As your birth doula, I am trained and experienced in providing emotional, physical, and educational support as you prepare and experience labor and birth. I help you find your courage to trust your body and instincts, as well as reassure and help you understand what is normal during childbirth. During prenatal visits I help you mentally and emotionally prepare for birth so you can birth resiliently without fear. I provide evidence-based education tailored to your specific needs and concerns. I specialize in supporting women during natural childbirth, but no matter how you birth (ie. medicated, or cesarean), I am able to provide compassionate and unbiased support. I respect your birth wishes and I empower you to make informed decisions. If medical procedures arise, I can help explain them. The continuous labor support I provide ensures that you feel safe and supported, which is essential in allowing for birth to progress naturally. I provide empathy driven care in a trauma-informed manner to help you feel safe and supported. During the challenging parts of your labor, I will be with you to help you cope with time-tested comfort measures.
Birth Doula Services: Covered by Medi-Cal and Partnership HealthPlan
Private Pay Doula Services starting at $1200.
Includes prenatal visits (in person or virtual) to discuss your pregnancy, concerns, and your birth plans, and personalized education to prepare you for an amazing birth experience. I answer your questions with evidence-based information and help you feel confident in being an active participant in your medical care. Up to 8 (1-hour each) visits covered by Medi-Cal.
24-hour on-call availability two weeks before your due date until delivery.
Continuous person-centered labor support, which may include: Assisting in labor Positions, use of rebozo techniques and birth ball, implementing various comfort measures, massage, reassurance and emotional support. I make sure your physical needs are tended to and help your partner know how they can best support you during labor.
Support during the first 1-3 hours after the birth and help with initial breastfeeding if necessary.
1 (up to 3 hour) postpartum visit after the birth to discuss any concerns you may have postpartum/lactation/newborn care, help processing your birth experience, and providing relevant resources. Up to an additional 9 (1-hour each) postpartum visits covered by Medi-Cal
Photo Credit: Autumn Goranov Photography
Note – I do not perform any medical tasks such as checking blood pressure, cervical checks, or fetal heart checks. I do not deliver babies or attend unassisted births.
Postpartum Doula Services
My overarching goal as a postpartum doula is to help the mother transition into her new role as a mother, heal from birth, and learn and gain confidence in newborn care.
The benefits of postpartum doula care are supported by research and continue the human tradition of supporting women after birth. By providing emotional, physical and informational support, the doula optimizes the health of the mother and infant, enhances breastfeeding success, parent-infant bonding, lower rates of postpartum mood disorders, and contributes to a more positive postpartum experience for the family.
Services may include:
Emotional support for mother, partner and family
Listen to your birth story to help you process that event
Help and education regrading basic newborn care
Help with soothing baby and sleep strategies
Assistance with swaddling and diapering (I have cloth diapering experience as well)
Help with babywearing
Basic breastfeeding support
Pumping and bottle feeding education and support
Care for siblings
Care for multiples
Light housekeeping, such as laundry or dishes
Meal planning and basic food preparation
Running errands
Text and call support during daytime hours
Provide resources and referrals to assist the family’s needs
Note – I do not diagnose, nor do I perform any medical tasks such as administering medication. I do not drive anyone.
Postpartum fees:
Limited postpartum support covered by Medi-Cal and Partnership HealthPlan. Non-insurance covered postpartum support is $38/hour. Night Support available 10pm-6am for $350
Childbirth Education
Holistic and science-based educational classes for expecting parents. The Flourishing Families curriculum will help families connect with what is important to them and become equipped to make meaningful experience surrounding the birth of their baby. Three classes are offered: childbirth, postpartum/newborn, and breastfeeding. Private, in-home instruction available as well as group classes.
Childbirth Class
Learn the facts, anatomy, and the process of labor and delivery. Understand your personality to set up healthy expectations for you birth experience. Explore relaxation methods and comfort techniques to prepare you for a pleasant and successful birth.
Postpartum / Newborn Class
Prepare for the “4th trimester” by learning about the healing process from birth and what to expect postpartum. Learn newborn care basics and what to expect as you and your family grow. Be prepared for possible postpartum road bumps.
Breastfeeding Class
Learn the facts and debunk myths surrounding breastfeeding. Learn the changes your body will make to support feeding your baby, as well as the basics of how to breastfeed. This class will set you up for a successful breastfeeding journey.
Lactation Services
Lactation Counseling to help troubleshoot breastfeeding challenges, provide education, and help you reach your breastfeeding goals. Home visits and phone support available.
I offer support with the following:
– Low milk supply – Oversupply concerns – Feeding plans if needing to use formula -Breast and nipple pain – Latch issues – tongue tie concerns – Engorgement and mastitis management – Getting baby back to breast – Colicky or fussy baby – Infant sleep concerns – Infant food sensitivities – Inducing lactation – Milk transfer issues – weighted feeds with nicu scale – introducing solids – tandem nursing – weaning – prenatal lactation consults – And MUCH MORE
