What is a Birth Doula?

The origin of the word "doula" comes from Greek and means "woman servant". It is pronounced doo-luh. 
As birth doula, I offer continuous emotional and physical support before, during, and after childbirth. In addition, I also provide assistance by gathering research based information for the expecting family in order to make informed decisions and to prepare for birth and the new life with their baby.
Numerous clinical studies have found that a doula’s presence at birth:

Tends to result in shorter labors with fewer complications.
Reduces negative feelings about one’s childbirth experience.
Reduces the need for pitocin (a labor-inducing drug), forceps or vacuum extraction and cesareans.
Reduces the mother’s request for pain medication and/or epidurals.

I support your labor and birth choices:

Homebirth, Birth Center, Hospital Birth, non-medicated and medicated, VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean), VBAMC (Vaginal Birth After Multiple Cesareans), planned cesarean, unplanned cesarean, surrogacy.

What if I have a cesarean delivery?

In case of a cesarean delivery, I can help you understand the procedures and design a birth plan specifically for cesareans. Depending on hospital's policy and the anesthesiologist, I may stay with you during the surgery or join you while your partner stays with the baby. I can help you relax and help initiate breastfeeding, take photographs, etc. Other services listed above also apply for cesarean deliveries. Planned cesarean support is also available. 

What a doula does NOT:

  • Speak for you to your provider or nurses.
  • Make decisions for you.
  • Push her personal agenda on you.
  • Judge you.
  • Provide medical or clinical services such as vaginal exams, blood pressure checks, etc. 
  • Interfere with dad/partner during labor and birth.

Certified Labor and Birth Doula Services

What does the birth doula service include?

Before Birth:
  • Non-obligatory meeting so that we can see if we are a good match. This meeting lasts no longer than an hour and takes place at a public location like a coffee shop if you live further than 25 miles from Loma Linda, CA. 
  • Phone and e-mail support.
  • At least one prenatal visit so that we can get acquainted and discuss your hopes and goals. No meeting is the same. I can answer any questions you may have concerning birth, risks and benefits of common interventions. We may practice techniques and positions that might be helpful to you during birth. These visits last on average two hours.
  • Resources and education depending on your needs. 
  • Assistance in creating a birth plan. 

Birth time:
  • When you feel that you need additional support, I'll meet you either at your home and/or your chosen birthplace.
  • Assistance with different natural pain management techniques such as relaxation, aromatherapy, massage, hot/cold packs, positioning, breathing, and more. 
  • Relaxing and calm birth environment where you can feel safe and comfortable. 
  • Facilitate communication between you and the clinical staff.

After birth:
  • I will stay with you up to two hours after birth.
  • Breastfeeding support. 
  • Resources depending on your needs.
  • Phone and email support after baby's birth. 
  • Postpartum visits vary. 

Birth Doula Packages and Fees

Basic - $400
All of the above
One prenatal visit
Phone and email postpartum support

Standard - $500
All of the above
Two prenatal visits
One postpartum visit (2 hours)

Deluxe - $600
All of the above
Three prenatal visits
Two postpartum visits (2 hours each but may be combined for night support)

*Prices for locations within 25 miles of Loma Linda, CA. 
 
PROFESSIONAL BIRTH PHOTOGRAPHY 
Free for all birth doula clients while I'm in training and building my portfolio.   

Additional Information
$100 are due at contract signing. Contract is due before first prenatal visit.
Payment plans (as postdated checks) are available with the full payment being due no later than 37 weeks. 
I accept cash, checks and credit cards via Paypal.
Ask family and friends to help you get a doula as a shower gift or via Baby Registry! Gift Certificates for all services available. 
Partial barter services are available.
Doula services may be reimbursable by health care FSA's (Flexible Spending Accounts).