HOW WE WORK

Congratulations on your pregnancy! The birth of a child is exciting, transformative and filled with the wonder of what is to come.  As doulas we offer guidance, physical and emotional support, and information to help couples make their own informed choices before, during, and after the birth of their child.  The following pages will tell you more about who we are and how we work.

How We Work Together

Hiring a team of doulas means that you have access to the knowledge and resources of two birth professionals throughout your pregnancy, birth and beyond. Since there are two of us we can better ensure that you will have a well-rested doula when you go into labor. In addition, having a partnership provides the balance and support needed in our own lives so that we may give fully to you when called upon.

As your doulas we are present to nurture both the birthing mother and her partner.  The doula that attends your birth will utilize techniques and comfort measures to aid in easing the intensity of contractions and allow the birthing woman to work with her labor in a positive way. During the birth we always strive to create a harmonious, supportive environment for all involved. We are well versed in the terminology surrounding childbirth, as well as common medical interventions, so we can help our clients to navigate their way through a sometimes confusing and overwhelming system while maintaining a mutually respectful relationship with care providers.




Before Your Birth


Memories of the intense desires for community during our own pregnancies and post partum have lead us to structure our practice in such a way as to facilitate those connections. We meet with families in their homes for the initial informational interview. This allows time for us to get to know each other and for you to see how we work as a team.  Once we are working together we do another in home visit to explore your birth options, discuss ways to communicate with your doctor/midwife and preparation for post partum life. During this visit we give you the tools to create a birth plan if you choose to.

In addition, we invite you to attend the group prenatal sessions that we hold twice a month.  These sessions are attended by the families that we are working with, generally between 3-6 couples, and cover the following topics:

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Relaxation techniques, comfort measures, using your breath, working with your partner and acupressure for labor. Families who have already given birth are also invited to return to the class to tell their birth stories and share what helped them get through labor.
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A woman's only group exploring the physical and emotional process of giving birth and becoming a parent.


You are welcome to attend as many or as few gatherings as you like. This is a great way for families to connect with other birthing couples and for us to be able to spend more time with you than the traditional two prenatal meetings utilized in most doula practices.

Once Labor Begins

When your labor begins you will contact the doula on call. Once labor is established and you are in need of additional support, your doula will meet you at your home. She will be there to provide emotional support for you and your partner, message, fresh ideas, and to assist with the decision of when would be an appropriate time to go to the hospital or to call your midwife in the case of a homebirth.

Your doula will be with you throughout the rest of your labor, the birth of your baby and at least one hour post partum to help with initial breastfeeding. In general the doula that begins your labor with you will be the one to finish it with you. In the case of a very long birth, however, your off call doula may transition in at some point. This will ensure that you have a rested and energized support person at all times. The doula that attends your birth will also provide a post partum visit in your home once you are settled in with your baby.


New Moms Groups


After having your baby you will gradually feel ready to move back out into the world.  To continue the support that you have felt prenatally we also offer new moms groups. Since you have spent time during your pregnancy with many of these families there will be an established trust and excitement to share this new part of the experience together. These groups meet for a total of 8 weeks on a weekly basis at Birthways in North Berkeley. The fee for these groups is $200 for an 8 week session. We also encourage you to go on outings together outside of the group time to acclimate to being in the world with your baby while having the support of your fellow new moms.

Summary of Services

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Free initial consultation / interview in your home.
• A private, in home birth plan preparation meeting with mom, partner and both doulas. 
• Twice monthly group prenatal gatherings - you may attend as many or as few as you like.
• Private phone and e-mail support from both doulas throughout your pregnancy.
• New moms groups should you choose to participate. (additional fee)
• A doula on call 24/7 beginning at week 38 (36 for twins) until your baby is born.
• Uninterrupted support during the birth for mom and partner.
• 1 in home post partum visit.
• Information on local pregnancy, birth and parenting resources.
• Professional referrals.
• Photographs of the labor and birth if desired.
• A detailed labor log.

 
The fee for our service for due dates of July 1, 2010 and beyond is $1,250.
*Repeat clients and homebirths are $1,000.
 
Doula:Client Record.doc  (Microsoft Word file)