What do Doulas do? | A birth doula is a woman with special training in the art of labor and birth support. She attends births at home, birth center, or hospital. She is part of a the birth “team” working alongside midwives and doctors to provide the necessary components of a safe and satisfying birth day. She is a consistent presence who accompanies you and offers calm, non-judgmental encouragement and education as you move through one of the most powerful and miraculous experiences of your life.
She knows you and you trust her. | Women report a greater sense of preparedness, satisfaction and confidence when a doula is part of the birth team. Studies have shown that her presence and knowledge lead to a decrease in cesarean and epidural rates, and overall length of labor. The doula has no other responsibilities except as support for you and your partner. She may be the only consistent care provider with you throughout your labor and birth as your medical providers will come and go as the hours pass and shifts change.
At this time I am only accepting repeat clients for birth doula services. I have been a certified birth doula for over twenty years, having attended over 450 births to date. My services include at least two prenatal visits in your home. These visits provide time for getting to know each other, ideas on creating a calm and comfortable environment where you can picture yourself in early labor, brush-up childbirth reminders, formulation of “birth desires” ideas that you may wish to take with you to your practitioner, and practical suggestions regarding labor/birth preparations. I offer unlimited phone/email contact while you are pregnant and after your baby is born. As your labor begins, I will remind you by phone of breathing, labor massage, and positions for maximum comfort. I will join you in your home or at the hospital when you feel you’d like me to be there. I will continue support in your home during active labor and will make suggestions on timing for transfer to hospital/birth center. Once there I provide continuous support (aside from short breaks as necessary) education and reminders of birth options throughout your labor and delivery. I will remain with you for 1-2 hours after your baby is born, assist with breastfeeding if you wish, follow-up with you in your home within three days, and again after the first week.
“You reinforced my sense of inner strength and power and grace. You guided me when I felt lost.” — Devi
“Whenever we think of an angel, your name comes to mind! You have our greatest admiration…Thank you.” — Clive
“I sing your praises to all of my friends!” — Michael
“You were 100% present, focused and calm in the long hours of labor. I could not have done it without you.” — Sarah
Fee: $1,200.00
Fee schedule may be adjusted to accommodate ease of payment.
Doula Training
The next BirthGarden doula training will be offered in February, 2012. Please contact me for more information.