What is a doula?

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Doulas have been around for centuries! People in all walks of life have used doulas for support during pregnancy, childbirth, and the first days/weeks of transitioning into life with a new child. Doulas are non-medical personnel. This means that we do not offer medical advice or do medical procedures; our line of work is better described as helping the new or expecting parents to discover and make educated decisions regarding the many different aspects of pregnancy, birth, and caring for a newborn (or more than one!).

Who needs a doula?

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Pregnancy can be a confusing and stressful time for first time mothers. As a new experience, it is often helpful to have an experienced person to guide a new mother through all the information available and help her to decide which choices are right for her body and her baby.
Additionally, families adding another child can often benefit from the services of a doula. The experience of adding a child to a household can be rough on the parents and the older children, and often simply an extra set of hands can be very helpful in easing the transition and avoiding potential issues such as sibling rivalry and jealousy.
Parents who are expecting twins or higher multiples can also greatly benefit from doula services. Multiple fetus pregnancies take their toll on mothers in the last trimester, and an extra hand is always appreciated when there are multiple mouths to feed. I am also available for assistance with older children when mom has to go to the doctors, or simply needs a break.

What do I get with Doula service?

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As a doula I am available for many different services. Services differ depending on your needs and the type of doula you are looking for.
All doula clients have access to my lending library, as well as phone and in person consultations to decide which services are most desirable by the family and expecting mom.

Antepartum Doula
As an Antepartum Doula I am available to assist moms with the daily hassles of being pregnant. This includes accompanying an expectant mom to the doctors, helping to prepare the nursery, as well as providing information to help mom make the most educated decisions regarding her birth and the raising of her child. I am also available as childcare for older children while mom goes to the doctor or runs errands.

Birth Doula
As a Birth Doula I am available to support the mother during the life changing event of childbirth. This includes a pre-event interview to determine the game plan for birth as well as an informational packet for the parents to be. I reserve two weeks before and two weeks after your due date to be on call for your birth to be sure I can be present when you go into labor. I will attend your birth to help ensure moms wishes are carried out and to offer support in the event of a change of circumstance. I remain for a period of time after to ensure mommy and baby bonding is properly begun and help with any things the mother or family may request. I can also offer birth photography if the family desires.

PostPartum Doula
As a postpartum doula it is my wish to make the transition to life with baby easier and more pleasant. This means that I will help out with all the essential parts of having a newborn at home. I am available to help with sibling adjustment as well as baby care, meal preparation and planning, and household help.