Despite popular images of mothers cooing over their newborns, the reality is that most women feel overwhelmed at first. Whether it’s navigating the unknowns of new motherhood or caring for a newborn with a toddler underfoot, one thing is certain: new mothers need help. Postpartum services are customized to your needs and include:
Assisting with breast and bottle feeding
Discussing rest and nutrition needs
Supporting you emotionally, someone to talk to
Understanding the ‘baby blues’ and post-partum depression
Building confidence in your ability to care for your child; teaching basics of infant care such as bathing, dressing, diapering, and feeding
Helping organize areas for infant care
Light housekeeping such as changing bedding, preparing meals, doing laundry, running errands
Watching other children
Handling phone calls and visitors
Making referrals to health care providers as needed
Family/Sibling Adjustment
Getting the rest you deserve
Postpartum services are offered at $25/hr and are available the first trimester after the delivery of your child. All services are customized to address the unique needs of each woman and family.
Birth Doula Services
We begin by meeting for a free initial consultation and compatibility check.
If you decide to proceed, at our second and third meetings we talk about your hopes and expectations around your upcoming birth and prepare a birth plan. (I have many examples.) We discuss coping strategies, fears, nutrition/health/fitness, functioning as a team during labor, what type of setting you imagine during labor, whether you like touch, how you manage stress and pain, etc. We can role play, discuss and practice relaxation/visualization techniques and review birthing positions.
Then I attend a prenatal meeting with you and your OB/GYN or midwife to be introduced to your care provider. I assist with both hospital births and home births.
Throughout your pregnancy I offer telephone support. I’m available 24/7 just prior to your due date until you give birth. As soon as you want me by your side, I’m there within one hour. *
During labor, I am with you from start to finish. I employ relaxation/visualization techniques and other non-medical ways of dealing with labor pains, facilitate communication and serve as your advocate with caregivers (doctors, midwives, and nurses) and overall, ensure your maximum comfort.
Postpartum, I visit with you and your family one or two more times to discuss your birth experience. We also discuss infant care, breast feeding, postpartum mood disorders, and anything else you need. (see postpartum services if you have additional needs)
You also receive a birth story and a complimentary photo package (12~4×6 Black and White and/or color proofs and a free 5×7.)
Birth doula services fee. Our first visit is a no-obligation consultation and is free of charge. Half-payment ($300) is due at our second meeting and the remaining half ($300) is due two weeks prior to your due date. Please note that full payment is due prior to labor.
*In the event of an emergency, I have a guaranteed back-up doula.
