As your Doula, I do the following:
As your Doula, I do not:
Free Consultation
I believe that every birthing person/family should interview and get a feel for a few doulas before they hire the one they feel is the best fit for them. I offer free 30-45 minute consultations with anyone that would like to meet me and discuss how I can serve you through labor and birth.
Phone & Email Support
After the date of hire, I want you to feel supported and answer any questions you may have & discuss concerns/worries you or your partner/birth team may have. I encourage parents to reach out to me when they would like to chat and I do my best to respond as soon as possible!
2 Prenatal Visits
If time in your pregnancy permits, I prefer to offer two prenatal visits in your home, to discuss any and all in-depth birth plans, labor and childbirth education, prenatal health, prepare your partner or birth team for comfort measures during labor, and create a relationship with you!
Perform any clinical tasks
As a professional birth doula, I will not perform clinical tasks, such as taking blood pressure, fetal heart checks, vaginal exams, administering IV's or medications, etc.
Make decisions for you
I will not make decisions for you, however, I will help you get the information necessary to make an informed decision. I will also remind you during labor if there is a departure from your birth plan and discuss with you and your partner your goals, desires, and options.
Speak to the medical staff on your behalf
As a doula, I will not speak to the medical staff instead of you. If there are decisions that need to be made, I will discuss your concerns with you and suggest options, but you or your partner will speak on your behalf to the clinical staff.
Continuous labor and birth support
I believe that one of my most important roles as a birth doula is to provide emotional and physical support throughout your entire labor and birth journey. From the time I can arrive to you in labor, whether it be at your home, hospital, or birth center, I intend to stay with you until at least 30 minutes to 3 hours after the birth of your baby or whatever amount of time is needed.
Baby’s First Feeding Support
I assist you with the first time feeding your baby and finding the right position that is most comfortable. I try my best to help you get relaxed during this initial bonding time. I have many great breastfeeding & formula feeding resources to share and I can talk over your infant feeding options, desires, and goals with you.
Postpartum follow-up visit
I prefer to do an in-home postpartum visit within the first week after you arrive home with your baby. I can bring a meal of your choice for you and your family. Many times families have questions regarding newborn care and the mental, emotional, and physical aspects of healing postpartum. I am here to be a listening ear and help you feel supported!
Community Referrals
I can give you a lot of community referrals, online resources, and books with information in regards to pregnancy, childbirth, formula and bottle feeding, pumping, breastfeeding, postpartum support, newborn care, babywearing, cloth diapering, car seat safety, and more.
Massage Therapy
I am now offering prenatal and postpartum massage therapy services for my birth doula clients at Juniper House in Chesapeake. More details to come here soon, but feel free to ask me about massage!