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Doula Services

Labor & Birth Support

Birth is a tremendous experience and a journey into the unknown. Many couples find the presence of an experienced woman knowledgeable about normal birth a comforting and reassuring presence during their labor and delivery. Women who provide professional labor support are called "doulas."

 

Studies show that laboring mothers who have support from a doula generally experience:

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  • Fewer complications

  • Are less likely to have a cesarean

  • Have decreased use of Pitocin (artificial oxytocin used for induction and augmentation of labor)

  • Are less likely to need medicated pain relief

  • Experience a shorter labor

  • Give birth to a baby with a higher APGAR score (which means baby is more stable post birth and less likely to have complications or be in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit [NICU])

  • Are more likely to successfully breastfeed

  • Are more likely to have a positive view of their birth experience

 

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“Published data indicate that one of the most effective tools to improve labor and delivery outcomes is the continuous presence of support personnel, such as a doula. A Cochrane meta-analysis of 12 trials and more than 15,000 women demonstrated that the presence of continuous one-on-one support during labor and delivery was associated with improved patient satisfaction and a statistically significant reduction in the rate of cesarean delivery (111). Given that there are no associated measurable harms, this resource is probably underutilized.”

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—The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

My Role as a Doula

As a doula I see my role as an experienced guide helping you and your partner (or other support person) meet your new parenting roles with confidence. Pregnancy is an important time of preparation - what happens here makes a big difference for the birth outcome. There are so many ways to approach preparation and I love getting to know you as an individual, find out what's important to you, and help you trust your intuitive knowing.

 

Since pregnancy and birth is often a new and unknown pathway, as an experienced woman it's my job to check-in with you on areas you may want to bring attention to and prepare for, so you are less likely to be caught completely off guard or miss something that might be important to you.

 

Every labor unfolds in its own unique way and requires sensitive attunement to what's happening moment to moment. I help create a birthing space that feels safe, so you can birth your baby with minimal interference and feel supported in a calm, positive and loving birthing environment. 

 

A good doula balances coaching, guidance, and support with giving the birthing mother (and couple) space when needed. I am not the star of your birth experience - you and your baby are.  In that context, not only do I want you to feel fully supported as you move through this intense transformative experience, but also for it to be a great opportunity for family bonding. The relationship between mother, baby, and father/partner is foremost in my mind.

 

My hope is to help make this a positive and integrated experience for you as well as enhance the opportunities for the deepening and strengthening of your connections to each other as a family.

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I work with an open mind, warm heart, and calm presence. I look forward to supporting you!

Work with Me

The Nurtured Nest Doula Package

Pregnancy Support & Birth Preparation

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  • Complementary initial inquiry meeting

  • If you are in my class: 1 - 2 meetings in your home, or other location of choice

  • If you are not in my class: 2 - 3 meetings in your home, or other location of choice

  • Discuss your goals for your birth and what's important to you

  • Assistance with creating your birth plan & determining your priorities

  • Assess preparations for postpartum and breastfeeding

  • Address any fears or concerns

  • Based on needs and preferences, we can go over:

    • Relaxation practice & guided meditation

    • Prenatal bonding and communicating with your baby

    • Practice comfort measures and strategies for labor such as different positions, rebozo, etc.

    • Prenatal and/or Spinning Babies® exercises to prepare body for birth

  • Access to birth and breastfeeding related resources

  • Phone and email support

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Labor & Birth Support

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  • On call from 38 weeks until your baby is born

  • Emotional, physical, and informational support during labor and birth

  • Encouragement and reassurance for partner so that he/she can be more fully confident in his/her abilities and engaged

  • Help to create a calm and safe birth environment for the mother/baby and partner whether in home, hospital, or birth center

  • Discussion of any proposed interventions so informed decisions can be made; guidance with communicating your choices with medical care providers

  • Use of comfort and labor techniques

  • Watch over your "Golden Hour" and give initial breastfeeding support

  • Labor and birth photography, if desired (to be received before out last postpartum visit via Google  Drive file)

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Postpartum Care & Support

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  • 1st postpartum visit, preferably at 3 - 5 days after the birth, to make sure breastfeeding is going well

  • 2nd postpartum visit within 2 - 8 weeks to reflect on the birth and check in on breastfeeding

  • Breastfeeding support

  • Make sure everyone is integrating well in new family roles

  • Additional resources, if needed

  • E-mail and phone support through 6 weeks postpartum

 

I am able to customize my doula services to meet your needs. What every mama and baby requires to be prepared and supported is different. I am interested in who you are and what you need.

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Click on the button below to get downloadable Nurtured Nest Package Overview.

Fill out the Birth Doula Inquiry Form and I'll get back to you to set up a complimentary meeting to see if we are good fit!

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If a doula
were a drug,
it would be unethical
not to use it.

Marshall Klaus, MD

Questions?
Considering hiring a doula?
Wondering if we are a good fit?

Fill out the inquiry form below. I'll contact you to set up time for us to meet.
I look forward to connecting with you!
 

As a doula, I can provide the following:

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  • Help with preparations during your pregnancy for your labor and birth, as well as postpartum.

  • Emotional support for the birthing mother

  • Non-medical physical support and comfort measures: relaxation, breathing, movement, position, counter-pressure techniques, aromatherapy, rebozo, Spinning Babies® techniques

  • Support for the partner, as well as an extra set of hands to help out

  • Education and assistance in determining your priorities for the birth and postpartum

  • Clarifying information and options so that you can make your own choices for an optimal birth

  • Facilitating communication between the mother and her care providers

  • A bridge of support from pregnancy through postpartum

Doulas can provide many wonderful benefits.

There are some things a doula does not do:

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  • A doula is not a medical professional. I do not give medical advice or diagnose conditions.

  • I do not perform clinical tasks (like doing vaginal exams or monitoring the fetal heart rate)

  • I do not make decisions for you. I help you understand what your options are and what it is you really want.

  • I do not judge you for any decisions you make. Life can sometimes be complex. My job is to support you, your partner, and your baby

  • I do not take over the role of the husband or partner. I see my role as supporting the birth partner and helping him/her be more engaged.

  • I do not deliver your baby.  Birthing your baby is your job under the watchful care of your chosen health care provider/birth attendant

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