing baby (gas, colic, overstimulation) and offering coping techniques
Identifying medical (out of scope) and non-medical (in scope) questions pertaining to newborn care and/or postpartum health
Assisting with the care of older siblings and helping them adjust
Small meal preparation for the mother and family members
Organization of the nursery, changing and feeding stations
Small tasks like baby’s laundry, brief errands, grocery shopping, dishes
Daytime or nighttime services available. Minimum of 4 hours per day and 7 hours per night.
Bereavement Support
Services are the same as other two packages. Regardless of if baby has passed/will pass– Mamas are still giving birth to their babies and need the same amount of care and support. The main difference is the utilization of different education pertaining to grief and the loss of a baby informing the care I give. Some specific things that may also be addressed include:
Exploring options for birth in any trimester without judgment
Mental preparation for a full-term birth with a fatal diagnosis
Preparing for a NICU stay
Discussing and integrating personal wishes throughout the birth process
Creating mementos of time spent with baby
Exploring lactation options after a loss and practical lactation support
Planning a personalized farewell ceremony
Connecting with additional local resources as well as providing a variety of resources
Birth and postpartum photography is available upon request
If finances are preventing you from my services..
There are many options for every woman who wants a doula. Though my services have a base rate, I offer payment plans, a sliding scale, and individualized plans based on my customers’ capabilities. The motto of the organization I am trained by, DONA International, is “A doula for every woman that wants one.” I believe in this firmly and intend on making myself as available as possible to every client who approaches me. I also work in tandem with the Joy in Birthing Foundation, where expecting and new mothers can apply for a pro bono birth or postpartum doula, which is another option.
If you have any further questions regarding the cost of my services, please connect with me via email by clicking the button below. I would love to chat about this more with you.