Childbirth Doula Services

The word doula is Greek for “woman servant”. There are two different types of doulas; childbirth doulas, and postpartum doulas.

A childbirth doula is a woman trained to give continuous support to a woman during labor, birth and the initial postpartum period. She is knowledgeable about the physical and emotional aspects of labor and birth, and specializes in supporting a woman through this important experience.

A postpartum doula provides support to families during the newborn period.

I am a childbirth doula certified through Doulas of North America (DONA).

As a doula I will provide the following:

-Two prenatal visits, the first of which is a no-obligation consultation. This will provide us with the opportunity to become better acquainted, answer any questions you or your partner may have about my services, and discuss how we can best work together in labor to achieve the birth you desire. During our second prenatal visit we will explore and discuss your priorities and any fears or concerns you may have. I will assist you in writing a birth plan, or discuss your birth plan with you if you already have one. We will go over hands-on comfort measures, discuss your pain-management preferences, and give you some educational handouts.

-I will be available for phone support throughout your pregnancy, whenever you have a question or a concern.

-I will be on call for you 24 hours a day, two weeks before your due date and two weeks after your due date, except in unforeseeable circumstances such as personal or family illness or tragedy. In this case a back up doula will attend your birth. If your baby is born outside this 4 week time-frame, I will still do my best to attend your birth. If I can’t make it, back-up doula care will be provided.

-I will accompany you in labor, beginning when you feel you need me, and stay with you one to two hours after the birth of your baby or until breastfeeding is well established and you are comfortable. Please call me as soon as possible when you think you may be in labor, even if you don’t need me yet or aren’t sure whether it is real labor. I can answer questions and make suggestions over the phone, and we will decide whether I should come over right away or wait for further change. It will take me about an hour to get to your home after you call me.

-During your labor I will draw on my knowledge and experience to provide emotional support, physical comfort, reassurance, and perspective to you and your partner. I will make suggestions for labor progress as needed, and perform relaxation techniques, massage, positioning, and many other techniques for comfort. I will also assist you in communicating with care providers, and other members of your care team, as needed, to make sure you have the information you need to make informed decisions as they arise during labor.

-I will also provide one postpartum visit and one postpartum phone contact. Feel free to call me anytime postpartum if you have additional questions or concerns. I am also available to come to your home and help with breastfeeding or baby care concerns anytime postpartum for an additional fee.

-I can also provide references and resources for videos, books, childbirth classes, and more.

As your doula I will not:

-Perform clinical tasks such as blood pressure, fetal heart checks, or vaginal exams. I am there to provide only physical comfort, emotional support, and advocacy.

-Make decisions for you. I will help you get the information necessary to make informed decisions and will remind you if there is a departure from your birth plan.

-Speak to clinical staff regarding matters where decisions are being made. I will discuss your concerns with you and suggest options. You or your partner will need to speak on your behalf to the clinical staff.

Fees:

My fee for services described above is $300, to be paid as follows:
$100 as a retainer fee, due at time of signing agreement
$200 due before your due date

If you are interested in doula services, please contact me by email at doulamom@gmail.com or by phone at 702-249-9559.

Service Area
I am currently serving clients in Utah County and Salt Lake County. I will travel to Eagle Mountain, Saratoga Springs, Lehi, American Fork, Pleasant Grove, Alpine, Lindon, Orem, Provo, Herriman, Bluffdale, Riverton, Sandy, Draper, West Jordan, West Valley, South Jordan, Midvale, Cottonwood Heights, Murray, Taylorsville, Holladay, and Salt Lake City. I will consider traveling outside this area for an additional fee.
I attend home births, hospital births, and birthing center births.