Birth is not only about making babies. Birth is about making mothers.
The Birth Partner
Pensacola Doula
Doula Care
My journey into all things birth began with the birth of my first baby. I decided soon after to pursue training as a doula and immediately fell in love. I was trained through DONA International and have been working in the birth space on and off for the last 10 years. It is a great passion and honor to watch women become mothers and the glory of birth never grows old. I'm a partner with Gulf Coast Motherhood seeking to provide birth and postpartum care for women on the Gulf Coast.
What is Doula Care?
Doulas specialize in providing guided support before, during, and after the birth of your baby. Birth doulas focus their expertise on helping to prepare mom and dad for the birth and are actively present during labor with trained knowledge and support. While doulas are not medically trained and offer no medical advice, doulas can help you advocate for your desired birth care, prepare you for what to expect during labor and birth, suggest prenatal exercises to encourage optimal fetal positioning, and help you navigate the different phases of labor. Postpartum, birth doulas provide basic help with lactation and postpartum care, help to ensure you are getting the help and support you need after baby arrives, and are a safe place to debrief your labor and birth. Where doulas can't help, they often have a wealth of information and resources to help you find the answers you need. Hiring a doula statically lowers the possibility of induction, cesarean and unwanted interventions and provides a better opportunity for you to have your desired birth outcome.
What can you expect from my doula care?
Pregnancy Support
- 1-2 prenatal meetings
- Exploration of birth goals and planning
- Helpful handouts (hospital bag checklist, birth plan, etc.)
- 24 hour phone, email, and text support
- Knowledge of what to expect during labor and birth
- Labor support techniques
- Postpartum planning
- 4 weeks of on-call time (starting at 37 weeks)
- Access to my doula library and other resources
Labor Support
- Full labor and birth support
- Advocacy and knowledgable recommendations during labor
- Access to TENS unit and other birth supplies
- Two hours of support immediately following birth
- Help with breast feeding
- Partner support
- Post-birth care
- Back-up on call doula
Postpartum Support
- At least one follow up visit postpartum
- Guidance for recovery and newborn care
- Postpartum resources
- Lactation resources
- 24 hour phone, email, and text support (up to 6 weeks postpartum)
Do you provide doula care and photography together?
Absolutely! Doula care is my first love and the reason I got into motherhood photography! I love supporting mothers through birth. Knowing that hiring both a doula and a photographer can be cost prohibitive and keeping in mind that you may want to limit the amount of people in the room, I am happy to offer both of these services in one package. Of course, taking on the role of both doula and photographer means my time and attention is split between two different roles rather than dedicated to one, so please expect abbreviated labor care and a more flexible photographic outcome. I would love to talk through the details with you and make sure that you are getting the support you need and the pictures you are looking forward to.
What to expect:
I. Let's chat
It is so important that you feel safe and comfortable in your birth space. Our initial phone call will help us get acquainted and determine if we are a good fit. During our call we can talk through your needs during pregnancy, your hopes for your birth story and how I can best support you as your doula. There is no obligation to move forward after our first call, but if we decide to work together, I will send you my contract and your retainer will hold your spot on my calendar. I am happy to schedule additional calls to talk through more details, if necessary.
II. 1-2 Prenatal Meetings
I meet with my clients at least once before their birth, and often twice. We will talk through and work on your birth plan, discuss daily exercises, do abbreviated childbirth education, talk about your wonderings and questions, and go through some labor techniques for you and your spouse. The goal of these meetings is to help you and your birth partner feel as prepared as possible.
III. On- Call and Birth
I am officially on call for your birth 24/7 at 38 weeks (full payment is due at this time). This means that I will stick close and await your phone call, day or night, and plan to arrive at your birth whenever you need me. For some women, I will attend them early on in labor, and for others, I will attend them when they arrive at their desired birthing location. My hope is to accompany you whenever you feel like you need my support. I stay with my clients after birth 2-4 hours postpartum to help with newborn care and breastfeeding support and make sure you are comfortable and well cared for before I leave.
IV. Postpartum
I am available for phone call or text 24/7 up to 6 weeks after your birth. I will make at least one postpartum visit to debrief your birth, answer any lingering questions, and offer advice and resources for breastfeeding and newborn care. Many of my former clients are like family, and I always love to get updates on their growing babies!
Doula Care
Incudes pregnancy, labor and postpartum support
$900.00
**I offer $200 discount for planned birth center or home births**
Doula Care + Birth Photography
Includes pregnancy support, labor and postpartum support + birth photography
$1300.00
**I offer $200 discount for planned birth center or home births**
FAQ
How soon should I hire a doula?
It's never too early to hire a doula! I begin working with most of my clients in the second trimester, but have had many clients prep earlier for their births! I am available as soon as you feel you need additional support and knowledge.
Does a doula replace my partner's role?
No. I am here to support both you and your partner! Your partner and I will collaborate as a team to make the best of your birth experience.
What if I choose to get an epidural?
My job as your doula is to support you through any decision you make in regards to your birth. I am available to help you think through the pros and cons of various interventions, but your birth is YOURS. I can help you prepare for what to expect in different situations and continue to provide support during the pushing phase.
What if my pregnancy becomes high risk?
High risk pregnancies can be very complicated and physically and emotionally difficult. I am here to offer emotional and physical support while also providing comfort during stressful challenges that a high-risk pregnancy may come with. I am available to be a listening ear, answer questions, and help find additional resources.
Do doulas provide medical care? Can you answer my medical questions?
Doulas are not trained medical professionals, and I do not attempt to answer questions or give advice about medical issues related to your pregnancy and birth. I am here to provide support and knowledge to help you have the best birth experience possible, advocate for your desires, and help you know the right questions to ask and help you find the answers you need. I will always defer to your preferred health professional with any medically related questions or concerns.