Each family is unique, so I tailor my services to the needs of your family. Prenatal visits are an opportunity to get to know each other, and for me learn what is important to you. Maybe Dad is really excited about being Mom’s biggest support person and he wants some tips about how to be involved in a helpful way. Maybe mom is anxious about interventions or avoiding circumstances from a previous birth. Maybe you would like photography to capture the first few moments of meeting your new little one. During our prenatal time together, I can get to know your family and how to best support you. This is also a time to share information about how to make the most of your birth experience. We can use the opportunity to make a simple birth plan and discuss your hopes or any anxiety of birth. I bring along with me a lending library of books with topics ranging from birth to newborn care.
During the birth, I will stay with you helping your birth partners to be involved and making sure everyone is supported. I can make suggestions for position changes and movement, will remind you to stay nourished and hydrated, and will strive to keep the atmosphere calm. I come to your house, if desired, to guide you when making your decision as to when you should leave for the hospital, if that is your place of birth. This will help you to avoid going to the hospital too early or too late – which is less often. Home is where you will labor the best. You have your own bed, shower, and food. It’s naturally where you are most comfortable. If you are planning a homebirth, along with my normal role as a doula, I also like to stay after the birth and help clean-up and see that you are feed and tucked into bed before I leave.
During the early postpartum period (1-2 hours after the birth), I stay with your family to assist with breastfeeding and make sure that you and your birth partners have had a meal. Once I see that you are cozy and I’ve taken a few pictures of your new family, I leave you to have some quiet time together. Within a week or so, I like to visit your family and review your birth story and make sure you are all adjusting well to life with your new baby.
