What is a Doula? According to DONA International, a birth Doula is a "trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a mother, during and shortly after childbirth to help her achieve the healthiest, most satisfying birth experience possible."
I offer Customized Doula Services to support your Birthing journey. Whether you desire prenatal support, birth & labor preparation, birth support or postpartum support, I am honored to work with you to create your ideal birth plan.
Birth & Postpartum Doula Support
As a trained Birth & Postpartum Doula as well as Womb Light Practitioner, I offer unique sessions to support you in having the most satisfying and empowering birthing experience.
As a Doula, I work not only with you, but with your support team, partner and family to assist you as you prepare to give birth to your baby. A Doula does not replace a partner or spouse but seeks to make your birth experience more meaningful to everyone. No matter what your birth plan is or type of birth you desire, I am honored to stand by your side through this journey.
What does Birth Doula support include?
Beginning around 30 weeks, you will receive two perinatal visits in your home. At these visits we will discuss your needs, preferences and create your ideal birth plan that allows room for the unexpected. We will discuss tips and tricks to encourage a smoother, more comfortable labor, review policies/procedures and risks of your birthing choice and practice comfort measures specific TO SUPPORT YOU IN LABOR. I will begin a soft on call for 2 weeks before and 1 week after your due date. During this time I will be available to you to answer questions and provide suggestions. I will join you at home when you are in active labor or as soon as you need me and will remain with you until you give birth. Immediately following your birth I will remain with you for 1 hour to support you with initial breast feeding or other supports you may need.
Perinatal massage for you and massage for your partner may be added to all packages to help you be your best throughout this special time. Massage during this time is especially beneficial as a preventative measure to support your body through trimester changes your body is experiencing.
What does Postpartum support include?
Within the first 2 weeks following your birth, I will provide one visit to check on your well being, provide support and discuss any resources that you may be needing or breastfeeding/postural issues during this time.
The postpartum stage also known as the "fourth trimester" is a crucial time for healing, rest and family bonding. I am happy to provide you additional postpartum visits for as long as you are needing the support. Some things a postpartum Doula can help with are your recovery, self care, nutrition, emotional well being, breast feeding support, infant care, meal preparation, baby laundry, encourage rest for recovery, transitioning, establishing routines and connecting to resources that may be needed for your family. Postpartum support can also include overnight support to assist you in rest & recovery during the first month as well as supporting you in creating night time routines for your newborn. Additional postpartum supports are provided with an additional fee and must be scheduled in advance to ensure you have the support when needed.
Postpartum massage is very beneficial to your full body recovery as well as preventative for upper body discomforts that can arise with breastfeeding. If you had a c-section, upon full healing of c-section scar, abdominal massage to scar line is very helpful in reducing discomfort & assisting with scar tissue breakdown. Postpartum massage can be providing in home or in office when your body feels ready or upon physician approval. WOMB LIGHT SESSIONS ALSO AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT WOMB HEALING, WOMB CLEANSING, WOMB CLOSING, POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION, FATIGUE AND WHOLE BODY RECOVERY.
Dads & partners also benefit from massage to help reduce stress, encourage sleep as well as assist with discomforts of newborn care.
Please feel free to reach out for any questions or to schedule a Doula support Consultation. I look forward to supporting you and your family during this time.
A Doula is essential to supporting the type of birth you deserve!
