Birth and Postpartum Services

Both of these services make great baby shower gifts! If you have any questions about how to buy my services for someone else, send me a message and we will discuss how that looks. A positive birth experience and an easy transition into parenthood are precious gifts that won't be easily forgotten.

What is a Doula?

Originally, doula is a Greek word meaning: a woman who serves. Cross-culturally and traditionally, women have been attended by other women during childbirth. Today, the doula functions as the woman beside the mother. Doulas recognize that birth is a significant life experience that the mother will remember for many years. They have knowledge of the physiology of birth and understand the emotional needs of a woman in labor. They provide information and assistance in preparing for the birth. Doulas remain with the mother throughout her labor and for a while after birth. They offer emotional support, physical comfort measures, and guidance in collecting the information the mother needs to make informed decisions about her birth experience. Doulas encourages open communication among each member of the birthing team. They nurture and offer objective points of view about the birth.

Studies Show

*Doula-supported women are:

28 % less likely to have a cesarean section
31% less likely to use synthetic oxytocin to speed up labor
9% less likely to use any pain medication
34% less likely to rate their childbirth experience negatively

*information found on DONA's "Position paper: The Birth Doula's Contribution to Modern Maternity Care"

Birth Doula Services

If you are interested in my doula services, the process involves a free consultation either over the phone or in person. Once you decide to continue, we will schedule a time to meet in person. Here is a general overview of the services included:

· 1-2 prenatal appointments to discuss topics such as my role and the roles of anyone else who may attend the birth; your hopes and concerns about pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period; as well as an overview of various position and coping techniques that you may wish to utilize during labor. These meetings are also for us to get to know each other, so a good portion of a meeting may include us simply talking. Optional: one of these visits may include meeting with your medical provider.

· Assistance in developing your informed birth plan

· Phone and email support throughout pregnancy

· 24/7 availability and phone support starting at 36 weeks

· Continuous in-person support during labor

· Attendance to a childbirth class taught by me

· I am able to take photographs as you desire during labor, birth, or in the golden hour after baby is born

· 2 hours of extended assistance after birth to ensure that you feel confident and comfortable before I leave

· Breastfeeding information and support, if desired

· 1-2 in-home postpartum visits to answer any lingering questions and to reflect on your birth experience with you

Contact me for pricing

Interested? Contact me here

Mother's helper

As a Mother's Helper, I will assist the new parents as they move into the newest chapter of their lives after the arrival of their baby. Parenthood is often initially difficult for families to settle into; I can aid in this process by taking various responsibilities off your lap, allowing you to completely focus on your newest family addition. For these services I charge hourly, which is $20/per hour with a 3 hour min, 6 hour max. I will meet with you (preferably before the birth/arrival of the baby) to discuss what type of assistance you may be interested in. Here are examples of things I can do for you to help you make parenthood the smoothest transition possible:

· Light housekeeping, such as tidying up the nursery, doing dishes, laundry, etc.

· Light meal prep

· Entertaining other children/siblings so the new parents can heal, relax, and enjoy this precious time with their baby

· Run simple errands

· Offer breastfeeding guidance when necessary, as well as provide information about other ways to feed the baby

· Serve as a compassionate support system for new parents