Prenatal Care

We will meet two times, more or less depending on your specific needs.  During these visits our goal will be to establish a bond so that you and your partner are comfortable having me as a part of your birth experience.  We will go over specific concerns that you may have, and work out a plan to ensure that you are as prepared as possible to give birth.  You will have access to my extensive lending library, filled with a wide array of birth, breastfeeding, and baby reference books.  There is no way to plan exactly how a birth will go, but with my help, you will be fully informed of your rights and options as a mother, and able to make decisions should any unexpected situation arise.  I will help prepare your partner as well.  My role as doula can change slightly depending on your specific situation, but my focus remains the same, to provide you with loving emotional and physical support throughout your birth experience.

 

Labor Support

I will provide you with constant support throughout your labor and delivery.  I'm there to  advocate for your birth plan and support your wishes.  I am not there to make clinical decisions for you or give you medical advice.  Also, I will not project my own values and goals on to you.   In addition to or in the absence of your partner, I will be your support person.  Should your partner be playing an active role in your labor, I am there to support him/her as well by allowing him/her to take breaks, make calls, etc. without worry that you will be left alone.  I will help with relaxation, massage, acupressure, and emotional support.  Educational support is also a major factor in keeping you and your partner calm and informed.  If your partner forgets a technique, I am there to refresh the support person's memory to enable him/her to be effective for you.

 

Postpartum Care / Breastfeeding Support

Immediately following your baby's birth, I will stay for 1-2 hours or as long as  you need me.  During this time I will help you to establish breastfeeding and answer any questions or concerns you have at that time.  A follow up visit, as well as phone support when needed, completes the service.

 

Emotional and Physical Support

Every woman deserves to have the most loving and supportive team around her while she is giving birth.  I am there to offer help and advice on comfort measures such as breathing, relaxation, movement and positioning.  I am also there to ensure that your birthing environment is exactly how you wish it to be by supporting your feelings and advocating for you.  Doctors, nurses and midwives first priority is the health and wellbeing of you and your baby.  They must assess your condition and your baby's condition, diagnose and treat any complications that should arise, and focus on the safe delivery of your baby.  These priorities rightly take precedence over the nonmedical needs that you may have.  I will be there to ensure that these nonmedical needs are met, and help to facilitate communication between you and  your medical staff.