What is a Labor Doula?

A Labor Doula is a woman who mothers the mother through pregnancy, labor, birth and the postpartum period. Studies have revealed that support in labor has profound benefits including shorter labor, less desire for pain medication, lower rate of Caesarian delivery, and more ease in initiation of breast feeding. Fathers reported that they were more relaxed with a Doula present, because they felt reassured and therefore freer to support their mates.

Labor Doulas do NOT diagnose medical conditions in the mother or the baby but will refer you to a health care provider when appropriate. I am not a lactation consultant but have breastfed my own child and have further breastfeeding education and experience. I will refer you to a lactation consultant as appropriate.

I would love to talk on the phone or meet for an interview to see if we are a good fit. It is important to choose a doula you and your partner both feel comfortable with. In order to retain my services, you will need to review and sign a Labor Doula Contract.

Services Provided as Labor Doula

• Two 2.5-hour prenatal appointments (a maximum of 5 hours)
• Assistance in creating a birth plan
• Use of a Birth Ball (from 34 weeks to postpartum visit)
• Referrals to other professionals, as needed
• Lending library of reading materials and videos
• On call from 38 weeks until labor begins
• Telephone and email support (limited to 3 hrs) 
• Continuous physical and emotional support throughout labor & delivery (massage, positioning, visualization, comfort)
• Assistance with photography and/or videotape
• Up to two hours of immediate postpartum and breastfeeding support
• One 1-hour postpartum visit to discuss birth (includes breastfeeding/bottle feeding assistance)
• Postpartum phone/email support for 14 days (to consult about baby, mother, parenting)

Cost: $650
$150.00 Deposit at contract signing, followed by payments of:
$200.00 at 33 weeks, $150.00 at 35 weeks, $150.00 at 37 weeks