Our Birth Doula Services and How We Work
Welcome to our comprehensive information on pregnancy and birth doula services designed to support families during the transformative period of pregnancy and labor (and if desired, we can also provide postpartum care) for our clients in the DMV area. During this remarkable period, expectant parents require not only prenatal care but also emotional support to navigate the challenges and joys of childbirth. Birth doulas are trained professionals who offer invaluable assistance throughout the labor and delivery, providing continuous emotional and physical support to both the birthing person and their partners.
The desired birthing experience
Our journey begins with a complimentary consultation, during which we can schedule a convenient Zoom meeting for you. This meeting lets us determine the ideal Doula match for you and your partner.
Suppose you choose to have our support during your pregnancy and labor. In that case, the assigned Doula will schedule a prenatal visit around 34 weeks to talk about your birth plan and any questions you may have about your desired birthing location. Your Doula will be easily accessible for assistance via telephone, email, and text. From week 38 until the birth, she will be available 24/7 as a reliable resource for any questions, concerns, or help.
Whether you need to find additional resources like a chiropractor, prenatal physical therapist, or acupuncturist, your Doula is here to guide you. Regular check-ins with your Doula will ensure ongoing support throughout this special time.
Suppose you choose to have our support during your pregnancy and labor. In that case, the assigned Doula will schedule a prenatal visit around 34 weeks to talk about your birth plan and any questions you may have about your desired birthing location. Your Doula will be easily accessible for assistance via telephone, email, and text. From week 38 until the birth, she will be available 24/7 as a reliable resource for any questions, concerns, or help.
Whether you need to find additional resources like a chiropractor, prenatal physical therapist, or acupuncturist, your Doula is here to guide you. Regular check-ins with your Doula will ensure ongoing support throughout this special time.
The preferred birthing locationWe have experience working in hospitals and birth centers across the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, including Annapolis (MD). Our region covers Frederick Memorial Hospital, Inova Alexandria Hospital, and Anne Arundel Medical Center.
The bottom of this page provides a complete overview of the hospitals and birthing centers we regularly cover. However, our capabilities extend beyond this list, and we can accommodate a wider range of locations. We are eager to share our knowledge, help you find the location that works best for you, and answer any questions you may have. We are also open to exploring alternative options, such as home birth, if that aligns with your preferences. |
At Inova Alexandria Hospital
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During the prenatal visit the Doula will discuss:
- What is your desired birth plan, and what concerns or fears may you have?
- There are some potential challenges you may encounter.
- I'd like to know what actions you can take in advance to prepare for the birth, including suggestions for early labor at home with your partner.
- Coping mechanisms to help you during labor.
- I'm sharing an explanation of available options with you.
- Guidance for your partner on how they can best support you.
We can recommend excellent books, videos, and various informative forms to assist you in your preparation for labor day. Additionally, we offer a wealth of information, including YouTube videos, on exercises suitable for pre-labor and active labor stages.
Asking your partner to be your
sole guide through labor is
like asking them to lead the way on
a climb of Mt Everest.
They may be smart and trustworthy,
you may love them, but in the
Himalayas you'd BOTH be a lot
better off with a sherpa!
-Pam England-
sole guide through labor is
like asking them to lead the way on
a climb of Mt Everest.
They may be smart and trustworthy,
you may love them, but in the
Himalayas you'd BOTH be a lot
better off with a sherpa!
-Pam England-
Assisting you during labor as your Doula
Once contractions begin, it's essential to notify both your Doula and the caregiver. During this stage, it's best for you to stay in the comfort of your own home for as long as possible. Throughout pre-labor, we provide extensive text and/or phone support. The Doula will be available to you whenever you feel the need, whether at your home, a birth center, or a hospital, and she will remain by your side until the baby is born. Our focus during this time includes massage, comfort measures, breathing exercises, changing positions, and offering reassurance and positive encouragement. Creating a safe environment is of utmost importance!
We also support your partner, assisting them in helping you to the best of their abilities. We also ensure your partner can take necessary breaks when needed. We prioritize keeping you hydrated, and even if you have an epidural, we continue to provide comfort measures while you're in bed. The baby must maintain movement for optimal engagement in the pelvis, and a peanut ball is a highly effective tool we utilize for this purpose.
Our Doulas can also provide important support during a cesarean birth (C-section). If you are interested in more information on this, please see the blog post "The Role of a Doula During a C-section."
We also support your partner, assisting them in helping you to the best of their abilities. We also ensure your partner can take necessary breaks when needed. We prioritize keeping you hydrated, and even if you have an epidural, we continue to provide comfort measures while you're in bed. The baby must maintain movement for optimal engagement in the pelvis, and a peanut ball is a highly effective tool we utilize for this purpose.
Our Doulas can also provide important support during a cesarean birth (C-section). If you are interested in more information on this, please see the blog post "The Role of a Doula During a C-section."
Immediately following birth
Once your baby is born, it is crucial to prioritize skin-to-skin contact for bonding, often called "The Golden Hour." Take pleasure in these precious initial moments with your baby and your partner. We assist you with initial breastfeeding or bottle/chestfeeding. If we observe that you and your baby are doing well and you have had a chance to eat, we will respect your need for special family time and then depart. Typically, this occurs approximately 1-1.5 hours after the birth.
The day after giving birth, we will reach out to check in on how everything is progressing. We can arrange a postpartum visit at your home within a week after the baby is born, lasting approximately 1-1.5 hours, or at a time that suits your convenience. It is essential to prioritize emotional healing during this period. We recommend having meals prepared in advance and having a support plan in place.
The day after giving birth, we will reach out to check in on how everything is progressing. We can arrange a postpartum visit at your home within a week after the baby is born, lasting approximately 1-1.5 hours, or at a time that suits your convenience. It is essential to prioritize emotional healing during this period. We recommend having meals prepared in advance and having a support plan in place.
* During birth and postpartum, we always work with a back-up Doula.
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.
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.
COMPLEMENTARY SERVICES
Labor TENS UnitTENS units are a non-pharmacological method of pain relief. During labor, many women find them distracting from the sensations of contractions. We started renting out TENS Units in 2021. most of the clients they LOVE it. It helped them tremendously during the pre & active labor stage.
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Childbirth ClassesWe offer group and personal childbirth classes that cover topics from stages of labor to delivery and more. We also offer breast-feeding and newborn care classes that provide the chance to prepare and ask questions before your baby's arrival. Have a look at the different options to see which class fits your needs.
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Postpartum DoulaWe also offer postpartum services. A postpartum doula helps parents and families adjust to daily life with a new baby. She assists with newborn care, maternal care, and household management. There are different packages available, including with daytime and overnight support.
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