Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Culpeper - Virginia

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What a Birth Doula Does

Most couples hire a birth doula sometime in the latter half of the pregnancy; the seventh month or thereabouts is ideal, but it's never too late (unless you're already in labor!). Over the course of two or three prenatal visits, I will get to know your family and find out what your unique needs and wishes are for your birth. These visits are where I find out what's important to you, fill in the gaps, if there are any, in your prenatal education, help you form a birth plan if you want to. We will discuss and practice comfort techniques for labor and delivery, and I can provide you with information about virtually anything to do with pregnancy, birth, or babies. I have an ever-expanding lending library available to my clients, and lists of local and internet resources, as well. I maintain "anytime" availability by phone, as well, to answer your questions.

When labor begins, I will join you as early as you wish, and provide continuous support until a couple of hours after the baby is born. Unless you request it, I don't leave you during labor except to use the restroom! This is the unique role of the birth doula; everyone else involved in the birth is either a part of the medical team, or is a friend or family member with a strong emotional involvement in the situation. I'm there just to help the mother and her partner have a good experience. Some ways in which I might do this range from simply being quietly present in the room, to providing clear, objective information about medical procedures, to giving massages, assisting with positioning, fetching snacks and drinks, or suggesting ways in which the partner can help the mother cope. I will be as "hands-on" or "hands-off" as the couple desires, and support whatever decisions they might make.

After the baby arrives, I will stay with the mother for an hour or two. If she will be nursing, I can help her get off to a good start with that, and answer other questions she might have about her new baby or her own recovery.

I usually make two postpartum visits, one at the hospital the day after the birth (if it was a hospital birth), and another at home a week or two later, to process the birth experience and address any questions or concerns (and maybe to pinch little baby cheeks!). I am available to my clients by phone any time they have questions during the first six weeks postpartum. If there is anything I can't help with myself, or that is beyond the scope of my practice, I will always help my clients locate outside resources for help.

This is a general outline of the kind of care I typically provide. However, I am flexible with regard to specific numbers of visits, since my highest priority is to make sure my families get the kind of help they really need in order to have the best birth they can. Also, the specific ways I can provide support during visits and the birth itself are too many to list; but just to name a few things, I have a strong interest in massage and reflexology techniques, aromatherapy, and use of the rebozo. I am familiar with the Bradley method of childbirth, as well. I am open to just about anything a client might request during labor, as one of the aspects of attending births I most enjoy is every woman's unique way of bringing her baby into the world!

Birth Doula Fees:

I am certified through DONA International. The fee for birth doula services is $550. However, I recognize that there are some women for whom this fee is truly a financial hardship; if this is the case for you, but you are in need of a doula, please send me an email. I may be able to help or give you a referral.

What a Postpartum Doula Does

Many couples hire their postpartum doula before the baby's birth, happy in the knowledge that they will have extra help and support lined up from the start. Some are lucky enough to receive postpartum services as a baby shower gift (Motherwit gift certificates are available!). Others realize later, days or weeks after the birth, that they could benefit from doula service-usually after the grandparents have gone home and sleep deprivation begins to take its toll! In any case, I am happy to help new families get off to a great start!

My postpartum services vary widely, according to each family's unique needs. I will come to your home for a free, no-obligation interview, where we can discuss the kind of help you are looking for and create a plan accordingly. I can provide help in many areas, including cooking, light cleaning, errand running, entertaining siblings, walking the dog, doing laundry, or watching the baby while mom showers, naps, or gets out of the house for an hour or two. In addition, I have both training and personal experience with breastfeeding, and I can help with lots of minor difficulties and questions, or help you find a lactation specialist if need be. I'm happy to answer questions about newborn care, postpartum recovery and the physical and psychological changes you are experiencing, and am always willing to listen if you just need to process your birth and postpartum experiences. If you need anything beyond my scope of practice, I keep an extensive resource list, and will help you find what you are looking for. My lending library of pregnancy, birth, and baby-related books is always available to my clients, as well.

I am certified as a postpartum doula through Full Circle, Inc, a local Richmond-based doula organization. I can provide references from former clients at your request.

Postpartum Doula Fees:

My fee for postpartum services is $20 per hour, with a minimum of four hours (though these may be split over two days). I am happy to offer a 10% discount on postpartum services to families whom I also served as a birth doula.

Gift Certificates

Doula service, especially postpartum, makes a fantastic baby shower gift! What new family wouldn't appreciate someone to "mother" them through those challenging early weeks with their newborn? Several friends or family members might split the cost of a week's worth of help, which can then be scheduled by the lucky recipients. Just contact me to customize your gift certificate.

Home Page - Services & Fees - Articles                                         Email or call (540) 972-3878