Working with a Doula
Being a doula is such an honor and joy! We live in a culture where there is a lot of stigma around needing help. We are highly independent and somewhat cut off from our “village”. Doulas fill in the gaps and hold space for you to truly be present in your transition to parenthood. Which can at times be kind of uncomfortable, especially if you are typically the person that does things for other people vs. letting people care for you. It can be hard to accept the kind of care a doula has to offer. As a doula I am here to tell you, you are worth it, you deserve it, and it is truly our pleasure to do it. I want you to get the most out of this time together. Working with a doula is not just a service but a relationship that you can depend on. Something I wish for all my future clients to know is- you aren’t bothering me. I want you to send the late night text when you feel anxious. I want to know your concerns big and small. I also genuinely want to do your dishes ;). Your feelings, thoughts, and boundaries are not a bother, they help me care for you better. It can take time to develop this kind of relationship of course, it doesn’t always happen overnight. I want you to know your doula is here to receive you and meet you where you are.
My approach to being a doula is somewhat passive. This is not to say I am not hands on or will not offer information or support where I see it may be needed. The world is full of opinions and advice, often unsolicited, especially about pregnancy, birth, and babies. I believe you know your body better than anyone and you know what is best for your baby. I want to make room for you to develop and trust your intuition. I do not see my role as someone who tells you what to do, or to override your instincts. I am a resource for you to get the information you need and then support your choices all the way. I work collaboratively with my clients to nurture your confidence and create a stable environment where healing and growth can happen. I am here to facilitate a space where you can just be.
This is a general, practical outline of what my doula services look like and include.
Wether you are looking for birth or postpartum support (or both!) there is an initial consultation to get a sense of the kind of care you are looking for. These are typically done over the phone or zoom. I am also happy to have a coffee date too.
This consult is a time for us to go over a few things-
Experience, training, and history
What you are hoping for, expectations, goals
Questions we may have for one another
Schedule, timing, and fee
Anything else that may come up!
After the consultation, I will send a follow up email that recaps what was covered and an outline for next steps if we feel that it is a good fit which includes a contract that you can look over.
My birth package includes-
3 prenatal meetings, in person or over zoom. We will go over comfort measures, creating a birth preference sheet, questions for providers, postpartum prep, resources, childbirth education, and any other information you are curious about.
You have unlimited access to me via text, phone, or email. We can also schedule short check ins between prenatal meetings as well.
During labor I will either join you at home or at your chosen birth place, whenever you are ready for me.
I will stay and support you continuously until the baby is born. I will be there for an hour or two after the baby is born to make sure you are settled.
1 postpartum check in via phone, zoom, or in person. We can use this time to process your experience, share resources, and make sure you feel supported in the 4th trimester.
Postpartum care typically looks like this-
Day time shifts are between 4-6 hours and overnight shifts are typically 10pm- 6am.
The shifts include protected sleep for you, postpartum recovery, baby care, laundry, dishes, food prep, errands, sibling care, pet care, organizing, etc. I will pretty much do anything other than drive you or the baby. Whatever is most supportive to you. Ive done it all, nothing is weird. I promise.
I like to check in at the top of the shift to get a sense of priorities for the day/night, things can shift and change too!
I have worked with families from 2 weeks to 4 months. I don’t find that there is a “normal” amount of time to work with a doula.
Doulas set their own rates and minimums and packages. I charge per hour because it allows for a bit more flexibility. I generally* have an 18 hour minimum for daytime services and a 16 hour minimum for overnights.
This is just a general outline, flexibility is key! Im happy to adjust hours and minimums to something that feels fair for both of us whenever possible.
“Birth is not just about making babies. Birth is about making parents- strong, competent, capable parents who trust themselves and know their inner strength.”
