The following are services I offer in my Labor Doula package:
- Free Prenatal Consultation:
We begin our relationship before your labor. During our prenatal consultation, we get to know each other, discuss your previous experiences or ideas about childbirth, and discuss your birth plan and all of your expectations for your upcoming birth. A Prenatal Consultants is an opportunity for you to interview me. I encourage you to speak with several doulas and find the best fit for you, your needs and your family. Your birth is an exciting and vulnerable time. It is imperative that you select a doula with whom you feel comfortable.
- Unlimited Telephone and Email Support
Once you hire me as your doula, I am here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You may reach me either via phone or email. My goal is to ensure everything is going along smoothly, that every question you have is answered, and that all of your concerns are addressed throughout the duration of your pregnancy. I would rather you call me at 2 am them have you spend hours worrying about something. My experience as a Childbirth Educator provides me a solid professional foundation from which I can provide you information. And sometimes, nothing can soothe you more than a compassionate voice and a friendly ear. I am here for you!
- Continuous Support during Labor and Delivery:
I will be with you throughout your labor. I will come to you, even to your home, when you feel you need me. Whether we are at home or in the hospital, I employ many methods to make your labor as comfortable as possible. My cart of tools and trips includes, but is not limited to the following:
- Massage
- Heat or cold therapy
- Aromatherapy
- Hydrotherapy
- A birth ball
- Movement and utilization of gravity
- Position changes and supported movement - especially necessary with an epidural!
- Relaxation techniques such as breathing, visualization and music
After your birth, I will spend an hour or so with you to facilitate the first breastfeeding session and answer any questions that you many have.
- Postpartum Follow Up:
We will meet after you have brought your new baby home to make sure all is well with you, baby and family.
- Breastfeeding Support:
As a doula client, you may call or email me anytime for breastfeeding support! I am dedicated to providing you with a sisterhood of support!
- Labor and Birth Pictures:
I will be more than happy to take as many pictures as I can of your labor and birth with your camera or mine. The amount of pictures I will can take depends on how physically involved I am. I will provide all photos or video on either CD or DVD to you during our Postpartum visit.
My package price starts at $500.
As your doula, I follow DONA Internationals Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
I do not perform clinical or medical tasks such as taking blood pressure or temperature, fetal heart tone checks, vaginal examinations, or postpartum clinical care. While I am your advocate, I am not your voice.
It is my goal to do everything possible within my power to assist you in achieving the birth experience you desire. I will advocate for your wishes as expressed in your birth plan and during our conversations, by encouraging you to ask questions of your caregiver and to express your preferences and concerns. I help you incorporate changes in your plan if and when the need arises, and I enhance the communication between you and your caregiver. My role as your doula does not include speaking for or making decisions for you.