Birth Doula

The word “doula,” from ancient Greek, refers to “a woman who serves.” Women around the world, since time immemorial, have had other women present at their births, helping them through this profound experience. Currently, the word “doula” usually refers to a woman who is professionally trained in offering emotional and physical support during birth. A doula does not take the place of a midwife or doctor, or even the birth partner, but instead provides a different—and additional—kind of support for the birthing woman. Sometimes that support may be just what she needs to get her through that next contraction or a difficult transition or the support may come in the form of helping a birthing woman determine what exactly it is that she needs and wants in a given moment.

Having a doula present during birth can be an invaluable component for the birthing mother and for her partner, if a partner will be part of the birth experience. While some partners wonder if their role will be limited by the presence of a doula, the opposite is often the case. A doula is in a unique position to primarily assist the mother, while also providing “back-up” for the birth partner or expectant father as well. Ultimately, whether planning a birth at a hospital, birth center, or at home, the presence of a doula can be a great asset to a birthing woman and potentially lead to a more satisfying and enriching experience for her, her baby, and those around her.

As for my experience as a professional doula, I have supported first time mothers and mothers who have given birth before. I have been with them during both vaginal and cesarean births, and births where no medication was used, as well as births which did include medical interventions. I am also experienced in–and very comfortable with–supporting birthing couples in various settings, including hospitals, birth centers, and homes. As for my doula-philosophy, I am trained in the Birthing From Within® approach and certified through DONA.

My personal intention as a birth doula is to support and guide you in your own journey of transformation. My belief is that I will serve you best by helping you make your own decisions and birth from a place of self-knowing and awareness.

My services and arrangements include:

• An initial free consultation or interview. During our first meeting together we will discuss why you are considering hiring a doula and what you are looking for.  I will also let you know more about what I offer in terms of my services. Usually we will meet at a public place, like a coffee shop in between our homes. If possible, it is great if fathers or partners attend this meeting as well. I am often available to meet on weekends, evenings, and occasional weekdays. Once we decide to work together we will fill out the  Doula-Client Contract and I will receive from you a non-refundable retainer fee (usually one half of my total fee).  I will then put you on my calendar ensuring my full commitment to you.

• Fees and payment. The total fee for my doula services is $700. If you also take one of my birth classes, there is a $50 discount.  Occasionally, I am able to work with families on a sliding scale if my fees are a financial hardship. Just ask! The deposit or retainer fee is usually half of my total fee and this is due when we sign the contract together. The balance is due at week 36. I accept checks, cash, or payment through PayPal.

• Two prenatal meetings, in addition to our initial consultation, to discuss how your pregnancy is going and what your intentions are for birth. I will work with you at this time, drawing specifically on the Birthing From Within® philosophy and DONA training, to further discuss your journey and process of becoming parents. This will include, but not be limited to, a brief discussion of normal labor processes, various pain-coping practices, and other comfort measures to be used during birth. I will also help you in writing a birth plan if you are creating one and we will discuss ways in which I may be of help to you and your partner during the birth experience.

• Access to me over the phone and via email. I will do my best to return calls and emails within 48 hours, usually quicker. I do not offer specific medical advice, but I will attempt to help guide you in your search for answers and offer you support in this process. Calls of an urgent nature should always be directed first to your healthcare provider.

• Support during your labor and birth. Please give me as much advanced notice as possible to come to you on the day of the birth. In most circumstances I will be able to join you no later than 2 hours after you request my presence. In most circumstances I will join you during active labor, when your labor has been established and when my presence would be most useful.  During your labor and birth, I will support you to the best of my abilities. This will include offering suggestions of labor position changes, using touch and massage, visualizations, breath support, and helping you stay “in-awareness” during your birth. I will remain with you for up to one hour after birth. At this time, I will offer you immediate postpartum support and initial help with breastfeeding.

• Postpartum visit. I will visit you once within the first week or so to see how your new family is doing. During this visit I will ask how you are doing physically and emotionally, and how you are adjusting to new parenthood! I often offer assistance with breastfeeding during this visit as well if it is needed. I am also available during this period for phone and email contact, and I can refer you to other resources as needed.

• Limits of service. As your doula, I will not perform clinical jobs such as blood pressure checks, taking your temperature, monitoring the baby’s heart rate, etc. My role is to provide you with physical and emotional support. Also, I will not make any decisions for you, nor will I speak to the staff on your behalf, although I may suggest ways in which you or your partner can communicate with them. My primary goal is to be fully present for you at your birth.

I believe that it is an absolute honor to accompany someone on their birth journey. It is not only the birth of a baby, but also the birth of a mother (and frequently father too). While it is often hard work, the rewards are immeasurable. I wish you all the best on your journey towards having a satisfying and empowering birth experience!

Postpartum Doula

Many new mothers (and fathers) find it very helpful to have a doula visit them several times in the first few days, weeks, and even months after giving birth.  As a postpartum doula I am able to offer this service which includes:  listening to the new parents and helping them process the birth experience, assisting with breastfeeding and newborn care, performing light cooking and cleaning, and simply helping them to find ways to take care of themselves and their new babies. Sometimes this simply means caring for the baby so a new mother can take an uninterrupted bath or a much-need nap! My postpartum rate is $25/hour during day time hours.  (Please note:  at this time my schedule is limited in terms of postpartum availability and I predominately offer postpartum services to families whose births I have attended or those who have taken my classes).

Please contact me at info@amazingmamabirth.com or 425-483-4098 to find out about my availability for either birth or postpartum doula services. Please let me know your due date, where you live, and where you plan on giving birth. I look forward to meeting you and hopefully being part of your birth and postpartum experiences. Thanks!