BIRTH DOULAS

First, we meet to get to know one another and to learn more about your vision for birth and how you’d like to be cared for during this special time in your life. From there we’ll help you choose an experienced birth doula that’s right for you. 

Once you have hired your doula, you are able to call, text and email her with any questions throughout the pregnancy.  She will help you to prepare for your birth through educational sessions, while also helping you to process any fears that you have surrounding birth or motherhood.

Plus, you’re invited to our monthly Village TALKS  and Support Circles which help you build community with other mothers in a shared learning experience on planning for birth or early parenting.  

There will be two prenatal visits before you begin labor.  

The first visit usually takes place during your second trimester and is centered around planning for your  ideal birth. 

We will discuss:

Birth plan writing, guide on interviewing care providers, preparing for your hospital tour, understanding medical procedures and terminology during pregnancy and the early signs of labor.  

We will also go over the hormones of birth and their emotional connection with the labor journey.  This is an opportunity for  us to discus any past traumas you have experienced that may affect your labor progression.  (Please remember that all discussions with your doula are strictly confidential.)

The second visit usually takes place around your  36th week of pregnancy.  

We will discuss:

Stages of labor, physiology of labor, review the signs of early labor, various methods of pain management, role playing the labor experience, how to implement your birth plan,  basics of breastfeeding and preparation for how to remain empowered with all possible outcomes including abdominal (cesarean) birth.  

We will also discuss any concerns or questions that have come up for you in the final weeks of your pregnancy such as GBS, Gestatational Diabestes, Baby's Position, Preeclampsia, Fetal Movements etc.

Your doula goes on call for you two weeks before your estimated due date (38 weeks).  Once you are in active labor, your doula will meet you at your place of birth and support you continuously throughout labor until you have delivered and begun initial feedings.

You will have evidence-based, judgement free, unlimited support from your doula from the moment labor begins until you have begun feeding baby.

Your birth doula will provide routine check-ins after she leaves your birth and will visit you once within the first two weeks.  She will check on how you are coping with life after birth and answer any questions you may have on newborn care and feedings, your sleep and give special attention to your emotional needs.

If you think you will need more help, Postpartum Care Packages are available that give specialized support for you, baby and other children in the family. This gives you the ability to...

• Get feedings off to the best start
• Get the rest that your body needs
• Have help with baby and older siblings
• Have an unbiased ear to listen to your feelings
• Get Best Practices on newborn care and postpartum recovery
• Have nutritious meals planned/prepared for the family
• And much more...

Please see the section titled Postpartum Doulas for additional information.