Labor Doula Support

 I am available for you 24/7, by phone or email, and depending on the package you choose, in person. My wish is for us to know each other well, so the more we can meet over tea and chocolate croissant, the better. No discussion is off the table, I am here to reassure you and to answer all of your questions.

As our relationship grows, we will discuss your birth and how you envision it, so that we can design a birth plan. I will ask you and your partner your best and worst birth scenario so that we can discuss your fears and address them. We will also talk about diet and activities to stay healthy during pregnancy, and how to get ready for a baby: the things you need to have, how to organize the nursery, your hospital bag etc.. I will recommend childbirth classes and other professionals that you might need like breastfeeding classes, Yoga, chiropractors etc.

Around week 37 we will have a prenatal appointment where we will review your birth plan, talk about relaxation methods, labor positions, and labor stages. Around this time your partner might know how involved they want to be during labor, so that they will tell me how they want me working with them. We will also discuss the postpartum period and how to care for yourself and for your newborn. If you plan to breastfeed we will go over the basics together. Then, we will check the list of the things you have for yourself, your partner and for the baby, and that your hospital bag is ready. Finally we will talk about your fears and concerns.

This meeting is comforting because it feels like we are a sports team preparing for an important game - the last Pow Wow before D-day. Usually my clients tell me things like "it's good to have a plan, let's do this!" They feel ready when I leave.

I am on call from week 37 until you give birth. Most Doula businesses offer 2 Doulas who share on-call time. When you go into labor, you get the doula that is on-call at that particular time. Rest assured, I am a solo Doula, meaning that I will be the one attending your birth. I only take 1 or 2 births a month to make sure that I will be 100% available to you. Now, in case of an emergency I work with a fantastic back-up Doula that you can meet anytime during your pregnancy. So far, I have never missed a birth!

 When labor starts, I will come to your home whenever you need me. Do not be afraid of false start, I will assess the situation with you on the phone and even if you are not sure, I can come to your home to reassure you. When true labor starts, I will stay with you and I will not leave your side until one hour after your baby is born. 

During birth:

- I decorate your hospital room to create a calm and soothing birth space

- I use many tools to make you comfortable and ease your pain

- I help labor progress smoothly

- I help baby descend in the optimal position

- I support your partner so he/she can take care of you 

- I respectfully discuss your birth plan with the medical staff to enforce your wishes

During the first postpartum hour, I will help you with breastfeeding if it is something that you wish to do. I will take pictures of your newly formed family and I tidy up the room. I will answer any questions or worries and I will leave when you are ready for quiet time together. 

Postpartum Appointment

Once you get settled at home, I will come to check on you.  I will give you my birth log to help you write your birth story and the pictures that I took. We will discuss your birth, and I will answer any questions, provide postpartum newborn care tips, and help you with any problems you might be having.

I will stay available for you by phone or email 24/7, for the 6 weeks after the birth so that I can answer any questions or concerns. Once again no topic is off the table!