Doula Services
birth | postpartum | full spectrum
Birth Services
“Childbirth is a profound right of passage, not a medical event, even when medical care is part of the birth.” - Pam England, birthing from within
I believe every person who wants a doula should have access to one. If cost is a barrier please contact me.
Free consultation
This first meeting typically takes place in a nearby coffee shop, park or cafe. This is a casual meeting to get to know each other, briefly discuss your birthing desires, and ask questions to find if we are a good match for working together.
Prenatal support
CBE & BIRTH PACKAGE:
Perfect for 1st time parents or 2nd + parents who would like more education.
I offer two 4 hour or four 2 hour childbirth education classes depending on your unique needs. During these classes we will cover a wide range of topics, including:
Self -Advocacy in Pregnancy, Labor, Birth, and Postpartum
Prenatal Planning; Birth Preferences, Postpartum, Crisis & Safety, & VBAC Planning
The Pregnant Body; Anatomy, Common Discomforts, and Complications
What to Expect During Labor & Birth; Signs of Labor & Stages of Labor
Non-medical Support; Self-management of Labor & Labor Comfort Measures
Medical Support in Birth, Postpartum, and Early Infant Care & Complications
Postpartum Experiences, Recovery & Wellness
Newborn Procedures & Health Concerns
Basics of Infant Care, Feeding & Family Planning
BASIC BIRTH PACKAGE:
Perfect for repeat clients or 2nd + time parents. I highly recommend having previously taken a Child Birth Ed class (other than the hospital’s)
Prenatally I offer two to three visits, each lasting approximately 2 hours depending on your unique needs. During these visits I will listen to your specific desires and goals for your birth. We will get to know one another and explore creative and practical ways to prepare your mind and body for childbirth. We will discuss procedures and write a realistic birth plan that your midwife or OB will be happy to support. We will practice comfort measures, relaxation techniques, labor positions, labor preparation and discuss any postpartum plans.
Active labor support
When you’re in labor I offer continuous support in your home and/or hospital.
When I am not hands-on supporting you I am available to take labor and immediate postpartum photography.
Postpartum support
I will remain with you for 1-3 hours after the birth, until you are comfortable, and your family is ready for some quiet time. I will take photographs and help with initial breastfeeding and am available postpartum for phone contact to answer questions about the birth or your baby. I will also provide one in-home postpartum visit within the first week to see how you and your baby are doing, talk about your birth, write your birth story and answer any questions you may have.
For additional postpartum support please find that info below..
Access to my lending library
Investment
I offer tiered pricing in an effort to make my doula services accessible to as many folks as possible while also balancing my own finances. Your contract will give you the chance to select the best match for your situation. No proof of income or verification is necessary. This is the honor system, rooted in the values of community care. I trust that most folks are trying to do the right thing, and this includes honoring my time and value as a birth worker, while also honoring your financial capacity.
A travel fee of $100 will apply to clients outside of 1 hour travel distance
Gift certificates are available if you would like to give the gift of birth support OR add to your registry
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Supporter Rate
CBE & birth package - $1,650
Basic birth package - $1,400
Pays for you AND uplifts the community
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Sustainer Rate
CBE & birth package - $1,550
Basic birth package - $1,300
Pays for you because you are valuable
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Community Rate
CBE & birth package - $1,450
Basic birth package - $1,200
Experiencing tight financials
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Equity Rate
I take a limited number of no fee clients per year. Thank you to my supporter rate clients, without whom I would not be able to to provide this service!
*please contact me for availability.
Doula Scholarships
Are you seeking doula support but don't have the means to invest? I am a proud board member of Cape Fear Area Doulas and we are passionate about serving our community regardless of ability to pay. We raise funds to offer full birth and postpartum support scholarships. Any local pregnant person is eligible to apply. Scholarships are primarily given to low-income families, single parents, and birthing or postpartum people facing hardships.
Postpartum Care
First 40 Days
“Cultures throughout the world have long recognized there is something magical about the first six weeks of life. Many cultures have a custom by which the mother is given lots of support and rest and is freed from all responsibilities except learning to care for . . . her baby.
Some cultures refer to this as ‘one moon cycle’ others as ‘the first forty days.’“
– The Breastfeeding Book, By Martha Sears, William Sears
Rest and Recovery
Pregnant folks and their families don’t always have the support of their entire communities. Today, we are often geographically separated from our families and disconnected from our communities. I work to bridge the gap in support during this time of transition.
Postpartum doula care takes place in your home during the fourth trimester and support can very greatly by each individual family's needs. As your postpartum doula I can offer information and companionship in a judgment free safe space, and help with baby while you recover from giving birth.
Includes:
Physical, emotional, and informational support
Newborn care/hygiene support
New parent care & support
Infant feeding support
Help with infant care to allow parents to rest/shower
Meal & snack prep
Light housework/dishes/laundry
Older sibling/pet care
Some errands
Email/phone support
Investment
$35/hour 8am - 8pm
$40/hour 8pm - 8am
Gift certificates are available if you would like to give the gift of birth support OR add to your registry
Full Spectrum
Pregnancy loss
Birth is unpredictable and pregnancy loss is much more common than is generally talked about. Families deserve the utmost care and support during this time.
Support can look like:
Discussion of rights and options
Assistance with memorial, grief ritual or keepsake
Companionship through stillbirth or expectant management
Coordination of communication with loved ones, friends, and family
Resources for further support, counseling, peer groups and lactation management
Abortion support
As reproductive justice activist Renee Bracey Sherman says, “We all love someone who has gotten an abortion.” People of all belief systems, sizes, nationalities, backgrounds, ethnicities, races and genders have abortions.
Abortion is vital healthcare and should be destigmatized and supported. People who have abortions deserve respect, care, and compassionate support just like anyone else going through a reproductive transition. Navigating complex decisions can be emotionally, mentally, and physically taxing and shouldn’t have to be managed alone. I will walk beside you, providing emotional, physical and informational support before, during and after the abortion process, in whatever form that takes.
This care can look like:
Discussion of rights, options and clinic locations
Education surrounding the procedures of an in clinic surgical or at home abortion
Providing emotional and physical support throughout your experience in person or virtually
Physical and emotional care through your healing process
My abortion support is always free
