As a mother and birth professional, I recognize that the birth of a child is one of the most important events in your life. I want to do everything possible to help ensure that your birth experience is something you can look back on with joy, peace, and a sense of personal accomplishment. I will provide you and your partner with comfort, knowledge, and support that will make for a safe and satisfying labor and delivery.The following are included in my services:

Prenatal Visits

I will meet with you and your partner at least two times during your pregnancy. Our first meeting will be an interview situation with you and your partner, in which we can all have a chance to ask questions and get acquainted. You will be under no obligation after this first meeting. If you do choose to hire me as your doula, we will then arrange subsequent meetings to get to know each other better. We will work together to develop your birth plan; discuss pain control options; and explore any fears, expectations, or questions you have regarding labor and birth. You are also encouraged to call or email me at any time with any questions or concerns you may have.

Labor and Delivery

As soon as you believe you are in labor, you will call me and we can begin keeping in close contact by phone. I will be able to offer you support and information in this way until you are ready for me to join you, generally once you are in active labor (around 4 centimeters dilated). Once you are in active labor, I will meet you and your partner either at your home or at the location of the birth. I will stay with you throughout the entire labor and delivery. I will offer physical and emotional support to both you and your partner, including knowledge of positioning to help labor progress and techniques for pain management. I will be available to take pictures with your camera during the delivery and immediately post-partum, if you desire. I will remain with you for an hour or two after the birth, until your new family is comfortably settled. During this time I will also help with the first breastfeeding session, if you so choose.

Postpartum Visits

I will come to your home for a postpartum visit approximately five days after the birth. At this time we will discuss how you are feeling both physically and emotionally. We will go over your entire labor and birth together, and I will help to fill in any "missing pieces" for you. We can assess how well breastfeeding is going and I can assist you with any problems you may be having in that area.

I am happy to travel to nearby towns for prenatal meetings and for the birth of your baby, including Lincoln, Hastings, and Grand Island. I do charge an additional $50 fee to cover gas and mileage for travel outside York County.

For more information on what a doula typically does, please visit my What is a Doula? page, or visit the DONA International  website. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you might have!