What does a doula do?
Doula means “woman who serves,” and this service is flexible and able to adapt to meet meet the needs and preferences of you and your family. As your doula I will first meet with you for a free meet and greet to see if we are a good fit. This fit is as important to me as it is to you! Once hired, I will usually meet first with you to discuss birth preferences, and help offer information in a informative and objective way. Our second meeting is a “trial run” where we do through all the stages of labour, scenarios and ensure that we are ready for the big day. This is a fun and relaxing visit, usually the most helpful for partners as it is very practical. If you choose to go with the basic package these two visits are combined into one comprehensive visit. Remember it is always possible to add more postnatal support hours on (regardless of the package you choose) following the birth of your baby in the case that is is needed. If I am at a birth or otherwise unavailable at the time you require this help I will always find you a highly recommended certified postnatal doula to help you out.
I am on call 24 hours a day for the ten days before your due date, and ten days after the birth. Once you feel you need me, I stay with you until after the birth, helping with initial breastfeeding and helping you settle. After the birth I help by providing breastfeeding support in person or over the phone and by text, depending on what your needs are. My passion for supporting families is my soul work. I believe that your comfort and sense of ease and safety helps you have a more positive and satisfying birth experience, regardless of how your labour and birth progress. I know that you will never forget your birth, I help make it as positive and special a memory as possible.
A doula is not responsible for your decision making, nor should one speak on your behalf. Doulas work with doctors and midwives and can help you understand the clear distinction between our areas of practice and expertise.
COVID 19 service update. Victoria General Hospital is again allowing two support people to attend the birth. Only one support person is allowed to visit the postpartum unit at Victoria General Hospital after the birth. During the summer when I was not attending hospital births I witnessed this real challenge and have set up some new practices so that I can be as supportive as possible during this time. I know that everyone would prefer me in person but I am level headed, calming and can you breath with you effectively from a distance too. I am working on a library of resources that will be available for a diverse audience at different stages of life. Please reach out if you have any questions, my goal is to curate and deliver information to meet your unique needs.
Basic birth package ($1200) (For return clients)
- Free virtual or in person meet and greet
- 2-3hours of pre and post natal meeting time (you choose)
- On-going unlimited email and phone support
- On call from ten days prior to your due date to ten days past the birth
- Continuous labour support from when you need me until you and your family are settled post birth (with back up if needed)
- Breastfeeding support and resources
- Yoga bolster for labour
Full birth doula package: $1400 (recommended for first time parents)
- Free virtual or in person meet and greet to decide if we are a good fit
- 4-6 hours of pre and post natal meeting time
- On-going unlimited email and text/phone support
- On call from ten days prior to your due date to ten days past the birth
- Continuous labour support from when you need me until you and your family are settled post birth
- Breastfeeding support and resources
- Yoga bolster for use during labour (if desired)
- Use of lactation herbs, doughnut cushion, sitz bath after birth if required
Deluxe postnatal care package add on $200 (great gift/shower idea!)
- Includes your very own new yoga bolster to keep and two unused massage balls, free T.E.N.S. rental, and one private postnatal yoga class in your home or two extra postnatal support hours for anything you need done!
Private Child Birth Education (Add on $200)
- Includes 2-3 extra hours of child birth education that will be customized to meet your needs, concerns and situation.
Postnatal doula support
Flexible parent and home support that meets the family wherever they are. This is often added on for families if they need more help after the hours included in the birth package expire. Support ranges from help with normalizing newborn behaviour and feeding challenges to offering on-going text, phone and in person support. I also teach baby and me yoga under this service. Share your needs with me and we can create a package or work on a pay as you go basis.
- Postnatal day time rate is $60 for the first hour and then $40 for each hour after.
- Postnatal night rate is $50 for each hour after the first- minimum of three hours
Extras:
T.E.N.S rental ($80 from your 37th week until birth)
Bolsters are sold at a discount for my clients $70
Half Moon a spiky ball price for client $20
Ask about extra postnatal home support, private at home yoga and meal preparation and or delivery.
Please contact me for more information.