What is Doula Care?

  • Doulas specialize in providing guided support before, during, and after the birth of your baby. Birth doulas focus their expertise on helping to prepare mom and dad for the birth and are actively present during labor with trained knowledge and support. While doulas are not medically trained and offer no medical advice, doulas can help you advocate for your desired birth care, prepare you for what to expect during labor and birth, suggest prenatal exercises to encourage optimal fetal positioning, and help you navigate the different phases of labor. Postpartum, birth doulas provide basic help with lactation and postpartum care, help to ensure you are getting the help and support you need after baby arrives, and are a safe place to debrief your labor and birth. Where doulas can't help, they often have a wealth of information and resources to help you find the answers you need. Hiring a doula statically lowers the possibility of induction, cesarean and unwanted interventions and provides a better opportunity for you to have your desired birth outcome.

What you can expect from my doula care

  • Pregnancy Support

    1-2 prenatal meetings

    Exploration of birth goals and planning

    Helpful handouts (hospital bag checklist, birth plan, etc.)

    24 hour phone, email, and text support

    Knowledge of what to expect during labor and birth

    Labor support techniques

    Postpartum planning

    4 weeks of on-call time (starting at 37 weeks)

    Access to my doula library and other resources.

  • Labor Support

    Full labor and birth support

    Advocacy and knowledgable recommendations during labor

    Access to TENS unit

    Two hours of support immediately following birth

    Help with breast feeding

    Partner support

    Post-birth care

    Back-up on call doula

  • Post Partum Support

    At least one follow up visit postpartum

    Guidance for recovery and newborn care

    Postpartum resources

    Lactation resources

    24 hour phone, email, and text support (up to 6 weeks postpartum)


FAQs

How Soon should I hire a doula?

It's never too early or too late to hire a doula! I begin working with most of my clients in the second trimester, but love to have clients prep earlier for their births. Sometimes women don’t realize until later that a doula would be helpful. If I am available I am ready to take you on no matter where you are in your pregnancy.

Does a doula replace my partner's role?

I am here to support you and your partner however you need. Some partners are more hands on and want guidance on how to be more involved, others are more hands off. My goal is to collaborate with your birth team to make the best of your birth experience.

What if I’m not having a natural birth?

My job as your doula is to support you through any decision you make in regards to your birth. I am available to help you think through the pros and cons of various interventions both before and after birth, but your birth is YOURS. Whatever decisions you make I will support you and help you prepare.

What if my pregnancy becomes high risk?

High risk pregnancies can be very complicated and physically and emotionally difficult. I am here to offer emotional and physical support while also providing comfort during the challenges that a high-risk pregnancy may come with. I am available to be a listening ear, answer questions, and help find additional resources.

Do doulas provide medical care? Can you answer my medical questions?

I do not attempt to answer questions or give advice about medical issues related to your pregnancy and birth. I am here to provide support and knowledge to help you have the best birth experience possible, advocate for your desires, and help you know the right questions to ask and help you find the answers you need. I will always defer to your preferred health professional with any medically related questions or concerns.

What if you miss my birth?

I will do everything in my power to make your birth, but life is life and sometimes circumstances are outside of my control. I have a back-up doula on call in case of emergencies and in the case of a missed birth by my fault, a refund (not including retainer) or voucher is offered.

Testimonials

  • Sara

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

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  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

    Quote Source