Other Labor+Birth Options
Consultation Companionship
Perhaps you want the wisdom and experience of a doula, but prefer to not have an additional person in the room...
There is amazing value in having a "birth buddy," perhaps best thought of as:
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Accompanying you through decisions made prenatally (selecting or changing a provider, should we induce?, childbirth education options, etc.)
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Providing guidance and education while you weigh your options, and write your birth support plan (some call this a "birth plan")
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Normalization of the signs and progress of labor, and helping you determine when to do what- including when to head to the hospital
Pricing is determined by how many meetings we plan before your due date, and the extent to which you'd like me to be available through your labor.
Mid pregnancy
Attend a live streamed childbirth class with me
Join me for Guided Spinning Babies for Parents
Write a birth support plan that suits your circumstances and preferences, with guidance around your choice of provider and birth setting
Late third trimester
We'll hold a few virtual meetings to discuss restrictions at the hospital, and practice comfort measures, positions, time-tested tools and techniques.
Checklist:
Game plan how and when to be in touch in early labor
Create and finalize a realistic birth plan that reflects your preferences
Discuss alternative virtual support in active labor (Zoom? FaceTime?)
Pack your hospital bag, using doula tips
Labor & Birth
As labor begins, your questions have a quick answer... from identifying early labor signs to comfort measures as things get underway, reminders to eat and rest, and guidance on when to transition to the hospital-- this is the informational support that doula families benefit so much from, in listening to the labor together. This support begins via text and phone, can extend to visiting you at home to help assess transitioning to the hospital, when more aggressive coping techniques are needed.
Checklist:
Text when you feel new sensations that make you wonder
Communicate with as much detail as you can. We may utilize text and later, video
Use recommendations for rest, sustenance, hydration, positions
Assess when to transition to the hospital; I will meet you there once admitted*
Virtual means: expect continuous communication via text and video (if you choose) upon admission
Postpartum
Around 2 hours after your birth, you'll move to a postpartum room. Hospital stays vary based on how your baby was born, and how you and baby are doing post-birth. In this phase, I encourage you to learn from on-staff lactation consultants and practice sleeping in shifts until you discharge from the hospital.
Checklist:
Consider options for early discharge from the hospital to limit your stay
Communicate with me when heading home, and any time you need some love
Utilize the Resource Page for online parent groups and lactation support at home
Schedule your postpartum belly bind
