It all starts with an Interview:
I will meet with you to see if my services are right for you and the birth experience of your choice. Take as much time as you need to make this decision. A spot will be held for you until I hear back one way or the other. Completely no pressure or charge for this meeting. This visit can be anytime during your pregnancy, it's never too late or too early to start planning your birthing team. (This meeting may take place at your favourite coffee house or lunching spot)
Birth Doula Services:
We will need to plan 2 prenatal visits once you have made your decision to hire me and 1 postpartum visit to take place within the first week after birth. (Both should take place in the comfort of your home if your partner can attend it is best)
Our first visit is to chat about your dreams for this birth, your ideas, feelings you are having, and the expectations you have of labour and childbirth. My role in general through your birth. We will sign a contract at this visit along with a few general documents.
The next time we meet will be for a labour and birthing preparation session. For in depth understanding of the process through your birth experience, and the role I will fill within this. Partner's will be shown how they can be as involved as they wish, so that the birth experience is positive for both of you.
Our last visit is to discuss and prepare the great transition into being parent's, general baby care and breastfeeding (if this is your choice).
As your doula I will be with you throughout your labour and assisting you in your birthing efforts. Offering experienced help and advice on comfort measures such as massage, breathing, relaxation, visualization, movement and positioning. I am there for you as emotional support to reassuring, encouraging, and understand.
Having a doula in attendance allows the family a more practical role with less pressure to assist you, knowing that your doula will be with you, family is free to take care of practicalities such as: arranging for childcare, making freezer meals, completing hospital forms, able to take a break when needed, knowing that in those busy moments, you will be in professional care. Partner's can relax into their role as loving spouse. During those intimate moments as a couple, I will honour your privacy but stay close by to be called back when you are ready.
On-call 24 hour support in your prenatal and postpartum experience. Be reassured that you can ask your doula anything, at anytime of day. This is one of the most wonderful advantages of having a doula.
Cost: $550
Half is due upon signing a contract, then other half is due at 38 weeks when I go on-call. Or other payment options are available as you may qualify for our sliding scale program if you are on social assistance.
Other services I provide for additional fees:
~Belly Casting (best between 34-37 weeks gestation)
~Belly Painting and photography
~Mother Blessing Way ceremony
~Baby-Wearing consultations
Services on a referral bases:
~Placental encapsulation (must obtain placenta for this)
~Prenatal Education Classes
~Prenatal photography sessions
~Mehndi Henna Belly Art
