Prenatal Care & Labor Support
FULL PACKAGE $1,350
Prenatal visits
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1-2 prenatal visits in the comfort of your own home (approximately 2+ hrs each). This can vary as moms who have had previous births may already have a good understanding of birth basics.
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At these times we can discuss: forming a birth plan, changes in your body, stages of labor and delivery, when to go to the hospital, fears and concerns, feeding baby, postpartum plan, redefining roles, and postpartum care etc. We also will do hands on physical comfort measures, and relaxation breathing techniques etc.
Before birth
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I will be on call for you from 38 weeks to birth (I will ensure a back up doula is lined up at this time too).
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Unlimited 24/7 phone, text, and email contact (feel free to communicate with any questions, concerns or thoughts).
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I would also appreciate updates after each of your prenatal visits from 38 weeks to the birth of your baby.
During Labor
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Please call me when you think that you are in labor, even if you don’t need me yet. We can discuss what is happening thus far so I am aware.
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For birthing mamas who are going to deliver at the hospital, I will meet you there. I will need driving time plus 30 min from the time you call and decide it is time to go in.
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For mamas who are birthing at home, I will need driving time plus 30 min for you to expect my arrival.
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I will remain with you until after birth.
After Delivery
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I will remain with you for 1-2 hrs after your baby has arrived.
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I will ensure your family’s needs are met to the best of my ability, take pictures (if desired), and help with initial breastfeeding, if needed.
Postpartum Visit
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1 postpartum visit in the comfort of your home. Approx. 2 hrs.
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I will also provide a birth story keepsake for your baby.
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Keepsake photos if possible (I am your doula first, therefore, I will put your immediate needs first).
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I will also be available to you via text and email support for 1 month after birth should you have any questions or concerns.
"Just as a woman's heart knows how and when to pump, her lungs to inhale, and her hand to pull back from fire, so she knows when and how to give birth."
Virginia DiOrio
Postpartum Care after your Birthing Time
FEE SCHEDULE FOR POST PARTUM DOULA SERVICES
$25 /hr on weekdays (minimum 4hrs per session)
$30/hour on weekends and holidays (minimum 4hrs per session)
What is a Postpartum Doula?
A postpartum doula is a professional support person trained in the needs of the family in the days, weeks and months after birth or the addition of a new baby. The doula offers non-judgmental support, guidance, evidence-based education and practical hands-on support immediately after birth through the first year. Doula originates from the Greek word meaning woman servant.
The Professional Certified Postpartum Doula is trained in 5 Core Competencies (according to DONA International):
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Caring for and Understanding the Needs of the Postpartum Mom and Partner
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Caring for and Understanding the Needs of Baby/Babies
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Caring for and Understanding the Needs of the Siblings
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Caring for and Understanding the Needs of the Home
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Caring for the Whole Family Utilizing Emotional Intelligence
What does a Postpartum Doula do?
I will assist you with self care recovery measures, provide information on mother and baby care, assist you in caring for and feeding your new baby/babies, breastfeeding support, and help your family adjust to new roles. I can accompany you to appointments to help care for baby if needed. We also offer household organizational support. This includes preparing occasional meals, snacks, grocery shopping, laundry, tidying and dish washing etc.
What is the value of the Postpartum Doula to the postpartum person?
Postpartum doulas are a guide, a listening ear, and a warm heart. We are there to help the transition from birth to parenting to be less stressful and smoother. After communication and assessing their needs, we can help by educating them with our knowledge and experience. As well we provide evidence based information and hands on help without judgment. Encouraging and nurturing moms to take care of themselves, physically, mentally, and emotionally is just as important as learning how to care for a baby's needs.
What is the value of the Postpartum Doula to the supporting person/family?
It is important that we help educate , support and empower our clients so they can eventually take over the reins of parenting with confidence in their ability to care for the baby/family as well as themselves. As a doula, I have made connections and relationships within the community that offer wonderful, encouraging and positive support. We can share community support groups and resources that will benefit them along their journey.
What a Postpartum Doula is NOT
Doulas are not medically trained. We do not take blood pressure, examine C section scars, perineal repairs and take temperatures etc. We do not clinically diagnose or treat mom or baby. We can suggest that mom/baby be referred to family doctors, perinatal care, massage therapy and lactation consultants (just to name a few) to get proper medical advice and care that may be needed. We are not babysitters or house cleaners. We do not take over care of the baby but we assist you in learning and becoming more confident in these roles.
"It’s a privilege to be invited into somethings so intimate and life-changing."
Kari Verheul
Photo taken by Mountain Primitive Photography
What is TENS?
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, or TENS, is a form of pain relief without medicine. It can be used in labor to help with the pain.
To learn more about renting this amazing tool for labor- please contact me!
