Birth is transformation. There is a definite “before” and “after” in the heart of a woman who has given birth - one minute she is woman, the next minute she is mother. I am deeply honored whenever a woman allows me into her birthing space. This is sacred work and I treat it as such.
A doula is the constant support that a birthing family needs in their most tender moment.
The doula exists in the birthing room for the sole purpose of supporting the mother as she gives birth. A doula is like a “birth auntie” that arrives on the scene without judgement, bias, personal agenda, or manipulation. A doula makes the birthing mama's desires her own and she supports the mama in bringing forth her baby in the perfect way for her.
This can look like:
being a constant presence of calm for the birthing mama
supporting the birth partner (often it's dad) as he cares for the mama
advocating for mama's birth desires
communicating with the other members of the care team
providing comfort measures throughout birthing
facilitating coping techniques with the family
encouragement and holding space for emotions in the birth room
providing suggestions to help birth progress
and more…
ABOUT MY SERVICES
as a mama of four and a woman of faith, I bring a
spiritually grounded presence to the birthing room.
all of my attention is focused on anticipating the
needs of the birthing couple.
BEFORE BIRTH
I meet the birthing mama at leasttwice in person before the baby's birth day. In our meetings we will go over birthing preferences and preparation methods.Many times the meetings will include individualized coaching on anything from birthing mindset, nutrition, emotional processing, stress management, exercises for birth prep, and anything else a mama may need.
I can assist in making a birth and postpartum plan and make suggestions and referrals to local practitioners and specialists when necessary.
DURING BIRTH
I do not leave the birth space while mama is laboring. Other than quick bathroom and snack breaks when mama has adequate support from someone she trusts, I am nearby the entire time. Mostly, women need constant attentive nurturing during birthing, but this can look different for each mama and each birth. Some clients desire near-constant touch, some just want to be left alone but know they're not alone.
If I feel it is beneficial, I will suggest new birthing positions or techniques for coping. I make sure mama is nourished throughout her birthing with snacks and hydration.
Sometimes a family needs me to advocate for their birthing desires. When a decision needs to be made, I am happy to explain and clarify certain medical topics that I have knowledge of. I offer unbiased and non judgmental support as the new parents choose what's best for them.
I also support dad as he offers his strength and love to the birthing mama…
One of the parts I love the most about my job is being there for the new dad as he shines in his role as birth partner. All dads have what it takes to be amazing birth partners - even though they may not realize it and might feel a little nervous going into birth.
Dad and I are a team in the birthing room;
I want to make him look like an absolute superhero.
POSTPARTUM
In the moments after birth, once the new family is settled and we've established skin-to-skin and breastfeeding (if that is mama's desire), I will leave the clients in the care of their postpartum support as we will have planned previously. One postpartum follow up visit is included in my birth doula services. I will visit the home around a week after birth to check in on how recovery is progressing. I will go over the birth story with mama, answer any questions, give breast-feeding support, give ideas for postpartum rest and recovery, suggest oils and natural solutions for the new mom and baby.
MY BIRTH PHILOSOPHY
I believe that God has created you with everything you need to birth your babywithout medical intervention. Your body has been made to conceive, grow, and birth a baby in what I can only describe as an “everyday miracle.” I love the process of physiologic birth (vaginal birth that proceeds without any unneeded interventions) and I support women in achieving that. I also support women who have emergency or elected medical interventions, induction of labor, pharmaceutical pain management, caesarean sections, and more.
I believe that ALL mothers deserve like-minded, positive support in whatever sort of birthing they have.
I, myself have given birth medicated and unmedicated. I've had the help of induction techniques and gone into labor spontaneously. I've been attended by a midwife and doula, and have had births under OBGYN care.
When I meet with you, I make careful note of your desires for your birth, and I make those desires my own desires. I do not bring bias, judgment, or my own past into our doula/client relationship. I am here to serve you and help you make the birth of your dreams a reality.
Birth is natural. It is not an illness. A normal birthing does not require medical intervention.
But I do appreciate and respect the gift of modern medicine when it is needed. I am here for support in the case of a medical diagnosis, an emergency situation, or by requested from a birthing family. I am familiar with interventions and do not fear or resist when it is obvious that the birthing must take a new direction. I am confident in the face of changed plans and help you adjust and walk the new path with grace.
birth starts in the mind.
Developing a healthy mindset around birthing is the most foundational way to prepare for your birthing. I train you in mindfulness techniques and suggest birthing courses and books that will help you re-write your thoughts about birth and set you up for the beautiful birth you desire.
PRICING
BASIC BIRTH DOULA PACKAGE
$850 includes the following:
free consultation (virtual)
two 60-90 minute prenatal consultations (in person)
unlimited phone/text support
on-call 24/7 from 38 weeks-birth
continuous labor support
immediate postpartum support
one in-home postpartum visit with breastfeeding support
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Add ons:
$950 - essential oil package
all of the basic services, plus an oil consultation & oils for comfort in labor (I will perform a bio scan at our prenatal visit and recommend an oil protocol for your birth preparation. I bring my own premium essential oils to your birth.)
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A la carte:
$45 - each mindset coaching session (virtual) best for mamas w/ questions, fears, previous birth trauma,
miscarriage, or unsupportive family members. extra visits are virtual.
