Doula Services
One-to-one Support for Families
The doula difference:
A trusted companion
with you every step of the way
You're having a baby! Congratulations!
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I am so excited you're here! The work you do to prepare for labor will have a major impact on your birth experience.
Childbirth is holistic in nature, and my approach reflects this, taking mind, body, and beliefs into account. Mental preparation involves exploring your feelings surrounding birth; I can help you to identify and address any fears that may arise before or during labor and bring affirmation and encouragement into your birth space. Physically, I share techniques and exercises to keep you comfortable during pregnancy and to prepare your body for an easier birth. I can suggest positions for effective labor and offer hands-on support and comfort measures when needed. Everybody's ideal birth looks different. I trust that you know what is best for yourself and your baby. Your beliefs matter, and I will always support and advocate for your decisions.
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I offer traditional as well as virtual birth doula services. Alternately, if you want me with you during labor, but there are visitor restrictions at your chosen birth location, we can arrange a hybrid situation where I stay with you until you check in to the hospital, then switch to virtual support. Whatever you choose, know that I will be fully present for you and available to you and your partner throughout your pregnancy, labor, and baby's birth.
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There are several packages to choose from. My basic package is standalone doula services. If you want to take a Birth Languages class, you have the option to join a group class for a reduced rate, or sign up for private in-home lessons. If you're not sure which option is best for you, don't sweat it! We can talk through it during your free consult.
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If doula support sounds pretty amazing, but you still need more information, read below for the full scoop on what you get when you work with me, and be sure to check out these FAQ's.
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What to Expect:
Free Consultation
First things first - let's meet over a cup of tea or coffee and discuss your vision for your birth! You can ask those pressing questions and we can determine what kind of support will best suit your needs. Fill out the contact form and we will schedule a time to chat.
2-3 Prenatal Appointments
Let's dig in! We will arrange up to three in-home meetings to discuss your goals, address any concerns you may have, and identify topics you'd like help researching. We will dive into the physiology of birth, practicing exercises to prepare you for a more comfortable pregnancy and easier labor. I can assist you with your birth plan, share and practice comfort techniques with your partner, go over what to expect in the hospital, and help you to clearly communicate your birth preferences with everyone on your birth team.
24/7 Phone & E-mail Support
I'm here for you! Contact me any time throughout your pregnancy via phone, text, or e-mail. I am glad to discuss concerns, offer suggestions and support, or connect you with other resources. I will be on-call for your birth after 38 weeks.
Continuous Labor Support
It's go time! I will meet you at home or at your chosen birth location whenever you are ready for me to join you. I will stay with you throughout your labor and will remain with you for about two hours after your baby is born to make sure everyone is well settled and to help with breastfeeding if needed.
Postpartum Appointment
How's it going? Within the first couple weeks postpartum, I will visit to talk about your birth, infant care, parenthood, or anything else on your mind. We will make sure you are ready to tackle this next phase of life with confidence.
Lending Library Access
Have I mentioned how much I love to read? During the course of your pregnancy and up to six weeks postpartum you will have full access to my ever-growing library of birth, breastfeeding, and baby care books, videos, and resources.
Pricing and Packages
Birth Doula Services
I attend births in any location - home, hospital, or birth center. As your doula, I will provide continuous labor support for you (and your partner) based on your needs and desires.
$1,200*
Doula & Birth Class Package
Save $55 on your Birth Languages class when combined with birth doula services.
$1,370
Doula & Private Birth Class Package
Includes all birth doula services, plus three private in-home birth classes scheduled at your convenience. Private classes are only available to doula clients.
$1,800
*Experience Birth offers a 10% discount for military/veteran families.
Doula FAQ's:
What is a doula?
A birth doula is a labor companion trained to provide continuous, one-to-one care to the birthing woman and her partner.
Is a doula the same as a midwife?
No. A doula does not provide medical care. Doulas provide physical, emotional, and informational support to the birthing family. Your doula works for you and is not affiliated with the hospital. She will stay with you continuously, which is not possible for medical staff who are serving multiple women at once. A doula's primary goal is your satisfaction with your birth experience.
My partner will be with me. Why should we hire a doula?
A doula brings another set of experienced hands to your birth, offering support to not only the mother, but to other members of the birth team as well. This takes the pressure off of your partner, allowing for more confident participation and the freedom to focus on the experience of becoming a parent. Your doula can't take the place of your partner. Doulas know birth. Your partner knows you.
Is there any research to support hiring a doula?
Yes! in fact, studies have shown that having a doula on your team can result in:
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39% decrease in the risk of Cesarean*
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15% decrease in need for induction*
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10% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief
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31% decrease in risk of being dissatisfied with birth experience
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Read more about the Benefits of Doulas
What is your "doula style"?
My background as a massage therapist allows me to offer a lot of "hands on" support. I really enjoy sharing techniques your partner can use to bring relief during pregnancy and labor. In the labor space, I do a lot of observing - noting what Birth Language you are using and offering support and suggestions based on your natural labor rhythms. I offer informational/educational guidance before, during, and after birth so you know your options and are prepared to make informed decisions regarding your care. Advocacy is important to me. I can help you communicate your wishes to your support team to make sure you feel safe, respected, and loved.