Doula Services (Birth Assistance)

The birth of a baby is an intimate experience; deeply emotional, exhilarating and wondrous! It is my honor to assist women and their partners in experiencing the birth that they envision. Please know that it is OK to be scared, nervous, excited, happy, terrified, unsure, wondering, honored and amazed all at the same time. Listen to your body and follow your heart and I will be there to assist you.

When should I contact a doula?

You may contact a doula at any time, even if you are just planning to become pregnant. It is best to choose a doula by the sixth month of pregnancy so that you can be better prepared for your birth.

What does a doula do?

• Provides in-home prenatal visits and offers close contact throughout the pregnancy to make sure questions and concerns are addressed and answered
• Helps create a birth plan
• Acts as an advocate of the woman and her partner's wishes for the birth
• Assists in avoiding unnecessary medical interventions
• Offers continuous physical and emotional support during labor (beginning at home if desired), delivery and immediately postpartum
• Supports the birth partner so that he/she may help at his/her comfort level
• Offers comfort measures such as bodywork (see Shiatsu/ShinTai and Craniosacral Therapy), suggestions in position changes, help on a birth ball, and creating an optimal room ambiance during labor and delivery
• Helps preserve and nurture a positive birth memory
• Follows up with postpartum visit to check on family

What does a doula NOT do?

• Speak for you at your birth - your medical caregivers want to hear from you, not me
• Make decisions on your behalf
• Take over the birth partner's role of primary support, unless your partner is not available or chooses not to participate.
• Make medical judgments or recommendations (I offer education on options)
• Provide any clinical skills such as vaginal exams, checking fetal heart tones, vital signs, etc.

Recent controlled trials show that the presence of a birth assistant results in:

• 50% decrease in cesarean section
• 25% decrease in length of labor
• 30% decrease in use of forceps
• 40% decrease in use of pitocin
• 60% decrease in use of epidurals
• 30% decrease in use of pain medications

Long-term benefits include:

• Improved breastfeeding
• Decreased post-partum depression
• Greater maternal satisfaction
• Better mother-infant interaction

What will we discuss during prenatal visits?

• Your vision for your birth
• Any concerns you may have regarding the birth
• Your rights and responsibilities
• My role in the process
• Helpful books/websites
• What to expect during pregnancy, labor and postpartum period
• Birth plan to give to midwife/doctor & birthing center/hospital
• Pain relief measures
• Relaxation methods
• Positioning during labor
• Simple preparation exercises
• Breastfeeding
• Postpartum support (postpartum doula, family, friends, etc.)

What happens during labor?

Labor is different for everyone and we will discuss this in detail at the prenatal visits. However, there are some important points to note here.

• I am on call via my cell phone 24 hours a day starting two weeks prior to your estimated due date
• I ask that you call me when you think you are in labor, even if you do not yet need me. I can answer questions and make suggestions over the phone. We will decide if I should come right then or wait for further change
• During labor, I provide continuous support whereas medical staff may change shifts
• I remain with you through labor and delivery and about 1-2 hours postpartum

What do we discuss at the postpartum visit?

• This visit occurs 3-7 days postpartum
• Check in to see how mother, partner and baby are doing
• Discuss any breastfeeding issues
• Discuss any sleep issues
• Discuss any other concerns (I will refer to other health care professionals as necessary).

What do I expect of my clients?

• Open, honest communication on issues that will have a bearing on the birth experience
• Has chosen a primary care provider (doctor, midwife) for the birth
• Practices good self-care during pregnancy for well-being and health

What are the rights of clients?

• Respect - for your wishes, your birth vision and your family
• Support - nurturing and unconditional, nonjudgmental support for your labor and delivery
• Information - to empower you to make the best choices for you, your baby and your family
• Confidentiality - your situation and birth are treated with professional confidentiality

Fees*

Additional Services**

* Half of the fee is due at the time that you choose me as a birth assistant. The remainder of the fee is due at the first postpartum visit.

** Additional services payments are due at the time of the service.