During COVID-19, Virtual Doula Support has become a  necessity for birthing families throughout hospitals in the DMV and throughout the United States. Even during a pandemic, birthing people and their families should have access to professional doula support. Just like our usual in-person doula services, we will help you feel supported, cared for, and prepared as you approach the birth of your little one. We offer unlimited emotional support for you and your partner. We provide support leading up to labor, during your birth, and in the first weeks with your little one, offering you the best care during your birth and bonding experience.

BIRTH DOULA


The desired birth
The first step in working together is a free consultation. We can meet in person to see if you think I am the best fit for you and your partner.  Then, if you decide that you would like for me to be present at your birth, we will be meeting again at around 32-36 weeks for a prenatal visit. As soon as you sign a contract I am available for telephone, email & text support. From week 37 until the birth, I am on call for you 24/7. You can always reach out to me with questions, concerns or you might need a resource like a Chiropractor, Prenatal Physical Therapist or acupuncturist. On a regular basis I will check in with you. During the prenatal visit we will talk about:
  • Your ideal birth and your fears
  • Challenges,
  • Your preference birth plan 
  • What you can do already to prepare for the birth and what to do in early labor at home with your partner
  • We talk about coping mechanisms.
  • I teach you about what options are available to you
  • I will teach your partner how to help you best.

I can recommend a bunch of excellent books and videos, I also have a variety of forms with great information to share in preparation for the labor day!

I provide a ton of information (also YouTube videos), about different exercises to do when you are in pre-labor and active labor. 
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Being your Doula during labor
​When the contractions start, you will notify both me and the caregiver. The best place to be at this stage is in the comfort of your own home, for as long as possible.  In pre labor we do a lot of text and/or phone support. I will see you when you think you need me. This could be at your home, birth center or hospital and I will be by your side until the baby is born. I normally do a lot of massage, comfort measures, breathing techniques, changing positions and give reassurance and positive encouragement. Most important is a safe environment. 

I support your partner in helping you the best they can. Besides that, your partner can take a break when needed too. We will make sure that you stay hydrated and even if you have an epidural we will do comfort measures in bed. Baby has to keep on moving for a better engagement in the pelvis.
A peanut ball is a very helpful tool.

Right after the birth
Right after your baby is born, skin-to-skin contact is important for the bonding with your baby. 
​Enjoy these very first special moments with your baby and your partner. I also help you with initial breastfeeding (the golden hour) or bottle feeding and I only leave you when I know that you and your baby are okay, you have something to eat and to give you special family time.
* During birth and postpartum, I always work with a back-up Doula from my own network.
Asking your partner to be your
sole guide through labour is
like asking him/her to lead the way on
a climb of Mt Everest.
He/she may be smart and trustworthy,
you may love him/her, but in the
Himalayas you'd BOTH be a lot
better off with a sherpa!

-Pam England-

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

Private Classes

I offer private childbirth classes that cover topics from stages of labor to delivery and more.  I also offer breastfeeding and newborn care classes that provide the chance to prepare and ask questions before your baby's arrival.  The classes can be scheduled at the time and place of your choosing.

Postpartum Doula

The day after, I will call you to see how everything is going. We can plan a 1 - 1.5 hour postpartum visit at your home within a week after the baby is born or at your convenience. Emotional healing is important too. Make sure that you have already meals in the freezer and a support plan set up.
Studies of over 5000 women involving comparisons of outcomes with & without labor support found:

 50% less caesareans
25% reduction in length of labor
60% fewer requests for epidurals
40% less need for augmentation with Pitocin (Oxytocine) 
34% more chance to have a positive feeling after the birth
14% decrease in the risk of newborns being admitted to a special care nursery
12% more chance at a natural vaginal birth. 
40% less use of forceps

Klaus, M.H., Kennell, J.H., & Klaus, P.H. (1993). Mothering the mother: how a doula can help you have a shorter, easier and healthier birth.

I AM EDUCATED IN


​Spinning Babies Techniques
The 3 principles of spinning babies are: Balance, Gravity and Movement. 

More info on: www.spinningbabies.com
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In fact I give emotional, physical and informational support and advocate for your best options.
If the doctor comes in with a proposal, we can first discuss this together if this is the best evidence-based solution.  We do this through using of the acronym BRAIN.
​I help you to be a better advocate for yourself. 

      B= what's the benefit
      R= what's the risk
      A= what's the alternative
      I = What does your intuition say
      N= What if we say NO, NOT NOW, NEVER
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