Labor Doula

A labor doula does not replace your partner. I love supporting families- not just the mom in labor- but her family- her partner- her mother- her father- her sisters… I love being there to help all of them. I love seeing them step up into a role they may have been afraid to do but with a little guidance feel much more capable. I love taking pictures of partner’s supporting their lover. Rarely are there pictures of me- since I am the one taking the photos. Instead, the memories will be filled with her power and their support.

I meet for an interview, although sometimes a phone call is all that is needed to make sure we are a good fit. A prenatal meeting is set up around 36 weeks to discuss your birth dreams, your options and the roles you want each support person on your team to play. I am available for phone calls, texts and emails along the way. When you think labor is beginning, give me a call. I will remind you of some helpful things to do in early labor. When are you ready for me to come, I will meet you either at home or the location for your birth. I stay throughout the duration of your labor no matter the length. After the baby is born, I can assist with breastfeeding, help you get settled in and then leave. A postnatal visit is up to you to schedule as it is best determined to meet your needs. It is a time to discuss the birth, review any concerns or questions and for me to get to hold “my” baby!

Here is the link to the agreement if you want to move forward.

A good doula is like a chameleon.

She becomes what the moms needs at the time. Recently I attended a tough birth. Not because it was extra long or tedious or even full of interventions- it was a natural birth of average length with a delightful couple. It was difficult because I felt like I could not use any of my doula talents or tools.  I spoke to the midwife, my friend, about it afterward. She said, “You provided exactly what she needed.” This mom did not want to be touched in labor- that is right- no massage, no counterpressure, no stroking- no touch. And since she was very knowledgeable about the right way to breathe and vocalize, she wanted no guidance in these measures either. So I sat. I quietly supporting her husband. I offered a few suggestions for his comfort. I offered words of encouragement along her journey.  I took pictures. I cleaned up the bed when she was out of it. I offered music although, in the end, she did not like it.  But birth is not about me. It is about her. It is about what she wants. The midwife in mid labor made a suggestion I had just recently made. The mom had declined it. The midwife said, “Sometimes they do not know what will help, what they need. So you just do it.” So we did and the mom took that suggestion for a while. Again later I leaned in and whispered some instructions to her to help her with pushing. I feared she would not like it but she accepted the suggestion and it worked well for her. But I drove home thinking about it- I was exactly what this mom needed. I did not get to play my usual role- but it is what she needed. Before I left she told me how happy she was with my service to her.

As doulas we learn early on the mantra, “It is not my birth.” But it is hard to hold back when you think you know things that may help a mom but she declines the help. But a good doula offers and then honors the mom in her desires. A good doula knows how to be what the mom needs her to be.

A quick review:

Labor Doula Services: Athens Clients’ full fee is $1050, Atlanta Clients’ full fee if is $1200, Repeat Atlanta Clients' full fee is $1100.

• Prenatal consult by 36 weeks

• Available for emails, texts, and phone calls

• On-call from 38 weeks until birth

• Unlimited labor support- no length of labor limits

• Back-up in the rare case it is needed (Mary Hanks is my usual back up)

• Assistance with getting started at breastfeeding at birth

• Follow-up postnatal meeting you schedule

• Photos if possible taken at birth

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