Labor Support
- I exclusively support only one client per month. I prefer focusing and connecting with one couple at a time. That helps us create a personal bond that makes a difference during labor and pregnancy.
- Please email me regarding availability.
- For first-time parents, I highly recommend taking a childbirth preparation class, whether in my virtual 3-week series or classes offered elsewhere. For an additional fee, I also offer private in-person classes in the convenience of your own home.
- It is of the utmost importance to be educated and informed.
- Knowing how your body works in labor, and learning breathing techniques and labor positions makes a huge difference.
- Unlimited phone, email, and text support before, during, and after birth.
- On call from 38 weeks until your baby is born.
- Serving Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Hollywood, Silverlake, Beverly Hills, Westwood, Culver City, Santa Monica, Malibu, and Studio City.
Consultation
A complimentary 1 hour virtual consultation to provide information and to get to know each other. If we are a good match, we sign a contract. Half of my fees are paid to retain my services, the other half is due at your 36 week visit. With my services, you are guaranteed confidentiality, privacy and my incredible and diverse doula team as well as all of my local resources. If you took my 3 week childbirth preparation series, you will receive a discount on my doula fee. It is never too early or too late to hire a doula.
Prenatal Visits
My services include 3 prenatal visits in your home. These visits give us time to get to know each other so that I can support you in an informed way.
The first visit is all about ease through movement and stretching for pregnancy and labor. During the second and third visits, we go over your vision of birth and how I can help you achieve that vision. We discuss creating a safe and harmonious labor environment and writing a birth plan. You and your significant other will have the opportunity to explore desires and visions around your birth and discuss any emotions and fears surrounding labor. We review breathing, movement, and different positions and make a plan for when labor starts. I have lots of visuals for you to view and I also share my extensive resources list.
If delivering at a hospital, we go over what to expect as well as informed consent and advocacy. Being an Evidence-Based Birth ® Instructor Emeritus, we also review the hospital model of care. We discuss different scenarios and how to advocate for your values and preferences. I am there for both of you and how my role is not to replace anyone.
If you have animals, we discuss how laboring at home may affect them.
Labor
You’ll reach out to me during early labor via call or text. If needed, I will provide phone support and guidance. In-person support begins at home or the place of delivery when there’s a shift in the contractions (when the contractions are becoming more demanding). They are getting stronger, longer and closer together. During labor and birth, I support you and your partner with pain-coping skills, emotional support, advocacy and encouragement. As a certified massage therapist, I’m able to comfort you with that modality. I provide you with a TENS Unit and aromatherapy. Being a lactation educator, I am qualified to assist you with early breastfeeding.
Doulas are usually the only continuous support you’ll receive during labor and delivery.
Postpartum Visit
I come to visit you approximately 1 week after delivery or whatever best suits your schedule. We’ll discuss and reflect on your birth experience. I’ll provide breastfeeding support and answer questions regarding newborn care. I’ll provide local resources and referrals if needed.
What is a Doula?
A Birth Doula does not replace the husband or partner but helps facilitate involvement at his her her own comfort level.
- Recognizes birth as a key experience the mother will remember all her life.
- Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor.
- Assists the woman in preparing for and carrying out her plans for birth.
- Stays with the woman throughout the labor.
- Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures and an objective viewpoint, as well as helping the woman get the information she needs to make informed decisions.
- Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and her clinical care providers.
- Perceives her role as nurturing and protecting the woman’s memory of the birth experience.
- Allows the woman’s partner to participate at his/her comfort level.
A birth doula certified by DONA International is designated by the initials CD(DONA).
Why use a Doula?
DONA International Doulas are educated and experienced in childbirth and the postpartum period. We are prepared to provide physical (non-medical), emotional and informational support to women and their partners during labor and birth, as well as to families in the weeks following childbirth.
We offer a loving touch, positioning and comfort measures that make childbearing women and families feel nurtured and cared for.
Numerous clinical studies have found that a doula’s presence at birth
- tends to result in shorter labors with fewer complications
- reduces negative feelings about one’s childbirth experience
- reduces the need for pitocin (a labor-inducing drug), forceps or vacuum extraction and cesareans
- reduces the mother’s request for pain medication and/or epidurals
Research shows parents who receive support can:
- Feel more secure and cared for
- Are more successful in adapting to new family dynamics
- Have greater success with breastfeeding
- Have greater self-confidence
- Have less postpartum depression
- Have lower incidence of abuse