Doula and Lactation Support for New and Expectant Parents
About
whY I Do This work
My goal is to facilitate a peaceful experience for each family member involved by helping parents transition into their roles of caring for a new baby while supporting each other. I believe that birth is a sacred time in the life of each person involved. I will encourage self-education during the pregnancy and assist in clear communication with medical providers to meet the family's needs.
I will support you in giving birth in the way that reflects your own values. Being a part of your birthing space as you welcome a new life into the world is a sacred privilege. I have worked as a mother-baby nurse, where I have taken care of newborns and postpartum moms in a hospital setting. I have also worked as a therapist and have helped couples with strengthening relationships as well as assisted people with anxiety. which can develop during pregnancy or birth. Along with this, my experience as a medical social worker gives me a working knowledge of resources you may need during your transitions through pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum phase of your life. Finally, I am a certified lactation counselor and was trained through the Healthy Children Project.
Services
As a doula, I will provide three prenatal visits to discuss birth preferences, goals and provide suggestions on preparing for your birth mentally, physically and emotionally. Beginning at 37 weeks of your pregnancy, I will be on call and ready to meet you at your home when you feel the need for support. As your labor begins, I will help you (and your partner or other support person if applicable) to find the best ways to experience that labor with the most comfort and ease possible. This may include suggestions on different laboring positions, providing hands-on massage or pressure, and continuing to be a calming presence for you. If you are giving birth in a hospital, then I will go with you to the hospital if their policy allows. After your birth, I will remain with you until you feel settled with your baby. Often this will include help with your first breastfeeding if you and your baby need guidance.
I offer services as a doula for $1200 which includes the fee for attending your birth, as well as two to three prenatal visits, and one to two postpartum visits depending on your needs and preferences. I will also address breastfeeding/lactation concerns as a part of this package, at the time of birth, and/or during the postpartum visit(s). Please do not let money be a barrier for you to have doula support: contact me about in-kind forms of payment or other arrangements we can make.
As a lactation counselor, I will provide an initial home visit for $80, with the understanding that this often also requires follow-up trouble-shooting by phone call or text messaging, included in that fee. The fee for additional home visits is $30. If you prefer virtual services only, we can also set up a video session, with the same fee of $80. I really enjoy helping parents on their breastfeeding journeys. As I mentioned about doula support, please contact me about in-kind payment or other ways to prevent money being a barrier.
