A doula accompanies women in labour to help ensure a safe and satisfying birth experience. As a doula, I draw on my knowledge and experience to provide emotional support, physical comfort and information. I can provide reassurance and perspective to you and your partner, make suggestions for labour 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 caregiver or hospital. I believe we all work together as a team to help ensure the best birth, outcomes and birth memories.
Outline of Services
Birth Doula Support service includes the following:
- Initial consultation
- First prenatal visit—If you decide to engage my services, I will want to become familiar with your birth preferences and to provide any information or education you may need to make informed decisions about your care. As well, it is important for me to know your thoughts about medication as well as defining how you see us working together.
- Second prenatal visit—during this visit we concentrate on recognizing comfort techniques for your birthing time, and to help you feel confident about your tools and techniques we will do at least one birth rehearsal. This is also another opportunity to discuss concerns and questions.
- Phone and/or email consultations—according to need, until 6 weeks postpartum. I encourage you to call me any time you have questions or concerns and after your caregiver visits to keep me updated on your pregnancy.
- Support for your labour, birth, and the immediate postpartum period (up to 3 hours after the birth).
- Postpartum visits—I am available for phone contact to answer questions about the birth or your baby. The timing of postpartum visits depends a great deal on each woman's individual needs. Usually, I will visit once during the first few days after the baby is born, and again in the second or third week. These visits include discussing care for mom and baby, early parenting, and assistance with breastfeeding. These visits are also a chance to review the birth when the family is ready, and to celebrate. Postpartum visits are typically at the hospital or at the mother’s home, and they last for one or two hours.
- Assistance with creating a birth plan
- Birth simulation exercise
- 24 hour availability, with back-up support available
- Acupressure in labour
- Infant massage education
- Cloth diapering education
- Breastfeeding support
- Lending library ~ To view a complete list of books available:
- Please contact me for fee information.
- There may be an additional charge for communities west of the Port Mann Bridge, South Surrey, or mileage over 40 km.
- My typical payment plan includes a retainer fee due upon agreement to engage my services, and two additional post-dated payments. The final cheque, postdated for your due date, will not be cashed until after the birth of your baby.
- I do not wish doula services to be cost prohibitive to a mother who wants support. If necessary, I will happily design an alternate payment plan that will meet your needs. Barter arrangements may also be considered.
- I will consider a reduced rate for women making an adoption plan.
Breastfeeding Support
Private, in-home, one-on-one support as needed.
Cost
This service is charged on an hourly basis of $20 per hour.
Postpartum Doula Support
Coming soon
Placenta Encapsulation
Coming soon
