Birth Doula:
Which package is right for you?
A positive birth experience begins with...
. . . you feeling informed, capable, respected, and safe.
The time to prepare for that kind of experience is now, during your pregnancy. You have the space to explore all your questions and uncertainties, and a doula gives you the attention and guidance to do that well.
Start with a FREE 45-minute consultation and see where it takes us. My services range from one-on-one 90-minute consultations to comprehensive packages that support you from pregnancy through postpartum.
What is a Birth Doula?
A birth doula is a new spin on an old tradition. In the “old days” (when all births happened at home), a birthing person would be cared for by friends, relatives, and the local midwife if there was one. The birthing person would know everyone in the room, and everyone in the room would know what to do to help.
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Even today, almost everyone wants someone they know and trust to help them through labor, birth, and postpartum. But our friends and relatives may not know much about birth and babies, or how to help.
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If that sounds like what you want, the next question is... am I the doula for you?
Here's what I can promise you...
I understand the birth process, so I know how to support it.
I will take the time to learn your specific preferences.
I won’t judge how you choose to birth, I will honor it.
As your doula, I will be many things for you…
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An extra set of hands to help comfort you in labor
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An expert coach for your partner or other support people on how to assist you
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A calming presence in the background if you don’t need my hands-on support
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A resource with many tips and tricks for when you don’t know what to do
I am certified as a birth doula by PALS and INEPES.
Sliding Scale Fees
Everyone should be able to have a doula if they want one. I offer a sliding scale as one way to acknowledge the differences in income, generational wealth, privilege, and costs of services that exist in our current economy. As a small business owner, I can’t change the systems of economic disparities and social injustice as quickly as I’d like. But this is how I can create more opportunities for equity, change the way business is done, and make a difference in the lives of folks in my community.
Learn more about my sliding scale here...
Consultations & Packages
90 minute sessions
Suggested investment: $150 for one session or package of three for $400
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Consultation sessions can be used as you wish. They can be helpful for those who would like personalized guidance around birth preparation, postpartum planning, infant feeding, or newborn care. Sessions include:
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Personalized education
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Resources
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Handouts and exercises
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Apply the cost of your consultations to your doula fee if you decide to hire me as your doula
Birth Doula Packages
Premium
Suggested investment: $4000
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One virtual birth planning session
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Two in-person prenatal sessions 2-3 hours
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Labor support
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Birth photography - all photos with 10 edited “bests”
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One 5-6 hour daytime postpartum session
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Nursery suggestions
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Baby Feeding Information
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12 daytime hours or 10 nighttime hour of postpartum support
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Infant massage education
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Sleep Conditioning Education
Comprehensive
Suggested investment: $3000
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One virtual birth planning session
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Two in-person prenatal sessions 2-3 hours
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Labor support
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Birth photography - all photos with 5 edited “bests”
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One 5-6 hours daytime postpartum session
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Nursery suggestions
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Baby Feeding Information
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Infant Massage Education
Basic
Suggested investment: $2000
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One virtual birth planning session
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One in-person prenatal session 2-3 hours
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Labor support
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Birth photography - all photos unedited
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One 2-3 hours daytime postpartum session
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Baby Feeding Information
My doula services include...
PRENATAL VISITS
These visits are held in your home, or a coffee shop, or other comfortable location. These visits are casual, engaging, and super helpful. We discuss all sorts of things: your preferences for your birth, what you think will be helpful to you in labor, what everyone present at your birth can do to help you. We can practice positions and movements if you like, write a birth plan, make helpful lists, and share resources. Some clients ask me to attend one of their doctor/midwife visits with them — to meet their care provider, help remember questions to ask, and debrief after — so if that would be helpful for you, one of your prenatal visits can be used in that way.
LABOR & BIRTH SUPPORT
I join you at your home or birth place when you feel like you need my support. I offer ideas for comfort and coping, provide hands-on support, and bring helpful tools in my birth bag. I show you various positions, and do them with you if you like. I encourage you, and provide information and advocacy when you need it. I stay close by (physically or energetically) for as long as it takes, and coordinate with your support people to get breaks, food, and rest.
POSTPARTUM VISITS
I visit you at home a few days after your baby is born. You don’t have to get out of bed or drive anywhere! I’ll check in on your recovery and adjustment to life with your baby. I’ll answer any questions you have and provide tips and resources. I’ll fold your laundry while we talk, make you a snack, and offer a foot rub, a kind ear, and a hug. What I won’t do? Offer unwanted advice or opinions.
frequently asked questions
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Q: Are you available for my due date?Please call me or fill out my contact form and I will tell you if I am available for your due date. I limit the number of births I attend to 3 per month, and most people contact me when they are 4-6 months pregnant, but feel free to contact me at any point in your pregnancy.
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Q: When should I hire you?As early as you feel working with me will be helpful to you. We can start to meet and get to know each other, explore your ideas and questions, make plans, and prepare for birth and postpartum whenever you are ready. For most people, that’s around 6-7 months into their pregnancy.
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Q: What if I am planning a cesarean birth?I support you before, during, and after your birth wherever or however it occurs. Due to hospital policies, there are some things I might not be allowed to do. For example, I may not be allowed into the operating room with you. But here’s what I can control: I will be at the hospital with you before your birth to support you as you get ready to meet your baby. If I’m not allowed in the OR with you, I will wait for you in your labor room, or the waiting room, and then join you after your baby is born to help you get settled postpartum. I will visit you at home after you leave the hospital. My services and fee are the same for all types of birth, but we can negotiate if you have special circumstances.
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Q: Do you have a backup?Yes, always. I structure my business to reduce the chance of ever needing one, but I work with another experienced doula to be there in my place in case of emergency, illness, or injury. A Meet & Greet can be arranged if you’d like to meet my backup doula. I ensure you will be covered if I can’t be there!
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Q: How much experience do you have?I have been a doula since 2018 and have worked with over 100 families. You can read about my training and experience here. (link to About Me page)