Birth doula services
Doulos
“servant or one who gives herself up to another’s will”
As your doula, I am committed to your satisfaction in your birth.
I will work closely with you to ease your fears and lessen your concerns.
I will help you identify your birth values to prepare more confidently for the type of birth experience that feels just right for you.
I will assist you in fully understanding your options and engage in discussions with you on the benefits, risks, trade-offs, and alternatives of those options so that you can make informed and confident decisions. This includes if you choose to give birth naturally, use any pain medications (including epidural), and/or have a c-section.
I will plan and implement strategies for coping with your labor.
I will assist you in planning your birth.
I will respect your goals and desires without bias or judgment.
I will provide resources and referrals as needed and requested.
I will provide continuous emotional, informational and physical support throughout the entirety of your birth experience.
I will keep your confidence and protect your privacy concerning ordinary and sensitive matters.
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“The Doula Effect”
from Evidence Based Birth
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39% Decrease
in risk of c-section
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15% increase
in likelihood of spontaneous vaginal birth
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10% decrease
in the use of any medications for pain relief
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41 minutes
of shorter labor
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38% decrease
in the baby’s risk of a low five minute Apgar score
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31% decrease
in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experince
What I expect from you
First and foremost, I expect that you will be honest with, and true to, yourself. In other words, acknowledge and respect who you are and what appeals to you and plan and prepare for a birth experience that will satisfy you.
I expect that you will share your values and goals with me, as well as your special needs or individual circumstances, and allow me to help you design the type of support you need to achieve your goals.
I encourage you to face your fears and concerns and approach them directly, with my guidance and support, if it would be helpful to you.
I hope that you will prepare for your birth by either reading a book or attending a good-quality childbirth/breastfeeding class.
I hope you will not be shy about asking for my assistance and allowing me to be a shoulder to lean on and a resource for you.
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PRICING
Birth Doula : $800.00-$1,000.00 total (non-refundable deposit is due when hired)
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I am currently accepting clients in the Northern Massachusetts area (Fitchburg, Lunenburg, Groton, Ayer, and surrounding towns) and Southern New Hampshire area (New Ipswich, Rindge, Nashua, Milford, and surrounding towns). I will travel up to 1.5 hours from Fitchburg/Groton Area.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
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3-4 pre-natal visits
Each pre-natal visit will be 1-2 hours long. I would like to meet at least twice in person, the other two can be either in person or over the phone/video chat. These visits will start around 34 weeks.
Getting to know YOU
Going over your Birth Plan
Going over Comfort Measures
Finalizing everything (optional visit)
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Labor Support
I prefer that you call me when you think you are in labor, even if you 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 from the time you ask me to come.) We will also decide where to meet—at your home, the birth center or hospital. Except for extraordinary circumstances, I will remain with you throughout the labor and birth. As a birth doula, I will assist you if you give birth naturally, use any pain medications (including epidural), and/or have a c-section.
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Birth Support
I usually remain with you for one to two hours after birth, until you are comfortable and your family is ready for quiet time together. I am available anytime for phone contact to answer questions about the birth or your baby.
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postpartum visit
The postpartum visit will be 1-2 hours long. This visit will be in person and is one to two weeks after birth.
We will :
See how you and baby are doing, review your birth, offer help with newborn care, and receive feedback from you about my role.
(A second postpartum visit can be arranged if wanted by mother.)
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Communication
Communicating on a regular basis will give you and I the opportunity to become even more familiar and comfortable with one another.
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Resources
I have many resources available for you including :
Referrals to chiropractors, pelvic floor therapists, lactation consultants, and more.
Pregnancy tips and tricks.
Prepping for labor and delivery.
What to know about post delivery.
How to handle and care for your newborn baby.
What books, websites, and podcasts are a must read/listen.