Doula Services
The word, "Doula," comes from the Greek word for the most important female servant in an ancient Greek household: the woman who assisted the lady of the house through her childbearing. Today, Doula refers to a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional, spiritual, and informational support to the mother and father before, during, and after childbirth. A Doula believes in Mothering the Mother -- enabling a woman to have the most satisfying and empowered time she can through this important journey. This type of support also helps the whole family to relax and enjoy the beautiful experience.
Birth Doula
Michelle is a trained and experienced birth and postpartum Doula of over 10 years. She has assisted women and families in over 300 births and continues to provide emotional support, physical comfort measures, spiritual guidance, communication between medical staff and families, and education so that women can make informed choices about their plans for birth.
Birth Doula Package Includes
- One prenatal meeting to discuss your preferences and concerns
- On-call service two weeks before and after your due date
- Continual presence for the entire labor and delivery
- Support with initial breastfeeding and bonding just after delivery
- One postpartum visit in your home
Examples of Doula Services During Labor
- Guidance in breathing techniques, positioning, birth ball, use of bath and shower, and other comfort techniques
- Massage and use of essential oils
- Use of herbal allies to assist with the progression of labor
- Help with timing your contractions and aid in the decision to transition to the place of delivery
- Remind your care provider of your birth preferences and facilitate your decisions
- Manage communications between you, your partner, and medical staff
- Protect your from any potentially negative energy
- Remind you that you are safe, strong, and beautiful
Postpartum Doula
As a postpartum Doula, Michelle continues to provides a nurturing presence and practical guidance to help ease the transition from pregnancy to new parenthood. In contrast to a baby nurse who cares solely for the newborn, the postpartum Doula is a nurturing presence for the whole family. She supports the mother as she cares for the baby, supports the parents into their new roles, and is also available to the other children. Postpartum services can be customized to last anywhere from one or two visits to several weeks or months.
Postpartum Services Include
- Support with breastfeeding
- Newborn care
- Sibling care
- Emotional and physical recovery from labor
- Acupuncture treatments and herbal allies
- Meal preparation and light housekeeping
- Unlimited phone and email support
- On-call services or live-in care (based on your personal needs)