Services

Prenatal Care

Before labor I will meet with you and your partner for at least two prenatal visits to become well acquainted and explore your priorities and fears regarding your upcoming birth. We will review your plan for birth and discuss how we will best work together as a team.
I will listen to what is important to you and your partner, and take on your hopes and desires as if they were my own.
I will arrange one or more qualified back-up doulas.
I will be "on call" for you 2 weeks before and after your baby's due date in order to be available for the birth. This includes being available, by phone, to answer any and all of your pregnancy related questions.

I prefer that you call me when you think you are in labor, even if you and your partner do not yet need me. I can answer questions and make suggestions over the phone.
We will decide if I should come right then or wait for further change. I usually need approximately one hour to get to you and your partner from the time you ask me to come. We will also decide where to meet-at your home or the planned birth location.
Except for extraordinary circumstances, I will remain with you and your partner throughout labor and birth.
During labor I will be a peaceful presence in the midst of a time full of unexpected challenges. To grieve with you and rejoice with you. To support and encourage you and your partner in whatever ways we have planned.
I can provide reassurance and perspective to you and your partner, make suggestions for labor progress, and help with relaxation, soothing touch, positioning and other techniques for comfort.

I usually remain with you and your partner for 1-2 hours after birth, or until you are comfortable and your family is ready for some quiet time together. I am there to take pictures, order food for you, help with breastfeeding, and make sure you and your partner are cared for, physically and emotionally.
I am available to answer questions about the birth, your postpartum body, or your newborn in those following weeks and months.
I like to get together with you and your partner within a few weeks for a postpartum in-home visit to see how your family is transitioning into life with a new baby, and to review the birth.