2 Prenatal Visits

During your prenatal visits we can more thoroughly discuss topics such as your expectations for your birth, your previous experiences in pregnancy and childbirth, prenatal care, childbirth education, nutrition and exercise that will benefit you, what to anticipate duringl labor, postpartum plans, newborn care, as well discussing as any concerns or fears that you would like to talk about. We will also discuss creating a birth plan if you so desire. At the second prenatal, we will go over some common scenarios that might occur during the last weeks of pregnancy and different ways of handling them. I will also guide you and your partner through a practice session of a variety of comfort measures, so that you are familiar with them before labor begins. Although we will cover many aspects of labor and birth, I recommend clients educate themselves outside of these sessions as well. Sources may be private classes, group classes or workshops, or reading and online study. I offer a one day workshop for clients at an additional charge.

Bodywork at the Prenatal Visit

Clients may choose to receive bodywork for relaxation, or baby positioning during a prenatal or postpartum visit. This is for relaxation, clarifying your preferences around labor massage, and for the client to learn methods of releasing tension in the pelvis. I am NOT a Licensed Massage therapist. The bodywork usually takes place during the second prenatal as time allows. If a client chooses to have body work, I will bring my Pregnancy Cushion and/or use client’s bed and pillows for mother/baby positioning and bodywork.

Ancient Roots Pregnancy and Birth Guide

A compilation of relevant and informative articles, introspective worksheets, information on the mechanics and stages of labor, ideas for comfort and support in labor and tips for birth partners, as well as helpful ideas, birth plan examples and postpartum and breastfeeding resources. Google doc or printed format

Doula Support at Your Birth

Focused continuous labor support for you in your time of need. 24-7 on-call availability near your due date, support in your home during labor (if desired), advocacy for you throughout your labor, specific massage techniques to support your relaxation, pain relief and labor progress, positioning help to increase labor success and ease, my birth bag full of labor tools (hot and cold therapy, homeopathy, aromatherapy, honey sticks, electrolyte mixes, CUB birth stool etc), emotional and informational support for your birthing partner, support in implementing your birth plan and current desires, unconditional positive regard.

Postpartum Visit in Your Home

During the postpartum visit I can answer questions about breastfeeding, well mother care as well as newborn care. We can spend time reflecting on your birth experience. Postpartum visits usually occur anywhere between the day after your baby is born and two weeks postpartum. Additional postpartum visits available in your home a la carte, or you can receive a second visit as part of the Deluxe Package.

Breastfeeding support

Breastfeeding information prenatally, one on one support in your home at your postpartum visit if needed. Phone support and help accessing local resources.

Phone, email and text support in daylight hours through your entire pregnancy and up to 6-weeks in the postpartum (*priceless!)

Also Included: Use of my lending library & videos, phone and email support, birthing tools including stool.

Having a Home birth and still interested in a Doula? Great idea!

Doulas can be excellent for the home birth situation as well, providing company and extra support in early labor, helping with comfort measures through the birth and being available in the postpartum. That ‘Doula’ may be a well prepared and relaxed friend, family member, husband or hired Doula. In summary, every woman deserves to feel adequately supported and to have different options for having her needs of comfort and connection met.

After the Birth

After the birth, a Postpartum Doula can play an integral role in easing a family’s transition after birth. She can help with breastfeeding, recovery, cleaning, cooking and baby-care – basically allowing parents more time to bond with their new family member and other children and ensuring that questions are answered and new mothers are able to focus on recovery and nourishing their little one. Clients receive at least one in-home postpartum visit with my Birth Doula services.

What about hiring a Postpartum Doula?

After your baby arrives, your family may desire an experienced hand to ensure a smooth, successful adjustment for everyone. As a postpartum Doula, I can help with breastfeeding, infant care, baby-wearing, mother and father support, birth recovery, resource referral, massage, light housework & meal preparation as needed and much more. My services are flexible and can change from day to day, as the needs of the family change. Above all, as a postpartum doula, sharing information about baby care with parents, as well as teaching siblings and partners to “mother the mother,” and making sure the mother is fed, well hydrated and comfortable, are postpartum care priorities.

My hourly rate is $75, with a two hour minimum, This includes bodywork if desired, information on healing after childbirth, herbal wisdom, terrific breastfeeding support and a chance to have baby weighed at home (up to 12 pounds). This does not include travel time ($12 fee per 1 hour of travel time) I do offer discounts when multiple hours are desired, when clients are local to my location or when my services are needed for a longer period of time.