A few common questions:
My partner is concerned that you are taking his/her place. How is your role different?
I could NEVER take your partner’s place, nor would I want to. My role is to support you as a couple as you welcome your new addition. I provide an extra set of hands–often very useful when you want to be able to look into your partner’s eyes, but also have a killer backache–a challenging contortion for 1 person to get into. If you partner is open to it, I will give suggestions for ways to support you. I will ensure that you will never be left alone throughout the process. Labors can be long. And this is a level of discomfort that your partner has likely never seen you in. Having a person who is not emotionally invested in your relationship, but who is invested in your comfort can be invaluable. I will meet with the two of you to make sure you feel comfortable with the process and with my presence.
How does this all work? What’s the process?
I will meet with you 1-2 times before your labor. We will go over your birth preferences so you are aware of all of your options and so I can support your choices. I’ll give your tools to help with your early labor and we’ll explore different comfort techniques to try to figure out what will be the most effective support system for you.
I am on call from 2 weeks before your due date to 2 weeks after. I plan my schedule so that I am able to come to you at the drop of a hat. I will meet you in early labor, usually at your home. In contact with your doctor, we will decide when to travel to the hospital or birthing center together, so that you will ideally spend more time at home and less time in the hospital. Unless you’re having a home birth, in which case we’ll settle in and prepare for the big event.
What exactly do you do during the labor?
Good question. And my answer really varies from couple to couple, contraction to contraction, breath to breath.
- I give reassurance–from someone who’s been there before that, yes, this is normal.
- I will support your choices and make sure you understand what is happening at all times.
- I will stand behind you if you want to stick to your guns and tell your doctor that you want something different from this experience or if you decide to follow a another path.
- I will suggest positions that will encourage your baby to move down and will help with pain management
- I will utilize tools of massage, essential oil therapy, breath work, visualization, and body scan meditations to help you get to the moment when you hold your baby in your arms.
- I will help you with breastfeeding.
- I will be by your side from the moment you decide you need additional support in your early labor until you feel settled and ready to rest after the birth of your baby.
I’m planning to have an epidural. Why would I need a doula?
I have supported women in all kinds of situations from home births to hospitals. Even if you are planning to have an epidural, know that you will likely have many hours before you go to the hospital and depending on how busy things are there, it may take hours before you get the epidural once you do arrive. Your likelihood for a cesarean section goes down if you wait until you are 5 centimeters dilated before getting an epidural. I will make help make those centimeters as comfortable as possible. I’m also not just a physical support. Birth can be an emotional time for couples. I’ll be with you from start to finish, supporting you and cheering you on in a variety of ways.
Are you available for my due date? Do you have anyone I can speak to about your services?
You can click here to view my availability calendar. I have a couple of client reviews posted there, but I’m always willing pass along references who would be happy to speak with you.