Hiring a Birth Doula
What can you expect when you hire me as your doula?
Sometime between when you find out you’re pregnant and when you have your baby you can hire a doula. Earlier is better, as many of us need to limit the amount births we attend monthly, AND there are benefits to having your doula in your back pocket earlier on.
The first step is to give me a call for an initial consultation. That can either be in-person or over the phone. This interaction will give us a chance to begin to get to know each other, to see if we will make a good fit. We’ll go over the contract, some about-you information. Then we’ll part ways and check in soon if you’d like to sign the contract and hire me!
After I’m hired, I block out the space in my calendar around your due date. I don’t want to miss a birth, so I strive to not over-book clients! But just in case something happens (if I’ve got puking kids, etc.) I DO have a back-up doula available. You’ll be able to meet Clara ahead of time if you’d like that to be an option for you.
I will be available throughout your pregnancy for questions, to check in on how you’re feeling, or to just connect. I love a text now and then to hear about how you are doing! If something comes up in an appointment that you didn’t quite understand, or want to talk through, give me a call!
Around the time you are 36-37 weeks along we will get together for a couple hours to go over the game-plan you have for labor and birth. I love coming to your home for this for a comfortable and private setting to be in with you and your family.
When you have signs of labor you’ll let me know. I’ll have a bag packed and ready to go when you are. As active labor sets in, I can meet you at home to help you there, or head to the hospital to meet you if that’s what you’d like. OR maybe you’re having the baby at home?! Excellent. I’ll be there when you’re ready for me.
I will be with you throughout labor. I am there to apply counterpressure, to remind you of the last time you went bathroom, to make sure your husband gets rest or food if he needs, to give you words of encouragement, to help you talk through decisions that may pop up, and more. My role for you is as unique as you are, as this labor is.
I stay for at least the golden hour after birth. There’s a moment that hits that I know my work is done and it’s time for me to go. You’ll be snuggling and loving up on the baby, in your own little bubble. Such an amazing moment.
It’s common for me to be found texting back and forth with the new mom after the baby has been born. I’m there for questions like “What on earth do I do with these nipples?! Ouch!!” It’s what I’m here for! (Coconut oil, btw. That’s what I like for sore nipples initially. But if it’s been more than a couple days with that, we should start talking about latch issues.)
To wrap up my birth doula package, we will schedule a 4 hour postpartum shift. These are also as individual as each mom. Some moms just want to sit and talk for lots of it, some want to go take a nap and/or shower while I mind the baby, and some have a list of things I can do for them (cleaning, folding clothes, etc.). And I love making a fresh pot of soup as I am there. I’m there to help you be nourished in the ways you need.
If this all sounds amazing to you, or you have a few questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!