- 2-3 prenatal visits in your home
- Complete a birth questionnaire
- Review your current/past pregnancies
- Discuss fears and concerns about labor
- Develop a birth plan and review with doctor
- Determine level of doula involvement
- 24-Hour availablity by phone
- Childbirth & postpartum preparation
- Attend one doctor visit with client
- Answer any questions you might have
LABOR & DELIVERY
- Call anytime if you think you are going into labor
- Early labor support at home or at the hospital
- Continuous support once in active labor
- Support at the hospital to include any of the
following:
- Use of focal points
- Listening to relaxing music
- Gentle touch for relaxation and pain relief
- Meditation (ie. convincing your mind that your cervix is open)
- Making sure you are comfortable (pillows, ice chips etc.)
- Encouragement as you go through the stages of labor
- Tools and techniques to maintain a calm birth
- Trying different positions to alleviate stress and pain
- Using a birth ball to stretch and relieve pressure
- Using a squat bar or other methods during pushing
- Provide privacy for you and your birth partner
- If requested, your doula will be with you for a c-section
- Breastfeeding instruction and support
- Referrals to lactation consultant if needed
- Referrals to OBs and midwives
- After delivery, your doula will leave so you can enjoy your new family!
- Don't worry, she'll be back for postpartum visits :)
POSTPARTUM VISITS
- A minimum of 3 visits with your doula
- Assist with newborn care and breastfeeding
- Light household chores so you can rest and recover
- Provide emotional support as you adjust to new family life
- Teach coping skills and infant soothing methods
- Additional support with the use of a postpartum doula is available