Birth Doula Support includes:
Prenatal Support: Unlimited phone contact to discuss the course of your pregnancy, help you form questions for your healthcare provider, calm any anxieties, and suggest ways to keep you comfortable during those last couple of weeks!
Private Prenatal Meetings in Your Home: I will visit you to get to know you and to discuss your birth expectations. If you would like assistance in preparing a "birth plan", I can help.
Rehearsal for Birth: During a prenatal visit, I will give you a crash course in childbirth preparation. (This is not meant to replace a conventional 6-8 week childbirth preparatory series. I strongly recommend that you attend a childbirth course with your partner, if possible!) We will concentrate on the signs of labor, stages of labor, comfort measures, possible procedures and interventions, and when to call the doctor/doula, based on your needs.
Continuous, Uninterrupted Labor Support: When you go into labor and are ready for support, your Doula will be there. I will meet you at your home, hospital, or birthing center. I will provide physical, emotional, and informational support to you and your partner during labor and birth. I will offer advice on comfort measures such as breathing, relaxation, massage and positioning. I will assist in gathering information about the course of your labor and your options. You will receive continuous emotional reassurance and comfort. I will help with different comfort measures for pain relief, and assist your partner in playing an active support role if desired. My desire is for you to have a more satisfactory birth experience as you've defined it.
Breastfeeding Support: If you have chosen to breastfeed your baby, I will assist you in the basics of breastfeeding immediately after birth. I will stay for a maximum of two hours after the birth to make sure you are comfortable and settled.
Postpartum Followup: Based on your needs, I will follow-up with you the week following your delivery. I will meet you at your home for approximately two hours to talk about your birth experience, answer any questions you may have about the birth, breastfeeding or your postpartum recovery time. I will also be available for the month following your delivery to answer any questions you may have regarding your new baby.
Your Baby's Birth Story: Based on your request, I can provide you with your baby's birth story in hard copy and via email, so you can share the blessed event with friends and family.