BIRTH DOULA SERVICES
in the east bay

A doula is a woman who is trained to help women and couples through labor and birth. She offers emotional support, comfort measures and information about preparing for birth and coping with labor. She visits with parents in pregnancy and shortly after the birth.

I like to meet with moms and their partners 1-2 times before the birth to get to know each other and to identify how I can best support them. This often involves setting up a birth plan as well as a postpartum plan.

I also offer on-call support via phone and email during pregnancy and after the birth. Per Mama's situation, we'll go over ideas for exercise, relaxation and nutrition. I'll also help the Mama find the information she needs to make the best possible choices for her pregnancy and birth, from mixed media, the internet and local organizations.

I will be with Mama as soon as she needs me, in labor. I'll suggest optimal positions, relaxation techniques, explain any medical interventions the medical staff proposes and provide massage and other comfort measures throughout labor. I encourage and recognize the amount of participation a mother's partner wants to give.

After baby is born, I'll stay with Mama and her new family until she's rested and has breastfed successfully.

Lastly, I'll visit the new family after the birth to go over the birth details, breastfeeding (within my scope of practice) and any other issues and concerns the new mama and her partner may have.

I believe in informed choices and will be an advocate for the birthing mom in whatever birth setting she is in.


*Additional Services*

I also provide the following, per your preferences:
  • birth ball for labor;
  • pictures during labor and delivery;
  • birth story details

Note
 A Doula does not function in any medical capacity and does not ordinarily use any clinical skills such as checking fetal heart tones, blood pressure checks, and vaginal exams. Doctors/Midwives and her labor assistants will do the clinical skills required for properly monitoring the labor and birth. Doulas do not diagnose medical conditions, offer second opinions, or give medical advice.
FEES

My fee is $700.00, which includes all the services above, in full or in installments, payable by mom's 34th week of pregnancy. A $300.00 retainer/consultation fee is required to secure the date, and will be deducted from the full payment unless commitment is cancelled at mom's 34th week of pregnancy or thereafter. Please speak with me if this is a financial hardship for you. Every birthing mom should have the support she needs.
BACK-UP DOULA

My frequent Doula Partner and primary back-up Doula is Anna Bahnson, mother of two. In the event that the back-up Doula attends the labor and birth, full payment, to me, is still required since I will provide both prenatal and postpartum visits and pay the back-up Doula for her services.
ABOUT ME

Having spent nearly a decade in the Technology industry, I wanted to start giving back to the community. It all came together when my husband and I became pregnant. We found the best midwife in the world and that experience changed our views on pregnancy, labor and delivery. After the birth of our son, I decided to pursue my goals of attending midwifery school and working as a Doula. I attended Elizabeth Davis' Heart and Hands Midwifery Intensives, which countless licensed California Midwives have taken before acquiring an apprenticeship. Elizabeth has taught these Intensives for more than 10 years. Through her classes, I was certified as a Doula. I am also a continuing Doula student at Childbirth International. Recently, I completed workshops in Accupressure for the Pregnant Woman and Hypnobirthing.

I now work as a Birth Doula with private clients and volunteer at Highland and Alta Bates Hospitals. I am also Co-Coordinator of the Berkeley Primary Access Clinic/Alta Bates Doula Volunteer program. I have supported women through natural labor, induction, medicated labor and birth and c-sections. I realize the importance of supporting each birthing woman in whatever situation she is, and that every birth is unique and special. I can provide references upon request.

I attend The National College of Midwifery in New Mexico through its long distance program, and began my midwifery apprenticeship with Cindy Haag, of Tres Lunas Midwifery, in December 2004. I also served as a California Association of Midwives Region 3 Representative. I am certified in CPR and Neonatal Resuscitation.