What can I expect?

Private Birth Class

To begin, we will set up an initial visit/private child birth education class where I can get to better know you and understand your birth preferences, go over movements and breathing exercises you can practice to help prepare your body for birth and make labor easier. We will also go over pain relief measures and techniques that your partner can use to make you more comfortable during labor. This will be helpful in the early stages of labor where your partner is more likely to be there before anyone else.  If the baby decides to arrive later than anticipated, we will set up a second prenatal visit where we will keep practicing the things that we went over previously. These visits include time to ask any questions you may have, as well as some gentle yoga, physical adjustments and massage. Each visit will last about 90 minutes.

Birth Support 

Once you go into labor, I am available to provide continuous physical and emotional support until after delivery. Some new parents prefer to spend as much time alone in the process as they can, and even in that case, I am available by phone until you are ready for my arrival. I normally arrive when contractions are about 5-8 minutes apart and am available to support both parents throughout all phases of labor, birth and the hours after baby is born. 

Support includes guidance on positioning and movement; breathing reminders; ensuring both parents are nourished and hydrated and ensuring everyone has what they need to maintain energy and stamina; providing comfort measures and physical assistance. (This can include anything from massage to being a person to lean against during contractions. Physical support is dependent on what position you end up finding most comfortable during contractions and pushing). I also bring items to make the space more ambient and peaceful to encourage relaxation and surrender into the birthing process, making it go faster and be less intense.

There are so many ways to make the entire process more comfortable and relaxing and I am there to help provide suggestions based on need at any given moment throughout pregnancy and birth.

Support for the Primary Birth Partner

Many dads find it helpful to have someone to look to for reassurance that all is going well; someone to offer guidance on ways they can play an active role in providing comfort during labor and birth; and, an extra set of hands to help with comfort measures during contractions. 

Doulas Provide Emotional Support

Medical care providers (midwives, nurses, and obstetricians) focus most on the medical elements of the birthing process in order to ensure that mom and baby are healthy. The role of a doula is one of support in minimizing pain and distraction while maximizing the magical elements of the birth experience. This is a moment that neither of you will ever forget and my objective is to ensure it is an experience that you can look back on fondly, having felt fully supported and empowered in your birth choices. 

After Baby is Born

Immediately after birth, I am there as support for you, your baby, your partner and any other support people present, and for to assist medical professionals. I don’t leave until mom and baby are settled in and feeling confident and you are nourished and have food/drink available in the precious hours after birth.

In the days following birth we will have two visits lasting about an hour each where I will be available to answer any questions you have and help ensure that feedings are going well. The first visit is typically within the first few days after birth and the second is about two weeks later. During that time I am also available by phone to answer questions and provide resources for whatever you may need.