Labor Doula Services

If you are interested in a package, please see the Packages section.
*** NEW!!! I am now able to accept credit card payments via Paypal. If you wish to pay for your services using Paypal, please contact me. ***

Availability

I have availability to accept labor/birth doula clients as follows:
* April
* May (due dates up to May 15)

What is a Doula?

As a doula, I accompany women in labor to help ensure a safe and satisfying birth experience. I have received education for the doula's role from Seattle Midwifery School (SMS www.seattlemidwifery.org ), Doulas of North America (DONA www.dona.org ), Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA www.cappa.net ), Birthing from Within (www.birthingfromwithin.com ), and various other organizations offering relevant training. I draw on my knowledge and experience to provide emotional support, physical comfort and, as needed, communication with hospital staff (or midwifery staff at a birth center or at a home birth) to make sure that you have the information you need to make informed decisions as they arise in labor. 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 comfort. I am independent and self employed. As your doula, I am working for you, not your care giver, clinic or hospital.

Choosing a Doula.

It is best to set up an informal interview in person, with both you (the mom) and your partner (if applicable). We can meet in your home or location of your choosing. This meeting does not obligate you to use my services, but if you do select me, then I will want to become familiar with your birth plan, including your preferences regarding management options and the use of pain medications. I also want to know your own best ways of coping with pain and fatigue and how you and your partner foresee working together. I prefer to meet with you and your partner twice before labor to become better acquainted, to explore and discuss your priorities and any fears or concerns, and to plan how we might best work together. We may also decide on other meetings and will certainly want to remain in touch by telephone or email.

* The fee for birth doula services is $750, which includes: 1 to 2 prenatal visits, my on-call time, emotional/physical/education support before,during, and after the birth of your child/children, photography at the birth, and 2 postpartum visits. This also includes breastfeeding support and education.