What does a birth doula do?

Our birth stories stay with us for the rest of our lives, so I want moms to feel heard, empowered, and equipped to make decisions during their birth. The decisions and preferences of the birthing person and family are the only ones that matter. I work hard to give unbiased feedback and present all options in order for moms to give true informed consent. Education and immersion into birth culture is important for expectant mothers. I believe a mom who educates herself will always make the best decision for her and her baby, so I want to give resources that will empower families when making those decisions.  

Prenatals

 Birth support starts way before a mom ever has contractions. During our prenatals before birth, we cover a wide range of topics from birth plans to pain management to partner support and advocacy tools.  

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Birth

During birth I support families through comfort measures, meditation/hypnobirthing, fetal positioning (trained in Spinning Babies), advocacy, and helping partners best support the birthing person.

Golden Hour

After birth I give immediate support with breastfeeding and skin to skin, as well as making sure that a mom's preferences for her newborn care are honored.

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Postpartum Visits

 A birth package comes with 2 postpartum visits. I plan the first visit within the first week of life, then mom schedules the next one. During these visits we address any breastfeeding concerns, give mom a break from baby to take a nap or shower, prep some food for mom to eat, practice baby-wearing, among other things.