As a birth doula, I provide emotional and physical support to a woman before, during, and after her labor and delivery. I can also facilitate communication with the staff to ensure that you have the information you need to make informed decisions regarding your baby’s birth. I can provide reassurance and perspective to you and your partner, make suggestions for labor progress, and help with relaxation, massage, positioning and other techniques for your comfort. I am independent and self-employed, and as such, am working for YOU, not your caregiver or place of birth.
Services Included:
BEFORE LABOR
I will meet with you and your partner at least once (preferably twice) before labor to become acquainted with you, explore and discuss your priorities and any fears or concerns, present evidence-based information on the risks and benefits of common interventions and procedures used during childbirth, discuss your birth plans, and plan how we might best work together. I will teach you relaxation and breathing techniques that will assist you during your labor and explain why this is so important. We may also decide on other meetings, and will remain in touch by telephone and/or e-mail communication. My #1 goal during this time is to empower Moms to trust that their bodies are perfectly designed for birth.
DURING LABOR
I prefer that you call me when you think you are in labor, even if you do not yet need me. This gives me time to clear my calendar for the next 24 hours. I can answer questions and make suggestions over the phone, and we can decide if I should come to you then, or wait for further change. I usually need approximately one hour to get to you from the time you ask me to come. We will also decide where to meet (home or hospital). Except for extraordinary circumstances, I will remain with you throughout your labor and birth.
AFTER THE BIRTH
I usually remain with you for one or two hours after the birth, until you are comfortable and your family is ready for quiet time together. I can also help with initial breast feeding. I am available to answer questions about the birth or your baby, and I will schedule a follow-up meeting within a few weeks of the birth to make sure everything is going well and answer any questions you might have.
LIMITATION OF SERVICES
As a doula, I DO NOT:
-
Perform clinical tasks, such as taking blood pressure, fetal heart checks or vaginal exams. I am there to provide only physical comfort and emotional support and facilitate communication between you and the staff.
-
Make decisions for you. I will help you get the information you need to make an informed decision. I will also remind you if there is a departure from your birth plan.
-
Speak to the staff on your behalf. I will discuss your concerns with you and suggest options, as well as encourage you to voice your opinions, questions and concerns to the staff.
EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES
As a doula, I can help you prepare for your birth, but I cannot guarantee that your birth will go as planned. If you plan a vaginal delivery and a cesarean is performed after the onset of labor, I will continue to provide support during the cesarean surgery (as allowed by hospital and/or doctor policies) as well as immediately after to help with your comfort and breast feeding. I will also follow-up with you after the birth, as I do with all my clients. In this scenario, my full fee applies, and no refund will be given.
If you and your doctor decide that a planned cesarean is necessary (that is, a cesarean done before your due date and/or before the onset of labor), I will provide support during the cesarean (as allowed by hospital and/or doctor policies) and immediately after, as well as one additional 3-hour postpartum visit to assist with breast feeding, cleaning, laundry, baby care, etc. for my usual fee.
FAILURE TO PROVIDE SERVICES
I will make every effort to provide the services described here. If my failure to attend your birth is due to my error, there will be no charge for my services and I will refund the fee, minus the retainer.
If my failure to attend your birth is due to an error on your part (failing to call me, for example) no refund will be given, and I will keep my full fee.
If my failure to attend your birth is due to a rapid labor (baby is born less than one hour after you call me and ask me to come), I will provide an additional 3 hours of postpartum support at no cost once you are discharged from the hospital. This can include assistance with breast feeding, laundry, cleaning, baby care, etc. My full fee applies.
Any other circumstances out of my control that result in my absence at your birth will be addressed on a case-by-case basis, and may or may not result in a partial or full refund.
FEES
NO CHARGE: Initial interview to see if we are a good match (1-2hrs.)
If we decide to work together, for the services described above to be paid as follows:
$350 as a retainer fee, due when you select me as your doula and sign this contract.
$350 due by the end of your 37th week (two weeks before your due date).
Total savings of $45!
Gift Certificates are always available.
Want to know how you can get a FREE MASSAGE!?
Refer a friend and make sure they give me your name when they come in. For each person you refer, you will get a FREE MASSAGE!
Receiving a massage during pregnancy is highly recommended for most women. It can give you relief from muscle spasms, cramps, fibrosis, myofascial pain, especially in the back and neck, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. It increases blood and lymph circulation and supports physiological process of gestation by supporting the function of the heart, increasing cellular respiration, and reducing edema. It can greatly decrease tension, stress, and can increase mobility and overall daily function, physically and emotionally.
Total savings of $70!
This offer applies to any modality EXCEPT Hot Stone Therapy.
Before giving a massage, I will determine what my clients' needs are based on the information that is given, as well as based on what I observe and feel. I will use any combination of the following modalities: Parasympathetic, Circulatory/Swedish, Deep Tissue, Zen-Touch, Hawaiian Lomi-Lomi, Sports, and PNF Stretching.
The style of bodywork you can expect to receive from me is very relaxing and therapeutic. The benefits are wide-ranging and include but are not limited to: relief from aches and pains, decreased stress level, increased circulation, enhanced mental clarity, and increased flexibility.
This is a great option for someone who wants the benefits of the hot stone therapy but cannot afford the full Hot Stone Therapy Session. It includes treatment with hot stones on the back and/or major problem areas with the use of 8-10 stones as apposed to the 50 stones used in the full treatment. It is very relaxing and therapeutic, especially this time of year. The heat from the stones warms you down to your core.
Hot Stone Therapy is a style of massage where heated stones are placed at specific sites on your body to deepen relaxation, increase circulation & metabolism, stimulate the nervous system, and release toxins. I will also use the heated stones in my hands to glide across the muscles as I would in a traditional swedish or deep tissue massage. Muscles that are heated with these stones release tension and stress much more deeply and quickly. The overall experience is very relaxing, nurturing, and rejuvenating.
Yoga is the art of creating inner peace and wellness by reuniting the mind, body, and spirit.
It is extremely important, especially for beginners, to get one on one attention before attending a group yoga class. Having correct alignment in each posture is imperative in order to have a positive experience, during and after the class. I have heard way too many reports of people getting injured in a yoga class. When given proper individual instruction, yoga can actually help overcome injuries and pain. I have experienced it myself and have seen it help many of my students and colleagues as well.
The first session will be a consultation and assessment to determine what your specific needs and goals are. The following sessions will be 60 minute classes specifically designed to meet your needs and goals discussed in the first session.