Labor Doula Services
"If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it."
-John H. Kennell, MD
What is a doula? A doula is someone who has been specifically trained to support other women in labor, both physically and emotionally. Research has shown that having support during labor from someone who is not family or affiliated with the hospital results in shorter labors with less pain medication, more satisfying births, and a decreased likelihood of c-section or the use of the vacuum or forceps for delivery.* Birth is very powerful and instinctual, a life-changing experience for a woman and her family! With a background as a registered nurse and with over 180 births attended as a doula, I understand objectively what is happening in the natural process of birth, and in the sometimes necessary medical process of birth, adding calm and focus to the birth environment. I attend spontaneous labor in the home whenever time and circumstances allow and attend planned home births as well as planned hospital births. I offer support with such things as massage and position suggestions, assistance in communicating with the primary caregiver and hospital staff, and advocacy for your birth wishes. My ultimate goal is to be part of a birth team that creates a loving, safe environment in which you can follow your instincts and goals to birth your baby with confidence.
* Read the Evidence Based Birth article on the evidence for doula support.
Doula Services Package
My package comes with ...
- One free initial consultation via phone or in-person to discuss your goals and to find out if we are a good fit for each other
- Phone support and resource information starting when we first agree to begin a doula-client relationship
- Three prenatal visits to get to know each other, to practice comfort measures and to discuss your birth plans and desires
- One visit with you and your primary caregiver to introduce myself, to discuss the birth plan and to address any questions
- On-call labor and birth support from 38 weeks through to at least 1-2 hours following birth
- One to two postpartum visits in your home to assist with breastfeeding, postpartum and newborn care, and light housekeeping as needed
I am currently charging $1500 for this package - $400 is the deposit to hold your place in my calendar with the remaining $1100 balance due by 38 weeks. I try to limit the number of births I attend to a maximum of 2 per month, and my calendar fills up quickly. If you think you may like my help, please contact me so we can meet!
