What Will My Birth Doula Do For Me?

Following is a list of my birth doula services:

• Initial consultation at no charge. If either of us feels that we are not a good match, I will be glad to refer you to other doulas in the area. My top priority is a positive birth experience for Mom and baby, and this means that you need to feel comfortable with whomever you choose to be with you on that special day.

• One or two prenatal visits. We will work on a birth plan, discuss what to expect during the labor and birth, and basically decide how I can best support you as your doula. If you will have another birth partner with you at your birth (e.g. your husband), he will need to attend at least one of these visits.

• Availability for phone and e-mail consultations. Anytime throughout your pregnancy you will be welcome to call and/or e-mail me with any questions or concerns you have. Many times doctor’s appointments are rushed, leaving you with questions you wish you could have asked. I may be able to help you with the answers to many of these questions.

• Access to my library. I have growing library of books relating to pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, baby care, etc. As my client you will be able to borrow any of these books to read during your pregnancy.

• Prenatal and newborn photography. I love taking photographs of pregnant women and their babies! If you would like for me to do this for you, we can arrange for some “belly shots,” and then after the baby is born, some newborn photographs. I am also willing to take photos during the labor and birth, but my first priority will be to assist you, so I cannot guarantee how many photos I will get.

• 24 Hour Availability. I will be on call for you 24 hours a day beginning two weeks before your estimated due date up until labor begins. This means that I will carry my cell phone with me at all times, and will not leave town without advising you unless it is an emergency. Of course if you go into labor before 38 weeks I would attend you as well.

• Labor support beginning at your home. As soon as you are ready after your labor has started, I will be available to come to your home and/or to your chosen birth place, and I will remain with you during the duration of your labor up until 1-3 hours after the birth. I will support you in whatever ways you desire, helping you to have a more positive birth experience.

• Immediate postpartum assistance. Once your baby is born, I will be available to assist where needed, and also to help you have as much privacy as you desire for those special first moments with your newborn. I will stay with you until you are settled into your postpartum recovery room, or until you are comfortable with me leaving.

• At least one postpartum visit. I will continue to be on call for you 24 hours a day after the birth to help with any questions you may have relating to your recovery, your baby’s health and care, breastfeeding, etc. We will also meet to talk about the birth and process everything together.

• Newborn Massage Instruction. As a Baby’s First Massage Instructor, I am qualified to teach massage techniques that are beneficial during your baby’s first weeks of life. We can go over them before the birth using a doll if you desire, and I will also demonstrate the massage routine with your baby after he/she is born.

Please contact me with any questions or to reserve your due date on my calendar.