Acupuncture Herbs Doula
BODY POLITIC
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As a birth doula, I accompany women to help ensure a safe and satisfying labor experience. I draw on my professional training, knowledge and experience to provide emotional support, physical comfort, and as needed, communication with medical staff to make sure that you have the information you need to make informed decisions as they arise in labor. I can provide perspective to you and your partner, make suggestions for labor progress and help with relaxation, soothing touch, positioning and other techniques for comfort. As your doula, I work for you, not for your caregiver or hospital.
Labor Support Services
I provide a free initial meeting in person or by phone where you can ask me questions about myself, my training and experience, discuss the role you would like me to play in your birth and decide if my services are a good match for your needs.
Before Labor:
Once we have agreed to work together, we will have one or two prenatal meetings where we can discuss your birthing preferences, prepare a birth plan, and practice positions and relaxation techniques. I will provide unlimited phone and email contact throughout your pregnancy and postpartum period for questions and will be on call for you from week 37 of your pregnancy until your birth.
I will have phone contact with you during early labor and join you when you decide you would like me to, meeting you at your home, a birthing center or the hospital depending on your preference. I will attend your labor continuously, providing physical comfort, emotional support, and information to assist you in decision-making. I will help your partner and any other support people, offering suggestions, assistance and information.
In Labor:
I prefer that you call me when you think you may be going into labor, even if you do not yet need me. I can answer questions and make suggestions by phone. We will decide if I should come right then or wait for further change. I may need as much as one hour and a half to get to you.
I will assist you in your communications with medical personnel at your birth—reminding them of your preferences, and helping you to ask questions so that you can have the information you need to make decisions. I will not make decisions for you, but will help you to get the information necessary to make informed decisions. I will also inform you if I am aware of a departure from your birth plan or stated preferences.
I will remain with you for at least one to two hours postpartum to assist with initiating breastfeeding and other early postpartum needs.
Post-Partum:
I will be available by phone and email to answer any questions you have during your postpartum time and to offer you referrals for other resources as needed. I will provide one follow-up visit at the hospital or your home within the first weeks postpartum to review your birth experience, answer any questions you have, assist with breastfeeding or make appropriate referrals, and get feedback from you about your experience of working with me.
I will provide you with two herbal formulas tailored to your needs post-partum. The first formula is to close out the birthing process The second is a nourishing formula to help the body to replenish all of the blood and fluids lost during pregnancy and labor, support breast feeding and help to regulate metabolism.