Labor Doula - depending on the differences of needs for all families, a birth doula's roles can change from one birth to the next. Most people hire a doula around the 7th or 8th month. If you choose to hire your doula earlier or later in your pregnancy, we just need to make sure there is enough time to get acquainted with each other, and so that I am familiar with your plans for birth. As your doula, you can expect the following services:
- I provide calm, nurturing care for you and your partner during late pregnancy, birth and early postpartum.
- We will meet a few times before your birth (usually between one and three)to get to know each other and will go over many different things during this time. We will discuss your hopes, fears, and wants for your birth. We will discuss a birth plan, if it is right for you, and how to go about making one. Relaxation and pain management will be discussed thoroughly. We will also address any other issues that you may have. I am a very good teacher and will do my best to fill in the blanks that may have been left out during any birthing or breastfeeding classes you may have taken. I will also be available by phone or email for those little questions that may come up at a moments notice.
- resources and handouts outlining some important issues for before, during, and after your birth.
- Starting at your 38 week point, I will be on-call for you 24/7 and also provide unlimited phone consultations during this time.
- I will join you when you are in labor and are in need of my help. If you would like, I can join you in your home during early labor, or meet with you at the hospital once you are ready, and stay until you are settled in with your new little one.
- We will meet again once or twice after your birth, depending on your individual needs. I can come and visit you the next day, and then again once you are settled back in at home, usually a few days to a week after your birth. At this time, we can discuss your birth, go over any baby care, mother care and recovery, or any other needs you may have. This is a great time for breastfeeding support as well.
- With your permission, I will photograph your baby and post a photo or two in our online nursery along with the baby's vital information. (weight, length, etc.) This is usually posted by the next day after your baby is born. You can then share the link with your family and friends so they may have an early peek at the baby. Nursery link: http://www.doula4support.com/p/visit-nursery.html
- Keepsake footprints of your baby if requested. This can be done in your own baby book or on a keepsake that I will provide for you.
- Access to the Bundle of Joy Library of books.
- In addition to my DONA Doula training, I am a mother of two. I can provide support in breastfeeding, new baby care, and many other challenges that come with having a new baby in your home.
- Help with locating resources with anything that is beyond my scope of practice, or that I can not help with myself.
Because I recognize a family's need for support does not end at birth, I am also available for home visits after baby is born. This also makes a great gift from the Grandparents, other family, or even friends, who wish they were there to help, but couldn't make it at the time. Some of the ways I can help you once you are home with your new little one include:
- I offer in-home support.
- Listen with empathy, provide support and encouragement
- Provide information about normal baby care, behavior, and feeding - need help with breastfeeding or bathing your baby?
- Share wisdom on how to make life with baby smoother and the home peaceful
- Offer suggestions on ways to promote mom's physical and emotional recovery
- Provide information about community resources
- Suggest ways to enlist the help of family, friends, and neighbors
- Facilitate communication between the family and their care providers
- Cook small meals (when the family provides the ingredients, recipes and equipment)
- Perform light domestic chores, as needed, such as a load of dishes or laundry
- Watch the baby while mom or dad shower, nap, or rest.
- Stay overnight to care for the baby while mom and dad get some much needed rest.
- Did you have a c-section and can't drive? I can run errands for you or drive you around in your vehicle and assist you in daily chores.
- Care for other children while you are attending to the new baby.
- Assist with outings to help you get comfortable with daily life with more than one child.
Prenatal Doula
(a prenatal doula is especially helpful for a mom who is on bed rest but is available for all mom's)
- I offer in-home support.
- Listen with empathy, provide support and encouragement
- Offer suggestions on ways to promote mom's physical and emotional well being
- Keep mom company and help the time pass if on bed rest
- Attend doctor's appointments with mom
- Provide information about community resources
- Suggest ways to enlist the help of family, friends, and neighbors
- Cook small meals (when the family provides the ingredients, recipes and equipment)
- Perform light domestic chores, as needed, such as a load of dishes or laundry
- encourage mom to exercise if permitted by her doctor - walking and preparing for labor
- offer tips and ideas to help during labor
Is there anything that the Doula will not do?
- Give medical advice or provide any medical care
- Do excessive or non-critical domestic chores such as cleaning the bathroom, washing windows, or scrubbing floors
- Take over the care of the baby ~ I am there to assist you in becoming comfortable caring for your own baby
