Introduction:
Complimentary consultation (meet the doula, learn about doula services, ask questions and discover if doula and couple are a good fit) Prenatally:
1-2 prenatal meetings in your home
Discussion of birth options and your personal preferences
Connecting your family with local and online resources
Telephone and email contact throughout pregnancy
A backup doula will also be chosen, in case of emergency where I cannot attend the birth Labor, Birth and Immediate Postpartum:
Telephone contact throughout early labor
Labor companionship as early as you wish in your home
Help with decision when to transition to hospital (for hospital birth)
Support through the transition from home to place of birth (for hospital birth)
Continuous companionship throughout labor and birth:
Continued immediate postpartum support, including transition to postpartum room, if possible
Assistance with first breastfeeding; troubleshooting the baby's latch
Postpartum:
Telephone contact several times as needed over the first week
Continued support and assistance with early breastfeeding; referral to local lactation consultants and LLL, if necessary
Postpartum visit in your home; discussion of birth story and debriefing
Continuing resources and referrals for parenting
Complimentary consultation (meet the doula, learn about doula services, ask questions and discover if doula and couple are a good fit) Prenatally:
1-2 prenatal meetings in your home
Discussion of birth options and your personal preferences
Connecting your family with local and online resources
Telephone and email contact throughout pregnancy
A backup doula will also be chosen, in case of emergency where I cannot attend the birth Labor, Birth and Immediate Postpartum:
Telephone contact throughout early labor
Labor companionship as early as you wish in your home
Help with decision when to transition to hospital (for hospital birth)
Support through the transition from home to place of birth (for hospital birth)
Continuous companionship throughout labor and birth:
* Protecting the space around the laboring couple; setting the stage with dim lights, quiet,
* Encouraging and guiding dad/partner as he supports the laboring mom; facilitate the connection between mom and dad
* Reassuring mom and partner as labor proceeds
* Listening to mom's concerns: emotional, physical and spiritual
* Physical support: counter pressure, reiki (healing touch) and massage
* Guided relaxation and visualization
* Explanation of terms and procedures
* Tailored support for moms who choose to avoid or to use pain medication
* Encourage you to ask questions of hospital staff and care providers so you feel prepared to make decisions during labor
* Positioning: support for getting into the positions your body feels are best during labor and birth, making suggestions to facilitate baby's descent
* Doula support can be extremely helpful in the operating room, on the rare occasion that the need for Cesarean birth should arise
Continued immediate postpartum support, including transition to postpartum room, if possible
Assistance with first breastfeeding; troubleshooting the baby's latch
Postpartum:
Telephone contact several times as needed over the first week
Continued support and assistance with early breastfeeding; referral to local lactation consultants and LLL, if necessary
Postpartum visit in your home; discussion of birth story and debriefing
Continuing resources and referrals for parenting
