Benefits to Mother & Baby
Having a doula present at your birth benefits not only you, but your baby too!
Decreased pain levels and duration of labor
Decreased stress and anxiety
Decreased birth complications
Decreased need for c-section
Increased chance of spontaneous vaginal birth (decreased need for assisted delivery via forceps or vacuum extraction)
Increased Newborn Apgar Scores
Decreased incidence of Low Birth Weight
Reports of birthing person feeling more empowered to communicate their needs and wishes
Birthing person more likely to describe their birth experience with feelings of satisfaction and accomplishment
I’ll Be There For You
From the time we sign a contract, my priority is you. This means I am available to you via phone call, text, and email to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Prenatal home visits provide us an opportunity to educate you on the physiology of childbirth and comfort measures that can be used during labor. Here, we can outline your birth preferences, and the expectations of your birth space. I pride myself in working well with your entire birth team, whether you chose to birth in a hospital, birth center, or at home. I will also check in on your family during one postpartum visit to make sure you are all adjusting well, help guide you through your recovery, and offer additional resources that may be helpful in the postpartum period.
Support From Your Doula
Preparing for childbirth can sometimes seem daunting. You can help ease uncertainties by forming a birth team that will support your wishes and travel with you through a safe laboring journey, while encouraging you and reminding you of your strength and capability. I want you to feel confident in your decisions regarding medical interventions and pain management options.
I offer education on these key pieces as we prepare you for labor and the birth process:
Teaching body work exercises to help physically balance your pelvis for labor, and help you achieve a more comfortable pregnancy.
Preparing the mind and body to surrender
Helping communicate your birth preferences to your provider prior to labor
Signs of labor, stages of labor, what to expect in your recovery
Laboring at home and knowing when it is time to go to the hospital or birth center
Practicing positions to labor in to help alleviate sensations of intensity, while promoting the descent and optimal position of your baby
Practicing comfort techniques, and guiding your birth partner through breathing and relaxation techniques, massage, counter pressure, meditation, visualization, vocalization, and the use of a TENs Unit and water therapy
Navigating decisions you need to make for your baby regarding feeding preferences, medications, and immunizations, and what to expect in the first days of life
What comes as a truly important aspect of this journey is the ability to lean on your doula for comfort and reassurance should your birth wish plan need to change. Your doula will remind you that a positive birth experience is still attainable while focusing on the health and safety of you and your tiny human.
What to expect from me on the day
When the time comes, I will attend your birth and help you create a warm and loving atmosphere by using dim lights, essential oils, music, and any other comfort piece you bring to promote mind and body relaxation. Together, we will focus on rhythm, relaxation, and ritual to facilitate managing contractions, while moving you through various laboring positions. I will guide your birth partner to comfort you through touch , massage, and counter pressure, and help them feel connected and involved in the entire birth experience. I will stay by your side through every step of labor, offering you encouragement and reassurance when needed. Once baby is born, I will help you navigate the magic of the golden hour by helping with feeding, handling baby, skin to skin, and family bonding. This level of support will help you feel your voice was heard, your wishes were respected, and as sense of great accomplishment.
Postpartum Doula Support
I also offer continuing daytime support through your postpartum journey. A postpartum doula has an understanding for the needs of the family and the home.
The look of this support can be tailored to your specific needs but the following are usually included:
Providing recommendations and referrals
Emotional support of parenting choices
Encouragement and positive affirmation during this new chapter of your lives
Hands on education on newborn care:
Normal newborn behavior
Newborn appearance
Cord and circumcision care
Sleep habits
Feeding
Bathing
Establishing a good “Eat, Wake, Sleep” routine
Dressing Baby
When to call the doctor
Offering breastfeeding counseling that encompasses:
Advanced breastfeeding education
Help recognizing what is normal or when you need specialized care from an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
Help with comfortable positions for mom and baby
Establishing helpful routines
Establishing a good latch
Establishing a good milk supply
Learning to use your pump
Proper milk storage
Offering household help including but not limited to:
Preparation of bottles and washing/sterilizing
Organizing the nursery
Light house work and laundry
Creating shopping lists
Nearby errands
Light meal preparation