Need a Doula in San Antonio?

My Commitments as Your Doula

· Two to three prenatal visits in your home or other location of your choice. These visits may include birth plan options and assistance, how I can help you as your doula, physiology of labor, breathing and relaxtion, breastfeeding preparation, etc. Each visit will be tailored to your specific needs and will include time to answer any questions you have.

 · I am the person that you first contact when you are in labor. If for any reason you are unable to contact me or due to an emergency, I will provide contact details for a backup doula. I will be on call for you 24 hours a day beginning two weeks before your estimated due date up until labor begins. This mean 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 or an event not known about at the time of the contract signing.

· I will provide early labor support as requested, including in your home. I will remain with you once active labor has begun until one to two hours after your baby is born. I may take short breaks for meals and rest if time allows – this will be discussed with you at the time and I will not leave you if it is inappropriate.

· I will draw on my knowledge and experience to provide emotional support, physical comfort (relaxation, massage, positioning and other techniques for comfort), and communicate with the medical staff to make sure you have the information you need to make informed decisions during labor.

·  The presence of a doula lifts the sole responsibility of the labor off the shoulders of your partner, allowing him to enjoy the whole birth process. I can help your partner to feel calm and informed, giving him ideas to continue support from beginning to end. At no time will I “take over” or deliberately exclude your partner. I am there to provide support to both of you at all times. Sometimes a partner likes to stay by the mother’s side during the whole of labor, while others prefer to take a break. This is your birth experience and it is important that you feel free to decide on what you want at the time.

· As a doula, I can advocate for you at a time when it is sometimes difficult for you to advocate for yourself. However, I will not and can not make decisions for you. In a situation where medical decisions must be made, my role is to quietly remind you what your wishes are, assist you in asking questions and gaining information about other options, and then look to you and your partner for the final decision.

· I will assist in providing information and supplying emotional support by telephone on postpartum care, breastfeeding, and newborn care after the birth, as requested. Please contact me if you have any concerns. If I cannot help, I will be able to find the appropriate person who can. I will help to initiate the breastfeeding process, if that is what you choose to do. If you wish to bottle feed your baby, I will help you with the first feeding.

 · Within the first 5 days after the birth of your baby, I will visit you at home or in the hospital. I will answer any questions or give you a referral to the appropriate professional that can meet your needs. I will meet with you for at least two postpartum visits, and more depending on your needs.

Have questions? Please feel free to contact me at any time, I am happy to talk with you about my services and any questions you may have. Click here to send me an e-mail or call me at (210)635-8728 and leave a message.